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Premier Dalton McGuinty
Cabinet Minister Sandra Pupatello
Cabinet Minister David Caplin
December 5, 2003
Congratulations to you all on your success in the recent Provincial election.
As aging parents of a developmentally disabled daughter who has resided at the Huronia Regional Centre
for over 40 years now, we would like to express some of our many concerns about the possibility of losing
this valued facility that brings a better quality of life to our daughter and many others.
As I am sure you are aware, the many physical, emotional, and medical challenges related to mentally
handicapped persons vary considerably from person to person. Some individuals are quite capable of
independent activities and fit well into community- based residences. Many others, my daughter included,
require continual 24 hour supervision. Without this level of care, their potential to learn and indeed their
very life is at risk.
The programs at Huronia have allowed our daughter to accomplish so much more than we had ever
imagined possible. She too, is extremely proud of each new experience and achievement. The facilities,
programs and level of staff expertise have made the difference. In recent years, the number of residents at
Huronia has dropped to a more manageable level. Now, Huronia Centre staff are better able to provide
proper and humane services to those who could not possibly function in a Community Living environment.
Our daughter is subject to emotional outbursts and anxiety attacks without warning. Without knowledgeable,
caring staff and medical personnel available, these attacks would be devastating and dangerous to our
daughter and those around her. Group-home staff and facilities are not capable of handling these
behaviours.
It would indeed be devastating to our daughter and her many companions if this facility, with all its many
successful programs, were to be shut down. Although there are individuals who can function well in the
group home environment, many cannot. Those who require assistance with their daily routines, and
occasional medical intervention must have an option.
In fairness to the residents of Huronia, and in order to fully appreciate the specialized services of the facility
and the varied needs of its residents, we urge you Mr. McGuinty, Ms. Pupatello and Mr. Caplin to personally
tour the Huronia Regional Centre.
We look forward to your response and welcome any opportunity to assist in this matter.
Sincerely,
Susan Abernethy
Bill Abernethy