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Local MPP Supports Changes To Ontario Autism Program

Saturday, 9 February 2019 10:23

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Local MPP Ernie Hardeman says the proposed changes to Ontario Autism Program will help families.

WOODSTOCK - Local MPP Ernie Hardeman says the proposed changes to the Ontario Autism Program will help families.

The provincial government announced this week the waitlist for funding will be cleared in 18 months.

Hardeman says this will make sure families receive support and not have to wait a long time for help. 

"Autism hits close to home for every community across our province and Oxford is no exception. Our government’s plan ensures that no families will have to wait over two years to receive support for their children again."

Hardeman says it's important the proposed changes bring fairness, equality and sustainability to the Ontario Autism Program.

"I’ve heard many heartbreaking stories from Oxford families who have children with autism about that challenges they face. That is why it’s so important that these reforms to the Ontario Autism Program will bring fairness, equality, and sustainability to the program."

The proposed changes will include support for lower and middle class families and families may receive a childhood budget until their child turns 18 years-old. 

Not everyone is happy with the changes though. 

PC staff member, Bruce McIntosh, disagreed with the decision and quit his job after the announcement. McIntosh is a father of a child with autism, along with being a former president of the Ontario Autism Coalition. 

He says the needs of each child are different at different ends of the spectrum, and that the new plan does not recognize this.
 

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