September News: Update #5
Lanark Leeds & Grenville Special Needs Strategy (SNS) Proposal Development Table
Fall Greetings!
It has been several months since our last update. Throughout this steamy summer, the work of the three parents and 25 service providers who make up the Lanark Leeds and Grenville SNS Proposal Development Table has continued. Here are some highlights:
Coordinated Service Planning Proposal Submitted
On June 15 the Table submitted a proposal to improve the experience and outcomes for children and youth in our area who have multiple and/or complex special needs. The proposal includes:
o A request for funding for eleven service planning coordinators to assist families
o The unanimous choice of Child Development Centre-Hotel Dieu to administer the new system working closely with service providers in Lanark and Leeds & Grenville to support children who are using more than one service
o Shared commitment to working more collaboratively including working towards a single plan of care for children with more complex service requirements.
We expect a response from the ministries to this proposal by mid-October. As soon as we have the ministries’ OK, we will get to work in bringing this about to support children and families.
Work on the “Integrated Delivery of Rehabilitation Services” Proposal Continues
Thanks to the many of you parents and service providers who participated in our meetings and surveys during the spring. We have used the ideas you shared to develop strategies for streamlining families’ experience of rehab services so that all children who receive speech-language, occupational therapy or physiotherapy will find services more holistic, effective, collaborative, continuous and convenient.
There is much consensus on how to make things better for children and families at the Table. There is also much we are still figuring out to meet the submission date of October 30. The work continues.
How can I stay up to date?
For more information Ontario Special Needs Strategy, see the Ontario government website: http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/specialneeds/strategy/index.aspx . For the latest updates on local work on the strategy see everykid.on.ca and lanarkkids.ca/special-needs/.
Thank you!
Table Co-chairs
Margaret van Beers, Director, Child Development Centre, Hotel Dieu Hospital
Paula Perrault, Principal of Special Education, Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario
Gillian Jackson, Manager, Children’s Services Developmental Services of Leeds & Grenville
Donna Davidson, Director, Lanark Community Programs, Lanark Renfrew Health & Community Service