Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #AutismDoesntEndatFORD
Most recents (24)
New numbers from @ChildrenON
Changes since last month
- 1,887 (!) new registrations
- 2 fewer CB invites listed
- 44 new IOTF invites
Number of kids invited/enrolled in core services:
- unknown
WHY are they still reporting the numbers this way?!?
1/5
Changes since last month
- 1,887 (!) new registrations
- 2 fewer CB invites listed
- 44 new IOTF invites
Number of kids invited/enrolled in core services:
- unknown
WHY are they still reporting the numbers this way?!?
1/5
As always, here is my compilation of the last year’s worth of data, as
@ChildrenON continues to only share the most recent month.
Still being reported:
Numbers from @MacleodLisa’s defunct CB program, which they still haven’t pinned down an accurate number for.
2/5
@ChildrenON continues to only share the most recent month.
Still being reported:
Numbers from @MacleodLisa’s defunct CB program, which they still haven’t pinned down an accurate number for.
2/5
As a reminder, @ChildrenON changed their number reporting format years ago to reflect the advent of interim one-time funding invites starting to go out.
Here are screenshots from the Feb 15th 2020 numbers post vs what it looked like a month later.
Just “slightly” different
3/5
Here are screenshots from the Feb 15th 2020 numbers post vs what it looked like a month later.
Just “slightly” different
3/5
1/Children in Ontario have the right to an education. That should be the case whether they have a disability or not. Educational Assistants are ACCESSIBILITY PERSONIFIED for children with disabilities.
They enable access. They allow my child & others to enter a school. Without
They enable access. They allow my child & others to enter a school. Without
2/EAs the doors to education are closed to my child every day of the year.
I am nothing less than disturbed that the government elected by 40% of our population fails not only to value, but to recognize the value of these individuals who care for the province’s most
I am nothing less than disturbed that the government elected by 40% of our population fails not only to value, but to recognize the value of these individuals who care for the province’s most
3/vulnerable children when their mothers and fathers and caregivers cannot.
Let me be perfectly clear. @Sflecce stands before the cameras and makes feeble attempts to turn parents like me against the people we have hoped for. And begged for. And put ALL of our trust in as
Let me be perfectly clear. @Sflecce stands before the cameras and makes feeble attempts to turn parents like me against the people we have hoped for. And begged for. And put ALL of our trust in as
I’ll continue to say this as it hurts too much not to. @fordnation is either lying, or is so misguided that he believes the lies he’s being fed.
Both should prevent him from sitting as Premier.
@fordnation has the *GALL* to *CAMPAIGN* on an *UTTER POLICY DISASTER* that is
Both should prevent him from sitting as Premier.
@fordnation has the *GALL* to *CAMPAIGN* on an *UTTER POLICY DISASTER* that is
*CURRENTLY* hurting families and will *CONTINUE* to do so for years because of stupidity and inaction.
The Ontario Autism Program is NOT fixed. It is NOT Needs Based. If does NOT have clinical direction and it is NOT “designed by the community for the community” because
The Ontario Autism Program is NOT fixed. It is NOT Needs Based. If does NOT have clinical direction and it is NOT “designed by the community for the community” because
it goes against the most crucial recommendations given by the OAP Advisory Panel.
These policies not only hurt families, but devastate families. They have deprived children of care. They spit in the faces of advocates who have dedicated countless hours trying to
These policies not only hurt families, but devastate families. They have deprived children of care. They spit in the faces of advocates who have dedicated countless hours trying to
1/ I am the parent of autistic children and I need to stop watching Question Period in the Ontario Legislature.
I need to stop putting myself within earshot of redundant, scripted talking points that may sound good on paper, that may yield an MPP an “attaboy” (or girl) from
I need to stop putting myself within earshot of redundant, scripted talking points that may sound good on paper, that may yield an MPP an “attaboy” (or girl) from
2/ someone on the sidelines who doesn’t know any better, that may earn someone political points for “making good” on promises their opponents failed to keep.
