The provincial government unveiled new plans for a drastic change to the current Ontario Autism Program. These changes include age based funding, fewer service options, and less oversight.

Within Haldimand-Norfolk the only service provider is though REACH. Unless REACH can quickly adapt to a fee-for-service model, as of April 1, 2019, there will be no autism program services within our county. Parents and children will be forced to drive to Hamilton, London, Brantford and beyond to access life changing therapies and supports.

Please join me in protest of the changes to the OAP, and in sending our MPP Toby Barrett a message that he needs to step up and discover a way to ensure the very large service area of Haldimand Norfolk continues to provide autism and behavioural services to its constituents.

This will be a peaceful protest on the sidewalk in front of Toby’s office, an hour over the lunch break so you can join if you can get away from work. I will have the petition to sign and send in to Monique Taylor.

So grab a friend, family, or co-worker, make a sign and let our voices be heard!