CLEC Champions #WaitingtoBelong Campaign to Support Vulnerable Communities

Community Living Essex County (CLEC) is actively supporting the province-wide advocacy campaign #WaitingtoBelong, aimed at improving access to developmental services for individuals with disabilities in Ontario. The initiative comes in response to a growing crisis within the developmental service sector, as highlighted by Corey Dalgleish, Executive Director of CLEC. He emphasized that the lack of investment in these services is leaving many vulnerable individuals and their caregivers in distress.

Dalgleish pointed out that developmental services are crucial for the community’s most vulnerable members. “An investment in developmental services is an investment in the most vulnerable people who live in that community, and they are falling through the cracks now,” he stated. The campaign seeks to address the long-standing issues within the system, which has been described as “chronically underfunded” for over three decades.

The campaign is aligned with the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services’ Journey to Belonging framework, which envisions a future where individuals with developmental disabilities can fully integrate into their communities. According to Dalgleish, CLEC supports over 700 individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families, and the organization is urging the public to sign a petition at www.waiting2belong.ca to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges faced by those awaiting vital services.

Statistics reveal that there are currently 53,000 adults across Ontario waiting for services, including housing and community participation support. Locally, approximately 1,000 individuals are experiencing delays in receiving necessary assistance. Dalgleish noted that the ramifications extend beyond the individuals waiting for services; they also affect their caregivers, many of whom are struggling with burnout and financial strain due to reduced work hours.

He remarked, “For every individual waiting, there is a caregiver at home, who is burning out… isolated or financially strained.” Many caregivers report deteriorating physical and mental health, leading to a cycle of crises that affects both families and society at large. According to Dalgleish, the situation has escalated to a level where it can no longer be viewed merely as a waitlist issue; it is now a public health and economic concern.

The funding model for developmental services has not kept pace with the growing needs of the population. Over the past 30 years, the sector has seen only a 7% increase in base operating costs, despite a significant rise in demand for services. “We have been doing more with less for 30 years,” Dalgleish explained, warning that the sector is “literally at a tipping point.”

The crisis is exacerbated by families resorting to emergency services to cope with unmet needs. Increasing incidents of crime, exploitation, and human trafficking among individuals with disabilities have been reported, alongside rising risks of homelessness. Currently, approximately 28,000 individuals are waiting for housing with support, further stressing the need for immediate action.

The developmental service providers are calling on the provincial government to stabilize the system through predictable funding. Specifically, they are requesting a 3% increase to the base budget for 2026 and 2027, followed by a 2% annual increase thereafter. They aim to ensure that individuals with disabilities receive support tailored to their assessed needs, particularly those currently receiving the minimum allocation of $5,500 per year through the Ontario Passport Program.

Dalgleish articulated a vision for the future: “Ultimately, we live in a society that believes in inclusion and belonging. Belonging should not have a waiting list.” He underscored the importance of providing individuals with safe communities, suitable housing, employment opportunities, and mental health support.

He also acknowledged the critical role of caregivers, describing them as the “invisible backbone holding everything together.” Many families are exhausted and fearful of what the future holds, particularly as they consider their own health and longevity.

As the province prepares to announce its 2026 Budget, the message from organizations like CLEC is clear: without adequate funding and resources, the promise of a more inclusive society may remain unfulfilled.