Photo's from DS Lobby Day

Developmental Services Lobby Day ..............WE CAN AFFORD TO CARE

  

 

 

Developmental Services Lobby Day :

  We traveled to Queens Park in two school buses prepared to show the government WE CAN AFFORD TO CARE and we no longer can afford not to. Upon our arrival we were greeted by a large group of family members, who had come to show support and speak on the crisis and how it is affecting their families. The day began with the Chair of OPSEU Developmental Services, Patti Markland, delivering a very inspiring speech reminding all of us that WE CAN AFFORD TO CARE in this province. She then encouraged the families to tell their stories. The bravery of these families to stand up in a room full of strangers and share with us their stories was amazing and very moving. Family member after family member approached the microphone and in the end there was not a dry eye in the room. These stories needed to be told and were validated by the compassion in the room. There were videos made by Operation Maple and OPSEU: Family members, direct care givers and MPPs all took part in these videos.

   Warren (Smokey) Thomas addressed the room and as he was speaking the Minister of Community and Social Services came into the room. Smokey introduced Minister Ted McMeekin who acknowledged the importance of the need for changes to occur in Developmental Services. Many MPPs committed to taking the issues in developmental services to the legislature. Many also agreed to vote yes on a committee to address the issues in the sector. MPPs and/or representatives from all parties came to the lobby: A very unusual occurrence. Attendance at the Lobby Day included 30 plus MPPs, numerous Queens Park staff, over two dozen family members, and close to 100 direct care providers. This level of attendance has completely acknowledged and solidified the immediate importance of implementing a plan that will begin to tackle the Developmental Services crisis. This lobby could not have been as successful as it was without the hard work of the OPSEU staff, OPSEU members and most importantly the openness of families to share their stories. Thank you to all who made this day truly inspiring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you work in Ontario Developmental Services?

Do you know individuals and families who want to tell their story about the importance of these services?

You are all invited to join us for a special OPSEU lobby day on Wednesday, September 18.
Help get the message to MPPs that we urgently need a response to the crisis in developmental  services. Government CAN meet the critical need for funding. There’s more money in Ontario than there has ever been.

 

 

Desperate measures when a mother can no longer care for her autistic child

Parents of Philippe Telford, a nineteen year old man with severe autism, reached this point last April.  Amanda Telford told CTVnews Ottawa, Canada that she and her husband no longer had the resources physically, mentally, emotionally or financially to provide the care to secure the safety of their son. That week, Philippe had wandered off from the home and a few days later had swallowed pills that were under lock and key in the house. He had to be taken to the hospital.
In a follow-up CTVnews reports that both mother and son, now 20, are doing well.  Ms Telford explains that she feels great guilt but no regret at leaving her son on the doorsteps of the office of Developmental Services Ontario that is responsible for adult developmental services.  While she took the time to explain to Philippe what was happening, it is unclear how much he could comprehend. Philippe has the mind of a two year old and suffers from other disabilities including insulin-dependent diabetes and Tourette Syndrome.
Social Services were required to report this to police as a case of abandonment.  No charges were laid and all parties stepped in to find at least a short term solution.
Ms Telford, who is a social worker by profession, told CTVnews:

“We struggle with a lot of guilt over what we felt we had to do and a lot of anger over what we were compelled to do.”

A group home was identified for Philippe who has been living in the same location for four months but a move to another temporary place will be required shortly. Last November, the office for Ontario’s Ombudsman began an investigation into services for adults with developmental disabilities. Almost one thousand letters of complaints have been received to date. Andre Marin is expected to release his report by the end of this year or early in 2014.
Miriam Fry is with an organization called Families Matter and is now also working on a strategy for a Family Bill of Rights which would secure the help to families like the Telford’s living in Ontario. Six months ago she stated:

“Offspring are being left in (hospital) emergency rooms, in government offices. There have been cases of murder suicide. It is definitely a crisis.”

Autism Daily Newscast has recently reported on two alleged attempted murder suicide cases in the USA within the past ten days. The first involved the murder of Alex Spourdalakis and the second late this week involving Kelli Stapelton.