Days before the provincial election, as people are making their final determinations on how to vote, adults with developmental disabilities and the workers who support them are inviting candidates to a community dance. Attendees will have the chance to fill their dance card with commitments from candidates to invest in much needed social services.
The dance, which is open and free to all members of the public, will take place on February 23 in Trinity United Church Hall. All candidates from Guelph, Wellington-Halton Hills, and Perth-Wellington have been invited to attend and share their vision for developmental services in the area.
While more than 50,000 adults with developmental disabilities languish on waitlists across Ontario, more than 60% of community living agencies are in deficit. The problem is particularly acute at Community Living Guelph Wellington which is facing a nearly $2 million shortfall.
“Our agency, like so many others across Ontario, is at a breaking point. We know what it takes to get people off waitlists and provide high quality care. But right now we’re just holding on,” said Cindy Kinnon, executive director of CLGW. “But we also know that people in our communities care deeply about adults with developmental disabilities having the services they need. This dance is a chance for the community to come together and show that support.”
Past closures at CLGW led to public outcries by families who have grown frustrated by years of underfunding. Advocates and families succeeded in lobbying to have the day-program reopened. Many hope a similar campaign this time around can help reverse years of cuts. CLGW is currently down dozens of staff compared to just a few years ago, putting added strain on workers and impacting the quality of services.
“We’ve seen what happens when community members get involved and fight for services. That support means the world to workers who have dedicated their lives to making a difference for people with developmental disabilities,” said Sandra MacDonald, a developmental service worker and president of CUPE 4392 which represents roughly 350 workers at CLGW. “We want to send a clear message to all candidates running in this election: funding for developmental services cannot be ignored any longer. More than numbers on a budget sheet, this is about real people with real needs.”