People with a developmental disability today want to be active participants in their communities. To do that, they rely on a variety of local programs and services that promote inclusion and involvement.
The Ministry of Community and Social Services financially assists with developmental services and programs that support inclusion for adults with a developmental disability and their families. These services allow them to live, work and participate in a wide range of activities in their communities. Community agencies deliver most of the available services and supports.
People with a developmental disability may learn, understand or remember things at a slower pace than others. This can affect their personal care, language skills and their ability to live without support.
About one per cent of Ontarians have a developmental disability. Some people with a developmental disability were born with Down syndrome. Some were born with fetal alcohol syndrome. Some have autism.
Others may have had an illness or accident before they turned 18, which limited their intellectual development.
People with a developmental disability can still participate fully in their communities. They can be great athletes, artists, workers, advocates, neighbours and friends. They're an important part of the community and contribute to the strength of our diverse province.
(the definition from the new legislation at www.mcss.gov.on.ca). Under section 3 of the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008:
(1) A person has a developmental disability for the purposes of this Act if the person has the prescribed significant limitations in cognitive functioning and adaptive functioning and those limitations,
(a) originated before the person reached 18 years of age;
(b) are likely to be life-long in nature; and
(c) affect areas of major life activity, such as personal care, language skills, learning abilities, the capacity to live independently as an adult or any other prescribed activity. 2008, c.14, s.3 (1).
(from “About The Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008”).
The new Act lists the services and supports that will be funded. These are:
This also includes support for training to help people with life skills like: