Aging and Developmental Disabilities Project ONTARIO PARTNERSHIP ON AGING AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (OPADD) Ron W. Coristine

Forces At Work Fiscal Constraint  Service Pressures System Maturation  Collaborative Models Demographic Change  Aging Boom

Aging Boom Of persons with developmental disabilities:  Longevity  Health issues; dementias  Aging caregivers  Living in the community  Access to programs and services for older Ontarians

Service Pressures Increased regulation Constrained training budgets Attracting / retaining qualified staff Higher needs clients 24% over age 50 50% over age 40 Risk

Collaborative Models Range of activity extends from cooperation to amalgamation The system knows how to engage in innovative / collaborative ventures

A New Reality Aging and Developmental Disabilities

Front Line Experiences Unexplained changes in functioning Incongruence between programs offered and people’s needs Confusion, frustration 25% over 50 / 50% over 40

Finding Direction Ontario Partnership on Aging and Developmental Disabilities OPADD

What Is OPADD Trying to Do?

Vision That older adults with a developmental disability have the same rights to support and services as all older Ontarians

Principles Choice Access Creative options Individualized planning

Motivation Knowledge Exchange Service Improvement Appropriate support to older adults with developmental disabilities

Local Solutions for Local Problems Cross sector linkages at the agency level Participation of planning bodies Agencies retain autonomy Build capacity to support older adults with developmental disabilities

What OPADD Has Done Provincial symposium & regional workshops Established provincial cross sector body Ongoing support to local groups Research in transition planning U-First! as cross sector training Informing Ministries

OPADD Participants 48 organizations and groups with a commitment to the Vision, Values and Mission of the Partnership.

OPADD Participants Government – federal, provincial, municipal Service Providers - long-term care, developmental services Planning and coordinating bodies Provincial associations Regional and local cross sector groups

The Next Five Years Building bridges between:  Services for older adults  Services for people with developmental disabilities

Regional Workshops Planned and hosted by regional cross sector groups Catalyst to regional planning and local initiatives

Regional Planning Groups Provide regional forums for cross sector dialogue Stimulate new local initiatives Facilitate communication between local projects and OPADD

Information and Education Information exchanges Interactive web site Quarterly E-zine Links with educational institutions to explore shifts in curriculum

Expand the Perspective Support national and international conferences on aging and developmental disabilities Winnipeg 2004 Toronto 2007

Policy Inform policy-makers about innovation and gaps in the system Foster informed policy-making that supports realization of our vision and principles

Reduce Legislative Constraints Innovation requires stepping outside of the silos Dialogue between service providers and policy makers on implications for regulatory change

Ontario Projects Today Cross Sector: Research Planning Pilot Projects Protocols

Stories of Innovation Building a New Continuum: Accessing services/programs for older Ontarians New innovative services Adapting existing programs

North West Ontario NW ADD Committee: Evolved from 2000 Symposium Cross sector training Close ties with academic sector Developing demographic profile

Southwest Regional ADD Committee being re-formed Middlesex Providers Alliance Huron Trillium Partnership – protocols & handbooks Exploration of Huron Perth Committee on Aging and Developmental Disabilities

Hamilton Niagara Halton Peel Regional ADD Committee being formed Coordinated Access Service highly involved Peel Long Term Care Residential Services Project

Toronto Toronto developing a committee on aging and developmental disabilities

Central East CE Cross Sector Training Committee: Growing new knowledge through cross sector training events Reforming Training Committee into a Regional ADD Planning Committee

South East Strong ties to academic community Establishing a new Regional ADD Planning Committee

Champlain Ottawa Strong leadership from developmental services coordination network to establish a Regional ADD Planning Committee

New Horizons Cross sector working relationships Innovation Collaboration System effectiveness

Expanding Options Older adult centres Recreation centres Supportive seniors housing Long Term Care Homes Civic engagement Elderhomes Volunteer work

Quality of Life Assessing present capacity Monitoring health Maintaining social relationships Accessing services and programs Adapting environment Changes to routines Substitute decision-making

The Story Continues