By now you have likely seen all the media attention surrounding our sector and the urgent need to address funding gaps in Developmental Services. Hopefully you have already joined in this united effort by sending a letter, and/or signing a petition. If you have not, please see the links below, as part of this message.
We continue to advocate alongside other DS agencies regionally and provincially in a collective effort to address historic underfunding of developmental services in Ontario. Over three decades, developmental service organizations have received cumulative base funding increases of less than 4%, though the cost of living has increased by nearly 60%. While the system has expanded and new programs have been added, the lack of attention to core operational funding has led to a crisis that is unfolding in real time. Organizations are being forced to cut programs and crucial operating expenses, despite the fact that the need for their services continues to grow.
The good news: There is hope, as advocacy efforts gain traction at all government levels.
Community Living Ontario (CLO), our friends, and our partners are calling on the Ontario government to provide an immediate 5% boost to developmental services agency core funding, as well as Passport and Special Services at Home. CLO has created a campaign called #5toSurvive, along with a petition which we are sharing with you and other partners and advocates to ask for your solidarity and support. Sign the petition here
Above and beyond the #5toSurvive campaign, Inclusion Northumberland has made some great inroads in our advocacy efforts locally. As you will recall, we joined forces with some of our partners (Community Living Respite Northumberland, and Karis) to meet face to face with MPP, David Piccini regarding the urgent need for funding, and have sent subsequent letters to him as well.
You too can make your voice heard alongside ours — Please visit this link to show your support.
Five To Survive Campaign Link