Developmental workers demand more support

Developmental workers with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) will take to the sidewalks Tuesday afternoon to demand dignity for people who live with intellectual disabilities.

Workers in Sudbury will be at the corner of Elm Street and Notre Dame Avenue from noon to 1:30 p.m.

In its March 2014 interim report, the All-Party Select Committee on Developmental Services concluded the sector was in crisis.

The committee has a mandate “to develop recommendations on a comprehensive developmental services strategy to address the needs of children, youth and adults in Ontario with an intellectual disability or who are dually diagnosed with an intellectual disability and a mental illness.”

Ontario Ombudsman Andre Marin's office received 800 complaints regarding access to developmental services in 2013-14. Around 21,000 people are on waiting lists for such services.

“There must be a firm commitment from all three parties to properly funding this neglected sector,” said said OPSEU developmental services chair, Patti Markland, in a release. “It doesn't matter who wins the election. Dignity should not be optional.”