Ontario Special Needs Strategy A strategy to improve services for children and youth with special needs and their families Announced February 20, 2014 Video (scroll to the bottom of the page) http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/specialneeds/strategy/index.aspx Hon Tracey MacCharles, Minister of Children and Youth Services
Vision “An Ontario where children and youth with special needs get the timely and effective services they need to participate fully at home, at school, in the community, and as they prepare to achieve their goals for adulthood.”
What Will the Strategy Mean For Families? Seamless experience of services Clear access and service plans Smooth transitions Telling their stories once
Key Areas of Focus A new, voluntary developmental screen to identify potential ● risks to children’s development and connect them with the services they need 1. Coordinated service planning processes for children with multiple and/or complex special needs so families can access a range of services and supports 2. Integrated delivery of rehabilitation services so children have access to speech-language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy services delivered seamlessly from birth to the end of school.
How Will We Get There? 34 service delivery areas across the province Proposals to be given to the government ministries for approval from each area: 1. Coordinated Service Planning (due June 2015) 2. Integrated Delivery of Rehabilitation Services (due October 2015)
Proposal development tables will Place the needs of children and youth and their families ahead of individual organizations’ priorities Identify a recommended approach Work together with everyone involved Not be restricted by what currently exists
1. Coordinated Service Planning Key Elements Single coordinating agency Service planning coordinators One coordinated service plan for each child/youth with multiple or complex needs
1. Coordinated Service Planning Proposal Requirements Submission must demonstrate that: Families will experience a clear referral process A coordinated service plan will be developed that speaks to all of the child or youth’s needs across all agencies Families are involved in determining strengths and needs and setting goals
2. Integrated Delivery of Rehabilitation Services Occupational Therapy Physiotherapy Speech and Language Services
2. Integrated Delivery of Rehabilitation Services Proposal Requirements Single, seamless program of care Easily accessible Birth to school exit Families and health professionals work together regarding needs at home, school and community
2. Integrated Delivery of Rehabilitation Services Proposal Requirements Broad range of intervention types Delivered in the school setting whenever possible for school-aged children Parents and youth can refer themselves Single toll-free phone number and online access to get started
2. Integrated Delivery of Rehabilitation Services Proposal Requirements Assessments and services regardless of age, severity or diagnosis Services are continuous across transition points Speech services are not delivered separately from language services
Help us understand the Dufferin – Wellington experience … We need you as parents, caregivers and front line providers to reflect on what has worked well in your experience and why? Also what was difficult and how could it be improved?
As we discuss, reflect on… How these services worked together as a system Your variety of experiences within the system (for example, early years, school age, transition to adult services) The service system as it relates to diverse cultural and family/youth needs Gaps and opportunities you have experienced
Thank you for coming today! Thank you for your time, thoughtfulness and insight. The information gathered today will form the foundation for forward planning.
For more information http://dufferinwellingtonspecialneedsstrategy.weebly.com 1-888-372-2259 ext 1588 To Have Your Say, please complete the survey HERE
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