That the following resolution from the Town of Ajax, regarding Support for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, be endorsed by the Municipality of Clarington:
Whereas the bulk of government funded programs for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) end at age 18 in Ontario;
And whereas families supporting a loved one with ASD are often forced to make the difficult decision between expensive private day programs and leaving the workforce to provide care;
And whereas getting out of the home and connecting with others can alleviate social isolation, improve mental and physical health, and lead to an overall better quality of life;
And whereas Autism Home Base, based in Bowmanville and with weekly drop-ins at McLean Community Centre in Ajax, provides supports and services to 191 Durham Region families, or more than 450 participants, five days a week;
And whereas by supporting programs for adults with ASD, the Government of Ontario can achieve its goal of keeping patients healthy in their communities and out of hospitals, as noted in the Ministry of Health’s 2022-2023 Strategic Plan;
Now therefore be it resolved that Clarington Council formally requests that the Government of Ontario provide core funding for organizations providing programs, care, and services for adults with ASD, including Autism Home Base, as part of the 2024 Provincial Budget; and
That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Premier Doug Ford, Minister Health Sylvia Jones, Minister Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister Mental Health and Addictions Michael Tibollo, Ajax MPP Patrice Barnes, Todd McCarthy, MPP Durham, David Piccini, MPP Northumberland-Peterborough South, the Region of Durham, the lower tier Durham municipalities, local school boards, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and Autism Ontario.