But I know better.
I know that best intentions from professionals were put on paper then twisted beyond recognition
But I know better.
I know that best intentions from professionals were put on paper then twisted beyond recognition
3/ by bureaucrats who care nothing about the people they are paid to serve, and everything about the bottom line.
I have 2 school aged autistic children in Ontario. So I tune into Question Period to see if the Opposition delivers on holding government to task. I hope they will
I have 2 school aged autistic children in Ontario. So I tune into Question Period to see if the Opposition delivers on holding government to task. I hope they will
New @InfoFAO report out today showing Q3 spending from @ONgov.
For the autism program (in millions):
Q1: 80
Q2: 269
Q3: 124
Total spent so far this fiscal year:
~ $473 million
Here’s why that’s a problem.
Thread
1/6
@ToddSmithPC @ChildrenON
fao-on.org/en/Blog/Public…
For the autism program (in millions):
Q1: 80
Q2: 269
Q3: 124
Total spent so far this fiscal year:
~ $473 million
Here’s why that’s a problem.
Thread
1/6
@ToddSmithPC @ChildrenON
fao-on.org/en/Blog/Public…
We know that last year, @ChildrenON only spent $434 million of their available $600+ million budget.
2/6
2/6
We also know that @ToddSmithPC promised to spend $1.2 billion over the 2019-2021 fiscal years.
news.ontario.ca/en/statement/5…
With 434m last year, and 473m so far this year, @ChildrenON has to spend $293 million in Q4 to meet that promise.
That doesn’t seem at all possible.
3/6
news.ontario.ca/en/statement/5…
With 434m last year, and 473m so far this year, @ChildrenON has to spend $293 million in Q4 to meet that promise.
That doesn’t seem at all possible.
3/6
New numbers from @ChildrenON
Changes from last month:
- 555 new registrations
- 0 new Childhood Budget invites
- 1152 new interim one-time funding invites
The situation is a lot messier than
@ToddSmithPC & his team are letting on.
1/6
Changes from last month:
- 555 new registrations
- 0 new Childhood Budget invites
- 1152 new interim one-time funding invites
The situation is a lot messier than
@ToddSmithPC & his team are letting on.
1/6
First, here’s the summary chart of all the posted numbers since the format change last year.
@ChildrenON only posts current numbers, preventing anyone from looking for trends unless you keep track yourself.
Not exactly the transparency @ToddSmithPC promised.
2/6
@ChildrenON only posts current numbers, preventing anyone from looking for trends unless you keep track yourself.
Not exactly the transparency @ToddSmithPC promised.
2/6
What @ChildrenON is NOT telling you is how much crossover there is between the groups, and how they’re not displaying that at ALL with their posted numbers.
3/6
3/6
Thread 👇🏻
The Ontario Autism Program has been a mess for years.
It’s looking like progress is finally being made, but there are still concerns about what’s being presented.
Let’s evaluate.
@ToddSmithPC @AmyFeePC @JR_Ottawa @fordnation
#onpoli
1/12
link.medium.com/YbSsGLubPdb
The Ontario Autism Program has been a mess for years.
It’s looking like progress is finally being made, but there are still concerns about what’s being presented.
Let’s evaluate.
@ToddSmithPC @AmyFeePC @JR_Ottawa @fordnation
#onpoli
1/12
link.medium.com/YbSsGLubPdb
@ToddSmithPC finally made an announcement last week that core services were coming, but it left more questions than it did answers.
2/12
toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-parent…
2/12
toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-parent…
Why the age caps?
Why the minimums?
How does this need determination tool even work?
Why aren’t clinicians more involved?
What qualifies a care coordinator to assign funding amounts?
Is that needs-based?
Is there an appeal process?
How long is this going to take?
3/12
Why the minimums?
How does this need determination tool even work?
Why aren’t clinicians more involved?
What qualifies a care coordinator to assign funding amounts?
