Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky speaks to media outside of the South West Detention Centre, January 7, 2016. (Photo by Mike Vlasveld)Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky speaks to media outside of the South West Detention Centre, January 7, 2016. (Photo by Mike Vlasveld)
Windsor

Rallying For Those With Developmental Disabilities

Windsor West MPP Lisa Gretzky is leading the charge against wait times for young adults needing developmental support services in Ontario.

When someone turns 18, she says they have to re-apply for support, and are often left on waitlists for years.

Gretzky believes the government should simply continue to provide funding for these residents until their name comes up on the waitlist.

"There was a story of a parent of a child with a developmental disability who ended up in the psychiatric [hospital] ward for months, in restraints," says the MPP. "Her child didn't need to be in hospital, but there was nowhere else for him to go. That's a large cost to the system."

There are 11,000 Ontarians with developmental disabilities waiting for supports right now, and up to 14,000 waiting for in-home care.

Gretzky says continuing support would not only improve quality of life for the families that are waiting, but allow parents to return to work in some cases, which would be positive for the economy.

A rally was held at Queen's Park in Toronto Wednesday, and an online petition has been started. The Windsor West representative is also encouraging families and local health agencies to send letters to Premier Kathleen Wynne and her ministers about changes they would like to see.

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