History
The Great Lakes Society for Developmental Services of Ontario was founded in 1992 by a group of agencies that provide services and supports to persons with a Developmental Disability. Many of these agencies, representing all regions of the province of Ontario, have a long history of service in the field, while others are relatively new, and have developed as a response to the province's shift to community based supports.
Collectively, the Society acts as a forum to promote quality services for individuals with a developmental disability and their families, representing their interests to government.
Society Member Agencies are independently incorporated bodies managed by autonomous Boards of Directors who work in partnership with governments and their communities. They are funded through a combination of government contracts, fees for service, and fund raised dollars.
The Society itself was incorporated in the province in May of 1993.
Core Values
- collaboration/cooperation
- respect
- support
- empowerment
- excellence of service
- effectiveness/efficiency
- creativity
- flexibility
- proactivity
Corporate Goals
As an organization, the Great Lakes Society for Developmental Services of Ontario will:
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act as a collective forum for similar organizations, with the capacity to identify and respond to common issues with a united approach.
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provide leadership in lobbying for, and initiating change, in the field of developmental disabilities.
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participate in policy development as well as service delivery in the field of developmental disabilities, with the capacity to respond quickly and insightfully to Government directions/initiatives.
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support the education of staff and research in the field of developmental disabilities.
Objectives
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to promote, support and advocate for the dignity, general well-being, welfare and interest of persons with developmental and/ or physical challenges and/or mental illness.
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to support the pursuit of full community participation based on self-determination of persons with developmental and/or physical challenges and/or mental illness.
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to contribute to the development and maintenance of high quality care, treatment and support for children and adults with such challenges throughout the province of Ontario.
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to facilitate communication, exchange of information and cooperation between member organizations.
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to identify the requirements for services, staff training programs, and research, to meet the needs of children and adults.
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to promote public understanding of the needs of persons with disabilities in the areas of developmental/physical /mental illness.
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to further the foregoing objectives by making representation to various levels of government and community groups.
Member Agencies
- Access Community Services, Port Hope
- Bethesda Programs, St. Catharines
- Brantwood Residential Development Centre, Brantford
- Cochrane-Temiskaming Resource Centre, Timmins
- Developmental Services of Leeds and Grenville, Brockville
- Oaklands Regional Centre, Oakville
- Ongwanada, Kingston
- OPTIONS northwest, Thunder Bay
- Pathways to Independence, Belleville
- Plainfield Community Homes, Belleville
- Stormont-Dundas & Glengarry Developmental Service Centre, Cornwall
- Sunbeam Residential Development Centre, Kitchener
- Surrey Place Centre, Toronto
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