Under the current law, these people are not able to get Direct Funding because they cannot direct their own care, become an employer, or account for money they get from the Direct Funding program.
But some people may have a substitute decision-maker who makes decisions for them. The Government of Ontario is thinking of changing the law, so people can get Direct Funding if their substitute decision-maker can meet all the conditions.
This change would allow more people to get Direct Funding. That would be good news for those who don’t meet the current eligibility criteria. But it could be bad news for everyone if funding for the program is not increased accordingly. If the money for the program doesn’t increase, waiting lists for DF will once again get very long.
Bakerlaw, a disability rights focused law firm in Toronto, points out that the Government of Ontario should give more money for Direct Funding to avoid further increasing wait times for eligible participants.
Read Bakerlaw’s blog page on Direct Funding.
Get more information on how the Direct Funding conditions may change for people with substitute decision makers.
The Government of Ontario has asked for comments about this possible change, and people were able to send their comments until April 10, 2017. The ministry is currently considering this feedback and determining what next steps it may take.
ARCH will continue to monitor this issue. (From the ARCH newsletter, June 21, 2017).
inclusioneodotorg.wordpress.com 