Achievements

REVERSE RESPITE  –  CWSDS AWARDED 3-YEAR FUNDING TO SUPPORT CREATIVE OUTREACH PROGRAM

April, 2022

In response to a significant need identified early in the Covid-19 pandemic, CWSDS launched a creative outreach program called Reverse Respite. Due to Covid restrictions on community supports, families with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been facing additional challenges, further straining their ability to shoulder the 24/7 care of their loved ones.

In response to this need, in 2020 CWSDS launched a pilot project called Reverse Respite.  A person is supported within their own home for up to 48 hours, allowing the family a much needed break, perhaps in a different place, and some time for themselves to rest and recharge.  Reverse Respite helps to rebuild family connectedness and resiliency, which strengthens the family and helps to avoid crisis situations.  The program was initially funded through a limited grant, and the success was immediate.  As of early 2022 over 123 families have utilized reverse respite due to ongoing flexibility within CWSDS to manage crisis situations.

We are pleased to announce that CWSDS has been awarded funding for 3 years in order to continue to support this important initiative, for those most in need.  While the 3 year funding has an annual cap it will nevertheless allow CWSDS to expand this much needed respite program to new families and help to prevent potentially straining situations.

CWSDS AWARDED ITS THIRD 4-YEAR FOCUS ACCREDITATION FOR QUALITY OF SERVICES

May, 2021

FOCUS Accreditation has awarded CWSDS its third 4-year Accreditation Award from May 2021–May 2025.  Additionally, CWSDS received the elite level award (the Seal of Sustainability), which is given to organizations that achieve three levels of accreditation status.

FOCUS accreditation stated that:

• CWSDS staff are committed to providing high quality care to the people we support
• CWSDS has a comprehensive Strategic Plan to guide us
• Records management, fiscal and legal requirements, risk management and health and safety are well handled
• CWSDS has well regarded and effective clinical and behaviour support services
• There is strong and accomplished leadership and governance at CWSDS

This is a significant achievement!  A sincere thank you to everyone for their commitment and dedication to the people that we support and the entire CWSDS community.

CWSDS EXPANDS EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE DELIVERY WITH THE CREATION OF TWO PROGRAMS FOCUSED ON GERIATRIC SUPPORTS

January, 2019

Canadian adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are leading longer more meaningful lives. The creation of our Central Manor and West Village geriatric programs provides a continuum of person-centered supports that improve quality of life and allow people to age in place with minimal change.  CWSDS recognizes the importance of preserving people’s dignity while their ever-changing health and wellness needs are met.  We are also committed to strong and inclusive community participation initiatives that take into account the varied needs, preferences and interests of the people we support.

CENTRAL REGION PARTNERSHIP ON AGING AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (CRPADD)
Health Considerations Tables for Aging Persons with a Developmental Disability

CWSDS is a contributing member of the Central Region Partnership on Aging and Developmental Disabilities, which is a cross sector partnership dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and those who support them. Through its partnership relationships with other service providers, CWSDS advances knowledge, skills and understanding of aging persons with IDD.

Persons with IDD may begin to develop age-related changes affecting one or more body systems at an earlier chronological age than typically expected.  CWSDS staff were instrumental in the development of the Health Considerations Tables for Aging Persons with IDD, the purpose of which is to enable staff, family, caregivers and others to compile and report valuable information pertaining to an aging person with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The completed information is intended to be presented at regular medical appointment reviews as well as at acute and emergency care visits.

View the Tables here.

The Central Region Partnership on Aging and Developmental Disabilities emerged from the regional activities associated with the Ontario Partnership on Aging and Developmental Disabilities (OPADD).  This informal provincial partnership of service providers in the continuum of seniors services and developmental disabilities is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for older adults with IDD through transition planning that includes equal access to seniors’ community and supportive living programs.  Activities involve regional committees, local cross sector pilot projects, provincial associations, planning bodies, educational institutions, researchers and policy-makers.