Good News in Attendant Services

In Ontario, a pilot project that provides direct funds to adults with physical disabilities, so they can hire and self-manage their own attendant services, has been given full program status and expanded.

Funding of Self-Managed Attendant Services Direct Funding was recently increased to $18.7-million over the next three years, which will enable a total of 700 people across the province to have more control over their attendant services. Cam Jackson, Ontario Minister Responsible for Seniors, made the announcement on July 16 to an excited room of advocates for the program.

Self-managers must register with Revenue Canada as employers and are responsible for recruiting, hiring, training and scheduling their own attendants. They also budget and account for the funds which they are individually allotted.

With this new option, people with disabilities have more control over their daily lives and flexibility with their services. They can choose who works for them, when they work, and even the location of the work.

Anyone wishing to apply for Self-Managed Attendant Services can request an information package from the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT), tel.: (416) 599-2458; TTY: 599-5077.