Is that needs-based?
Is there an appeal process?
How long is this going to take?
3/12
New numbers up from @ChildrenON.
Changes from last month:
- 771 new registrations
- 0 new Childhood Budget invites
- 162 new Interim One-Time Funding invites
Same useless format.
Same lack of transparency from @ToddSmithPC and his team.
1/5
Changes from last month:
- 771 new registrations
- 0 new Childhood Budget invites
- 162 new Interim One-Time Funding invites
Same useless format.
Same lack of transparency from @ToddSmithPC and his team.
1/5
Here’s the chart of all released numbers together, along with the “unaccounted for” amount.
This month is was 5,614.
How many of those are still in the old program?
How many are still waiting for funding invites?
@ChildrenON chooses not to say.
2/5
This month is was 5,614.
How many of those are still in the old program?
How many are still waiting for funding invites?
@ChildrenON chooses not to say.
2/5
There can’t be many still waiting for invites, except for kids newly registered over the last few months, right?
Also, how many kids have actually received *funding*, and not just an invitation?
@ChildrenON chooses not to disclose that either.
3/5
Also, how many kids have actually received *funding*, and not just an invitation?
@ChildrenON chooses not to disclose that either.
3/5
Quick recap of the #ONBudget:
Education
➡ No immediate financial relief for post-secondary students, only a freeze of over-priced pre-pandemic tuition fees
➡ Inadequate funding to hire more educators for smaller, safer classes - students and faculty need help
#onpse #onted
Education
➡ No immediate financial relief for post-secondary students, only a freeze of over-priced pre-pandemic tuition fees
➡ Inadequate funding to hire more educators for smaller, safer classes - students and faculty need help
#onpse #onted
Housing
➡ Ignored our #homelessness crisis
➡ Absolutely ZERO funds for direct rent relief
➡ Raised hydro rates for residential properties, instead of the promised reduction of 12%
➡ Ignored our #homelessness crisis
➡ Absolutely ZERO funds for direct rent relief
➡ Raised hydro rates for residential properties, instead of the promised reduction of 12%
2 YEARS AGO today @MacLeodLisa and the @fordnation govt ordered providers to freeze the waitlist for autistic kids therapy and hid this from parents.
2 years later and @ToddSmithPC hasn’t fix the mess. Utter fiasco!
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord ottawacitizen.com/news/local-new…
2 years later and @ToddSmithPC hasn’t fix the mess. Utter fiasco!
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord ottawacitizen.com/news/local-new…
“Note the ministry has asked us not to stray outside of their messaging. (i.e. we would not tell families directly that there will be no service offers through the end of the fiscal year.)”
This was 2 years ago!!! Unreal.
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord
This was 2 years ago!!! Unreal.
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord
The documents have infuriated Scott Corbett, an Ottawa father of two sons on the autism spectrum, including one who has been on the waiting list for more than two years.
“Frankly, I find this a complete betrayal of the public trust”
Sentiment is still valid today!
#onpoli
“Frankly, I find this a complete betrayal of the public trust”
Sentiment is still valid today!
#onpoli
Thread on FAO Autism Report
1. $608M wasn't actually spent on services in FY19/20. $174M is tagged as carry forward to this FY for childhood budgets (that's if the OAG okays it). Also, $97M in CBs received does not = spent on services last FY.
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
1. $608M wasn't actually spent on services in FY19/20. $174M is tagged as carry forward to this FY for childhood budgets (that's if the OAG okays it). Also, $97M in CBs received does not = spent on services last FY.
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
2. If the OAG okays the carry-forward budget expense, will the government spend $774M this year ($600M budget plus the $174M carry-forward)? I'll believe when I see it.
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
3. The $174M unspent last FY is trending higher than the $192M underspend I estimated over the two FYs before the new program is up in 2021. The govt could've reinstated the OAP as the interim plan, put kids in service and stabilize service capacity
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
THREAD: Today @InfoFAO released an OAP report, tracking it's spending, & giving 3 scenarios of how the OAP would play out long term based on their spending. The bottom line, #ChildhoodBudgets are a crappy plan.
