New pilot project a real, positive change for Northwestern communities

TORONTO -- The McGuinty government is improving access to specialized health and clinical services for adults with a developmental disability in 46 remote communities in northwestern Ontario by investing in a new video-conferencing pilot project, Ontario's Minister of Community and Social Services Sandra Pupatello announced today.

"This is about providing better access," said Pupatello. "In the past, people have had to travel great distances to see a specialist. This technology is going to allow them to access these same services right in their local community. This important investment is a real, positive change for Ontarians with a developmental disability."

The video-conferencing pilot project will make better use of existing resources and help more people get services where and when they need them. Clients will have easier access to assessments, psychiatric and counselling services and behaviour management programs.

Surrey Place Centre, a Toronto-based organization serving people with a developmental disability, will operate the project with a group of community partners from northwestern Ontario and Toronto. The agency will use video-conferencing equipment to deliver services to adults with a developmental disability and mental health issues or challenging behaviours in 46 remote northwestern communities with its partners, Sioux Lookout and Hudson Association for Community Living and Dryden and District Association for Community Living. Individuals, families, caregivers and professionals living in remote areas will be able to share resources and information, even if they live hundreds of kilometres apart.

"This program brings much needed resources to our northwestern communities," said
Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP David Ramsay. "Access to high quality clinical services for people with a developmental disability is scarce in the North. This new technology is going to allow those people to link in with doctors and specialists in a way that has been almost impossible in the past."

"We are very pleased to be working with both our northwestern and local partners to launch this exciting initiative," said Nancy Stone, President, Board of Directors of Surrey Place Centre. "Clients, families, health care and service providers in northwestern Ontario will have access to a highly specialized team of professionals for assessment, consultation and training. Building on effective outreach strategies developed by our partners, we expect to extend clinical services to many remote northwestern communities."

By offering vulnerable people a higher quality of life, the Ontario government is building stronger, more inclusive communities.