New Legislation for Ontario Developmental Services

Bill 77, or the Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008 will replace the Developmental Services Act which is 35 years old.



This Bill is currently in the hands of the Standing Committee on Social Policy, and is expected to go to third reading in the fall.



Some positive aspects of this legislation include:

• regional application centres where families would apply for services will provide better coordination of services


• direct funding options that would enable people with a developmental disability and their families to buy their own supports or choose the services they need from ministry-funded service agencies

There are, however, some concerns as expressed in the two postings below. These concerns have been submitted to the Standing Committee on Social Policy.

The major concern is the fact that 13,400 Ontarians are waiting for residential services, day supports, and services including respite services. This Bill does not guarantee that the rights of these citizens will be met any time soon. Prioritization and waiting lists are, in fact, enshrined within the legislation.

To view Bill 77 http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&BillID=2018