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I am a 43 year old mother of 4 boys. I am also a huge fan that has enjoyed your music from the beginning of
American Idol.
I work at Huronia Regional Centre in Orillia Ontario. It is one of the 3 remaining facilities for the physically and
developmentally handicapped in our province. We have just over 300 residents. The government has initiated
the closure by March 2009.
The average age of our residents is late fifties and this is the only home they have ever known. Our Community
is made up of 26 apartments each specialized to the clients we serve. It is not an institution! It is their home!
We have our own hospital unit, with nurses available on sight at all times. Kinesiology, [we have a pool
recreation, speech and hearing are just some of the specialized services that our residents receive.
The families many of whom are opposed to the closure have been proactive in trying to lobby the government to
change their minds. Our union has been supporting them, as well as trying to expand our services. Centres of
Excellence is one proposal that provides much needed services to the community.
I personally have been in the field for 25 years and am proud to be one of the kind, caring professionals. I
believe we have a wonderful community where the residents are treated with dignity and respect. Making life
better today than it was yesterday is something many of us live by. It is unfortunate that we may have
"bettered" ourselves out of a job.
In the geriatric unit that I am presently working in, the residents have lived there for 50-60 years. They have
lived thru the worst of institution life and our now enjoying a comfortable life of choices, excellent care and
support.
The ladies just love your CD and enjoy dancing in their wheelchairs. It is so touching to see the love they have
for each other. It is extremely sad to know they may be separated before God intended.
The freedom for some will end. Whether it be at the front door or their bedroom door. What is acceptable in our
community cannot and will not be acceptable in the community. Statistics show that many will not survive the
move.
I personally would rather see it privatized if the government continues with the closure. Let them keep their
Home!
Dianne Davidson