A strategy to improve services for children and youth with special needs and their

familiesAnnounced 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

Ontario Special Needs Strategy

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 currentlyexists

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