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord @fordnation @ToddSmithPC @JR_Ottawa
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord @fordnation @ToddSmithPC @JR_Ottawa
Since the @fordnation gov't increased the budget, they have spent $271 million on #NeedsBasedTherapy, $270 million on #ChildhoodBudgets and $67 million on other services.
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord @ToddSmithPC @JR_Ottawa
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord @ToddSmithPC @JR_Ottawa
This means that @fordnation and co could've doubled the number of children and youth receiving #NeedsBasedTherapy instead of handing out hush money in the form of #ChildhoodBudgets
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord @ToddSmithPC @JR_Ottawa
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord @ToddSmithPC @JR_Ottawa
Thread
One year under @ToddSmithPC leadership and we have a 75-83% decrease in the number of children in therapy! The choice to continue @MacLeodLisa's childhood budget scheme as the interim plan has had serious consequences
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
medium.com/@scottcorbett_…
One year under @ToddSmithPC leadership and we have a 75-83% decrease in the number of children in therapy! The choice to continue @MacLeodLisa's childhood budget scheme as the interim plan has had serious consequences
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
medium.com/@scottcorbett_…
The reality is that nearly 2 years since “freeze-gate”, thousands of autistic children are still waiting for the services they need.
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
thestar.com/politics/provi…
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
thestar.com/politics/provi…
@ToddSmithPC promised there would be a continuum of care for those in service, but the numbers would suggest otherwise.
It's the "gold standard to childhood budget switcheroo" that @MacLeodLisa dreamt up.
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
It's the "gold standard to childhood budget switcheroo" that @MacLeodLisa dreamt up.
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
This Orléans by-election HONK POLL correctly predicted the thumping of @NatalieDMonty. Thank-you Orléans for supporting our kids and sending the message to @fordnation that freezing autism therapy waitlists for OVER 2 years is flat out wrong!
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord
Orléans made the right, or rather correct choice in their rejection of @fordnation’s thin-skinned candidate Natalie Montgomery ... here she is blocking yet another autism advocate. 🙄
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord
Orléans rally crew, don’t forget to earn your badge of honour by getting blocked by the defeated Natalie Montgomery. 🙄
@drpmonaghan @ottawa_asd_mum @kate_logue @RhondaA25 @mama_warrior @ToshLawKidz @brucemcintosh @claraakmc
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
@drpmonaghan @ottawa_asd_mum @kate_logue @RhondaA25 @mama_warrior @ToshLawKidz @brucemcintosh @claraakmc
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
1/ Offering peace of mind to 25% of children will not placate 29k desperate families.
A year ago, thousands across the province rallied against a generalized funding program that would meet the needs of some, create waste where unneeded and leave many without the support they
A year ago, thousands across the province rallied against a generalized funding program that would meet the needs of some, create waste where unneeded and leave many without the support they
2/ desperately require; particularly those with severe needs and those who are over the age of six.
After years of waiting, immediate funding, even if it falls far short, may very well be “better than nothing”. Families in crisis may prefer to take something for fear that they
After years of waiting, immediate funding, even if it falls far short, may very well be “better than nothing”. Families in crisis may prefer to take something for fear that they
3/ will otherwise remain on a waitlist forever. This is survival mode after years of disappointment and desperation.
Get help to families immediately. Urgency is required, but also in a method that doesn’t force 29k kids into one category or another, sending a message that this
Get help to families immediately. Urgency is required, but also in a method that doesn’t force 29k kids into one category or another, sending a message that this
Today marks 900 days waiting for access to the Ontario Autism Program.
