TORONTO—The McGuinty government is taking a bold new approach to providing specialized services across Ontario to help adults with a developmental disability thrive in the community, Ontario's Minister of Community and Social Services Sandra Pupatello announced today.

"Ontario is on the leading-edge of developmental services, but we need to make sure we stay there," Pupatello said. "We are modernizing the way we provide services to reach more people and take advantage of the newest and best research in the field."

The government is investing $41.1 million in its plan to strengthen specialized care for adults with a developmental disability. The plan includes:

• Establishing four community networks of specialized care across Ontario that will put the province at the forefront of services, leadership and expertise in developmental services

• Funding over three years to help recruit and retain professionals in the sector

• Building 390 new homes across the province through the Home of Your Own initiative, including 90 homes for individuals who have very high needs because they are also dealing with mental health issues and/or challenging behaviours.

Teams of highly skilled professionals will make up the networks. Together, they will provide and coordinate specialized supports and services such as assessments, consultations and behaviour therapy for adults with a developmental disability who require specialized care. As a result, individuals with a developmental disability and their families will have better access to much needed services closer to home.

The plan, developed with ideas from health professionals, academics, community agencies and caregivers, is receiving praise from professionals in the sector.

"We applaud the government for showing us that individuals with developmental disabilities are a priority for them," said Glen Walker, chair of the Ontario Association on Developmental Disabilities. "As a result of this announcement, communities will be in a better position to support individuals in their homes through the creation and strengthening of community resources."

"We are taking a bold new approach in our transformation of developmental services," Pupatello said. "This is part of our plan to improve access to services for Ontarians with a developmental disability no matter where they live."