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Across Ontario, on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, developmental service workers (DSWs) will be in their communities and their workplaces celebrating the essential role their work plays in helping people with developmental disabilities and their families. In our community, workers are celebrating DSW Appreciation Day by holding workplace events to recognize how they support people with disabilities in living inclusive lives in the community. 

DSWs across Ontario are asking their elected provincial representatives to acknowledge the essential work they do to support people with disabilities and their families.

Ensuring all Ontarians can live meaningful lives in inclusive communities is what developmental services workers do everyday,” said Brian Biggers, CUPE Local 4370 President, representing workers at Community Living Sarnia-Lambton. “But far too often this work goes under the radar and is not recognized by government. DSW Appreciation Day is an opportunity to reach out to community leaders and speak up together for improved provincial funding for developmental services.” 

With nearly 23,000 children and adults with a developmental disability languishing on waiting lists for services and supports, it is crucial that the provincial government provide more financial support for developmental services. In the absence of more provincial funding, more and more Ontarians will find themselves unable to access the services they need to participate fully in their communities. 

For further information, please contact: 

Brian Biggers, CUPE Local 4370 President, 519-333-7109

Mark Greenan, CUPE Communications, 647-993-3073