Community Living Sioux Lookout

Our Mission

The mission of Community Living Sioux Lookout is to guarantee that adults who have
developmental disabilities achieve their hopes, dreams and goals through our direct programs
and through active involvement in our small North-western communities.

What's New
[Around the Agency] [Around the Province]
(updated: July 11, 2008)

Agency News

Community Living Dryden to provide community living services in the Sioux Lookout and Hudson area

Following a recent review of developmental services currently provided in Sioux Lookout, an opportunity was identified to ensure the stability of client service delivery through partnership with Community Living Dryden.

The Board of Directors of Community Living Dryden in conjunction with the Board of Directors of Community Living Sioux Lookout wish to announce that Community Living Dryden will assume responsibility for service delivery in Sioux Lookout beginning July 1, 2008. Due to financial challenges at the Community Sioux Lookout agency the ministry has asked that we undertake this step in an effort to maintain the existing levels of client services and ensure stability in service delivery.

This will entail a period of transition in which both agencies will work cooperatively to develop a transition plan.

The goal of both organizations is to ensure stable service delivery and to improve services for clients and families in both communities. Both Boards will be actively involved to ensure a seamless transition process whereby no disruption in service delivery occurs.

We wish to assure all clients and families that no interruption of services will occur and that everyone will continue to receive the same level of service they are currently receiving. In addition, we wish to assure all frontline staff that no reductions of frontline positions are anticipated as a result of this change.

The vision for the future is to have one organization with proportionate representation from both communities on the Board of Directors. As part of this partnership between the two communities, consultations will occur with clients and families from both communities to ensure stakeholders are fully informed and are part of a process to develop a long-term strategic vision to shape services and supports.

We look forward to working with all stakeholders as we undertake this process to shape and improve the delivery of developmental services in our communities.

Provincial News

Proposed New Legislation

Ontario introduced legislation today that, if passed, would lay the groundwork for the province to modernize and improve service delivery for adults with a developmental disability.

Ontario’s current Developmental Services Act is almost 35 years old. During that time, services for people with developmental disabilities have changed dramatically. People who previously would have lived in large, government-run institutions now live and participate in communities across Ontario.

The proposed new legislation recognizes that people with developmental disabilities can live independently with the right supports. It also recognizes that people with developmental disabilities want more choice and control over the supports they receive.

The new legislation would lay the foundation for better services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families, including:

Better service: people would only have to go to one place to apply for services and support.
More choice: people could receive funding directly for supports tailored to their needs.
Improved fairness: everyone would use the same application and assessment package, and people who need service and support the most would have priority.

QUOTES

“The current Developmental Services Act is out of date. It’s from a time when we supported people in institutions. A year from now, these facilities from a bygone era will be closed,” said Minister of Community and Social Services Madeleine Meilleur. “This legislation will help us to build the foundation for the next generation of people with a developmental disability.”

“I would like to congratulate the Ontario government for introducing legislation that will bring disability issues into the 21st century. This bill will foster strong partnerships between the Ontario government, families and agencies in order to better serve people with developmental disabilities and provide them with a brighter future," said Executive Director of Reena Sandy Keshen.

QUICK FACTS

More than 40,000 adults with a developmental disability live in Ontario.
Since 2003, the Ontario government has committed an additional half billion dollars for services for people with developmental disabilities.
The total annual budget for developmental services is $1.57 billion.
In 1974, at the height of institutionalization, there were approximately 8,000 people with a developmental disability living in government-operated facilities. Today, there are fewer than 180 adults living in the three remaining facilities which are set to close in 2009.

LEARN MORE

Read the history of developmental services in Ontario. It goes back more than 100 years.
Learn more about the major changes Ontario is making to improve services for people with a developmental disability.
Read real life community stories about people with a developmental disability.