New York State’s Self-Directed Services is a program that provides funding directly to people and families, so they can manage and control their own disability-related supports. The program provides a helpful case study and offers several lessons for Ontario as we plan to make direct funding a reality in the province. READ THE ARTICLE
Learning from Direct funding in Alberta and British Columbia
Alberta and British Columbia have long-standing and well-developed direct funding programs for people who have an intellectual or developmental disability. As Ontario develops its own stream of direct funding, it is important to learn from the experience of other jurisdictions. READ THE ARTICLE
Community Living Ontario’s Recommendations for Direct Funding for People Who Have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Many stakeholders in Ontario have advocated for direct funding – where people manage and pay for their own supports rather than choosing options offered by a service agency – for several decades. Community Living Ontario supports the growth of direct funding because it has been shown to increase flexibility, control, and quality of life for people and families who choose … Read More
Five Ideas about Housing for People Who Have Intellectual Disabilities
The 2021 federal budget included several welcome announcements about affordable housing, including the Federal Community Housing Initiative and the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund. These programs will add to the already substantial funding provided by the National Housing Strategy, which includes a goal to create 2,400 new affordable housing units for people who have developmental disabilities. As these programs are rolled … Read More
Separating Housing from Disability Supports: An Idea Whose Time has Come?
It is common practice in Ontario for people who have developmental disabilities to access housing and other needed supports from a single service provider. A number of stakeholders have argued that separating the provision of housing from other supports would boost system flexibility and increase people’s ability to obtain a full suite of supports. READ THE ARTICLE
The Myth of Economies of Scale in Developmental Services
It is commonly believed that large congregated residential facilities for people who have developmental disabilities are less expensive to operate than group homes or supported independent living. Yet information from the United States shows that, even for people with high support needs, large congregated facilities are in fact more costly than small group homes or supported independent living. Furthermore, smaller … Read More
Lessons from Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is often referenced as a leading example of disability service reform, and there is much to learn from the country’s experience. However, the NDIS has been plagued by a number of issues – especially for people who have an intellectual disability – and it is crucial that we learn from Australia’s mistakes. READ THE … Read More
