Province Implementing Sweeping Changes To Children Special Needs Services

Under a cabinet approved initiative known as “Ontario’s Special Needs Strategy”, The Province of Ontario has directed provincially funded service providers to convene planning tables and submit plans for the restructuring of service coordination planning and rehabilitation services for children and their families.  Key goals of this initiative include integration of rehabilitation services and coordinated service planning.  Tables are to submit plans to the Province for coordinated service plans by March 5, 2015 and for integrated rehabilitation services by June 1, 2015.   READ MORE

The Changing Face of Disability In A Digital World– MaRS

 

From wheelchairs and hearing aids to screen readers and voice recognition technology, technology has always played a major role in improving the lives of people with disabilities. New advances in technology are continuing to improve lives and are moving us toward a future where people with disabilities will have a more even playing field, where they will have abilities never thought possible before.”

 

Read The Full Article Here
http://www.marsdd.com/news-and-insights/changing-face-disability-digital-world/

BCCL’s 57th Annual General Meeting A Great Big Shout OUT

Brampton Caledon Community Living held its 57th annual general meeting on Thursday, September 25th, 2014 at the Pearson Convention Centre. In keeping with this year’s Shout Out! theme, we raised our voices to recognize Ann Smith, a long-time advocate of inclusive education and BCCL’s Special Education Advisory Committee representative to the Peel District School Board, and Mayor Marilyn Morrison of the Town of Caledon, a great supporter of our organization.

Cathy Hillis was this year’s recipient of the Reese Matthew Kirk Above and Beyond Award which recognizes an employee of Brampton Caledon Community Living who exemplifies the values and vision of the organization and demonstrates a deep commitment to people with an intellectual disability.

Dely Farrace, new board director, presented a compelling and unique perspective on inclusion and its positive impact on people’s lives and society.

Travis Kerr rapped out the spoken word and Zack Fitsimmons, on guitar, accompanied by support worker Danny Varughese on keyboards, sang an original composition. Travis and Zack’s talents and voices resonated with all of those in attendance.

Annual Report 2013-2014

This past May, in recognition of Community Living Month, Brampton Caledon Community
Living produced a series of Shout Out! videos paying tribute to people we support for their
accomplishments and contributions.

We salute these individuals for pursuing their dreams and aspirations and surmounting barriers
with dignity and determination.

Kamin has been accepted by Humber College. David is now working at Costco. Serena went on
a Caribbean cruise, something she has wanted to do for a long time. Mishen is coming out of
his shell and blossoming, gaining skills and confidence in an inclusive pre-school centre. Jeff
just got his black-belt in karate.

Each day we are privileged to serve witness to and play an active role in people’s personal
journeys, growth and development.

However, there are thousands of people with a developmental disability in Ontario who are
not receiving the services and supports they need to realize their potential. At the time of this
writing, Ontario’s Select Committee on Developmental Services just released its final report,
“Inclusion and Opportunity: A New Path for Developmental Services in Ontario”. The report
notes the following:

“….the Committee heard repeatedly that individuals and families who need developmental
services and supports are in crisis… We are deeply troubled and alarmed by the range of barriers
confronting persons with developmental disabilities… We firmly believe that everyone has the
right to full social inclusion, and to receive the services and supports they need without delay.”

We urge you to read the report and contact your provincial representative to support
the implementation of the Committee’s recommendations and increased investments in
developmental services to achieve better outcomes for the people of this province.

We want to send out a big loud shout out to the people we support and their families, the great
team of staff who support them and our volunteers and funders for making Brampton Caledon
Community Living a strong and vibrant organization.

Sean Travis, President and James Triantafilou, Executive Director

Annual Report 2013-2014

Select Committee on Developmental Services Releases its Report

After initially refusing to release the Select Committee on Developmental Services’ report, “Inclusion and and Opportunity: A New Path for Developmental Services in Ontario”, the Wynn government finally agreed to its release.

“After months of hard work by the committee, we were finally able to release our final recommendations to the public. I urge the government to immediately adopt the recommendations, so we are able to start providing much needed relief to Ontario families” said Elliott.

The Select Committee on Developmental Services began its work last October and has travelled throughout the province, hearing from hundreds of individuals and families that there is a clear need for change in the system.

“The support for the Select Committee on Developmental Services was overwhelming. The committee heard from hundreds of Ontario families that need help. I want to thank all those individuals, families and organizations that shared their stories with us” said Elliott.

To read the The Select Committee on Developmental Services Final Report click here:

http://www.ontla.on.ca/committee-proceedings/committee-reports/files_html/SCDSFinalReportEnglish.htm

Autism Resource Fair

Autism Ontario Peel Region is hosting a resource fair on Saturday April 25, 2015 from 10a.m. to 3p.m. The theme for this year is “Embracing and Empowering the Caregiver”.

For more information Click Here