The Abilities Centre, a Whitby community hub that provides a wide range of inclusive programming for people with disabilities, will receive $3.5 million from the Ontario government over three years. Programs like therapeutic recreation, skills development, and post-rehabilitation programs that assist people with disabilities in developing life skills and remaining physically and mentally fit will be supported by the funding. Employment services that assist people with disabilities in finding meaningful employment will also be supported.
Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services Michael Parsa stated, “The Abilities Centre is at the forefront of revolutionizing accessibility and creating innovative programs that meet the needs of people with disabilities, their families, and their community.” Our administration gladly upholds the Capacity Community’s significant work to ensure individuals of all capacity levels have the backings and chance to succeed.”
The following are some of the services and programs that are aided by this funding:
- Abilities Centre Core: Projects that support the Abilities Centre’s development as a community hub, and research and development to expand services and programs.
- Thrive and Post Rehab: Skills development programs that help adults with cognitive disabilities become more active participants in their community.
- LEAD ON: Helping government, public and private sector organizations build inclusion and accessibility goals into their strategic plans and company culture.
- Abilities Enterprises, Skill Development & Employment: Helping people of all abilities prepare to work in their communities and achieve their economic goals.
- Therapeutic Recreation and Abilities 360: Intervention, education, and recreation programs that help people with disabilities build life skills, increase their independence, and improve their overall quality of life.
- Physical Literacy and Inclusion: Engaging people in physical activity and encouraging them to adopt healthy behaviours for life.
The Ontario government’s budget for 2023: Ontario’s Building a Strong Economy is assisting in the acceleration of key infrastructure projects, attracting investments and jobs, and driving economic growth. In addition, the plan proposed by the government aims to improve services for Ontario residents, reduce costs for those most in need, and train skilled workers to fill in-demand positions.
Our government is assisting individuals of all abilities to participate in their communities and thrive there. The Minister of Finance, Peter Bethlenfalvy, stated, “With our investment, the Abilities Centre will continue to provide meaningful employment opportunities and inclusive programming.” The proper strategy for providing assistance to those who require it the most right now and establishing a solid fiscal foundation for subsequent generations is Ontario’s 2023 Budget.
