OAC Day of Action Coverage
A Report on the Autism Day of Action Event
The Ontario Autism Coalition (OAC) is pleased to report that Saturday September 15th, 2007 was a successful Day of Action across Ontario. All Ontario political parties were reminded that Autism concerns are recognized and shared among Ontario voters.
The Day of Action had a turnout of over 200 participants including family members, caregivers, educators, MPP candidates and supporters of children with Autism. Events were held across Ottawa, the Greater Toronto Area, Windsor, Essex and Sarnia. We’d like to thank all those who participated. Whether you stayed for the full duration of the events or just came by for a short time, you made a difference. Participants had the opportunity to share with Ontario voters the issues facing individuals and their family members with autism, including the growing wait list, financial hardship, the absence of ABA/IBI services in the school, and the lack of a formal credentialing system of ABA/IBI providers.
“Our caucus members and particularly our autism critic, Shelley Martel, want to express our gratitude to the Coalition and so many other parents and families, who have written letters, sent faxes, come to Queen’s Park, organized and participated at rallies, all in the name of advocating for their children with autism. These tireless efforts have kept autism issues in the media and on the public radar. Indeed, in this election, these issues will be vote-determining issues for many electors.”
New Democratic Party of Ontario
“Autism issues are heating up the Ontario election campaign, thanks in no small part to the efforts of the Ontario Autism Coalition, which has been very well organized and effective in getting autism issues in front of political participants.”
Harold L. Doherty (New Brunswick)
The NDP unveiled their autism platform, titled the “Autism Strategy”, on our Day of Action, promising that if elected, they will “put children and families first by providing publicly funded Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) services in classrooms for all children with autism, and clear the waiting list for autism services.” For more information, please visit this page of our website. We congratulate the leader of the NDP, Howard Hampton and his team for stepping up to the plate on this very important issue. As most already know, MPP Shelley Martel has been a tireless advocate for our children and we are greatful for all of her efforts.
The PC Party introduced the details of their position on autism earlier this year. You can read it by visiting this link.
The Liberal Party has a brief reference to autism on page 9 of their party platform that says they will:
“Provide $10 million to prepare schools to deliver IBI therapy on-site for the first time,a step forward made possible by our earlier decision to scrap the age-six limit for children with autism.”
You can read the Liberal platform in its entirety by visiting their website and opening their PDF file.
We’re proud to share with you coverage of our Day of Action and the NDP Autism Strategy:
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Day of Action 2007 