Please read this. Let me share with folks outside of the autism community the unbelievable systemic barriers that exist in this province. /1 #onpoli #CutsHurtsKids #AutismDoesntEndAtFord
Please read this. Let me share with folks outside of the autism community the unbelievable systemic barriers that exist in this province. /1 #onpoli #CutsHurtsKids #AutismDoesntEndAtFord
Without divulging detailed private info, my child has a feeding issue related to his autism. Food = staying alive. Staying alive = healthcare. /2
With autism you are siloed. Pushed into the Ontario Autism Program because you have autism. If you don’t have buckets of money, good luck! Canada’s healthcare is not “universal” because it discriminates against kids, youth and adults w/ disabilities. /3
THREAD:
It’s a disgrace that nearly a year since @MacLeodLisa started her destruction of the Ontario Autism Program that advocates are still protesting for the government to fix this mess.
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord
ottawacitizen.com/news/local-new…
It’s a disgrace that nearly a year since @MacLeodLisa started her destruction of the Ontario Autism Program that advocates are still protesting for the government to fix this mess.
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord
ottawacitizen.com/news/local-new…
2/4:
This time the protest was brought to @JR_Ottawa office. Despite nearly doubling the autism budget @ToddSmithPC can’t figure out how to direct the money towards needs based services. Wants to stall until 2021! Parents and advocates are fed up.
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord
This time the protest was brought to @JR_Ottawa office. Despite nearly doubling the autism budget @ToddSmithPC can’t figure out how to direct the money towards needs based services. Wants to stall until 2021! Parents and advocates are fed up.
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord
3/4:
As one parent said to me today, there already is a program, how hard can it be to add more kids to it?
He’s right, it isn’t hard. Regionals have no problem processing behaviour plans for thousands of kids in the legacy OAP.
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord
As one parent said to me today, there already is a program, how hard can it be to add more kids to it?
He’s right, it isn’t hard. Regionals have no problem processing behaviour plans for thousands of kids in the legacy OAP.
#onpoli #AutismDoesntEndAtFord
Thread
1/ As 2019 ends, it’s time to reflect on the decisions being made to the Ontario Autism Program.
@ToddSmithPC @JR_Ottawa have lost sight of the highest and most urgent priority
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
1/ As 2019 ends, it’s time to reflect on the decisions being made to the Ontario Autism Program.
@ToddSmithPC @JR_Ottawa have lost sight of the highest and most urgent priority
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
2/ By prioritizing system design of the new OAP and delaying services until 2021, @ToddSmithPC has chosen process over people, a terrible decision given the dire straits the @fordnation has put the autism community thru
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
3/ Let’s rewind to the beginning of 2019, the problem was the preposterously long wait times to receive autism services.
Instead of solving the problem @ToddSmithPC is chasing rabbits down holes
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
Instead of solving the problem @ToddSmithPC is chasing rabbits down holes
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
Thread – 8 thoughts on @ToddSmithPC Dec 17 Ontario Autism announcement
1/ April 2020 was a fantasy target date tied to the start of the govt fiscal year, there was NO PLAN.
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
1/ April 2020 was a fantasy target date tied to the start of the govt fiscal year, there was NO PLAN.
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
2/ @ToddSmithPC frames his interim choice between wait list children getting nothing or a 1-time payment.
That’s a false choice.
He could have enrolled them into ABA with @Roman_Baber 30/hr wk cap.
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
That’s a false choice.
He could have enrolled them into ABA with @Roman_Baber 30/hr wk cap.
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
3/ When directly asked if in-service children face an interruption in service, @ToddSmithPC doesn’t answer and deflects to implementation team. Promptly ends Q&A with press.
Families are left with uncertainty. Merry Christmas!
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
Families are left with uncertainty. Merry Christmas!
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
NDP Leader @AndreaHorwath to Ford: When the world is moving towards renewable energy the Ford govt is wasting at least $231 million tearing down clean energy projects. Why did the govt claim there was no cost when in fact ripping up these contracts costs at least $231 million?
