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    LONDON, ON, Sept. 25 /CNW/ - Ontario PC Leader John Tory today vowed to
end years of waiting and give children with autism and their families the
support they need to learn, develop and reach their full potential.
"A John Tory government will make a real difference for children with
autism and the families who care for them, once and for all," said Tory. "We
will ensure early intervention. We will respect parents, and work with them
instead of against them. I will keep my word."
Days before the 2003 provincial election, Mr. McGuinty wrote to the
parent of a child with autism and promised help.
Not only has Mr. McGuinty backed out of this written commitment, he has
also fought parents who were struggling to hold him to his word in court. The
waitlist for services has grown, from 89 in 2003 to more than 1,000 as of
August 2007, and support services are still not available in schools.
John Tory will put an end to this and provide real help to these children
and their families. Tory's plan, which would include additional investments of
$75 million annually and be implemented after the October election, includes:
<<
-   Clearing the waitlist for treatment for children with autism;
-   Partnering with educators, child support workers and school boards to
ensure that upon reaching school age, children with autism have the
supports they need;
-   Providing flexibility and choice for parents by giving them the
option of whether to use regional service providers for autism
therapy or take direct funding for accredited outside providers
instead;
-   Streamlining support for children with autism by increasing direct
funding options and improving the assessment and regulatory
environment;
-   Expanding respite programs so parents and children with autism can
have the opportunity to engage the broader community and develop
other experiences.
>>
"Our government will do what's right for these families. We will give
these children every possible opportunity to learn, grow, develop and live
full, meaningful lives," Tory said.
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