A reminder of why I care

I support an individual who lives in supportive living. Supporting his personal hygiene is often a challenge, and can lead to frustration on both our parts.  Every time we are finished with support care for the day he always says “thank you”. Those two words are not necessary – after all it is my chosen field – but it warms my heart and reminds me why I care. 

WE SUPPORT AMAZING PEOPLE

      In 2008 I graduated college started work in the developmental service field. I didn’t even know that these agencies or group homes existed. Five years later I am still working in the field! The people we support are amazing people and society needs to discover the value they bring to our communities. Direct caregivers and people supported need the provincial government and our communities to support us. The individuals we support rely on under-funded services and are under-appreciated.

By, David Lalonde

Video of Developmental Services Lobby Day

Check out the finished product
http://youtu.be/yVpo61czDgw

Because I cant help but care

 

         My chosen field of work is developmental services…..The government…..the employer….the powers that be have decided that I simply provide a service to the people I work with – that I am not family, and not a friend. Today I am sitting at a hospital bedside with someone I spend more time with than I do with my own family and friends.  I am feeling a connection with them that I am told I don’t have. Yet I am worrying, comforting, and caring in a way I would for any family member. I don’t care if it’s deemed right or wrong.  This is who I am, and this is why I decided to do what I do. The feisty red-head beside me needs me to be more than my job description today and I won’t let her down.

Anonymously  submitted.

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.