@AndreaHorwath Horwath: Govt sources say that costs of scrapping renewable energy projects could exceed $231 million. I can remember when Liberals sat where the Ford govt sits now and lowballed the costs of the gas plant scandal.
Can the govt guarantee that this number will not climb higher?
Can the govt guarantee that this number will not climb higher?
@AndreaHorwath Horwath: It’s been more than a year since Ford proudly announced that he would start tearing down clean energy projects while the rest of the world was building them. The Ford govt still claims they don’t know the full cost. When will the public get an answer? #onpoli
1/ Today is November 19, 2019. And we are still waiting for a plan from the Ontario Government.
Advocates, parents, researchers, therapists, stakeholders have reiterated to the @fordnation government, time and again, that urgency is critical.
And here we are.
Advocates, parents, researchers, therapists, stakeholders have reiterated to the @fordnation government, time and again, that urgency is critical.
And here we are.
2/ going on 10 months since @MacLeodLisa flogged us with her “plan” to remedy the Ontario Autism Program we are no better off than where we were.
Throughout the summer, while @ToddSmithPC was touring the province ‘listening’, the consistent answer to our questions was that
Throughout the summer, while @ToddSmithPC was touring the province ‘listening’, the consistent answer to our questions was that
3/ ‘The Panel’ was hard at work on their recommendations, which we saw come to fruition just shy of November. The Panel recommended Needs Based Therapy. The Panel recommended Urgent Response Services. The Panel recommended reverting back to a chronological waitlist. The Panel
1/ Tonight, maybe three blocks away from where I sit, a Santa Claus parade is still chugging it’s way down the Main Street in Barrhaven, #Nepean. I was there. But I had to leave.
My husband left maybe 10 minutes before I did. My son Jack has severe autism, and each year we try
My husband left maybe 10 minutes before I did. My son Jack has severe autism, and each year we try
2/ our luck with the parade, and each year, it’s no better than the last. Too late, too many flashing lights, too many bad memories from the year before. This year may have been the nail in the coffin. He doesn’t have many words to tell us, but it’s clear this “fun” Christmas
3/ activity just isn’t for him. My husband took him ahead home leaving me with my daughter who is also on the autism spectrum.
The Parade has been cause for reflection for me. A year ago, we stood roadside, and with just the right amount of happenstance, @MacLeodLisa’s
The Parade has been cause for reflection for me. A year ago, we stood roadside, and with just the right amount of happenstance, @MacLeodLisa’s
1) Hi @ToddSmithPC. I hope you can find a moment for this, and I’m willing to try every avenue to reach you, as this is important.
I’ve spent the past year trying to advocate for services for my family. I have two children with ASD and had the opportunity to tell you about them
I’ve spent the past year trying to advocate for services for my family. I have two children with ASD and had the opportunity to tell you about them
2) In person on July 3 in Ottawa, and again on August 19. I’m tired, @ToddSmithPC, but I’m privileged and I know it. I have a partner who stands equally beside me in every aspect of parenting. I have extended family who have been ready and willing to support us both
3) financially, and with extra sets of hands when needed. I was able to leave my job to care for our family. We accessed tens of thousands of dollars in savings, and tens of thousands of more in credit to buy early intervention for our kids. We are tired,
I would like to talk a little, if you will bear with me, about power and platforming.
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
#AutismDoesntEndAtFord #onpoli
I am a non-autistic parent of autistic children. I’m a pretty poor, disabled woman who is tired 24/7. But I have tons of privilege - white privilege, educational privilege and in the context of autism policy, parental privilege.
I’ve decided to leverage the privilege I do have to:
1) boost autistic voices with respect to autism policy specifically, and autism in general.
2) support autistic-led organizations as much as I can and
3) demonstrate that there are parents of autistic kids who oppose ABA
1) boost autistic voices with respect to autism policy specifically, and autism in general.
2) support autistic-led organizations as much as I can and
3) demonstrate that there are parents of autistic kids who oppose ABA
