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w w w .in si d eH A LT O N .c o m O A K V IL LE B E A V E R F ri d ay , A u g u st 1 2, 2 01 1 8 Oakville couple is weary of government bureaucracy already made. Your letter failed to mention the not-so positive aspects. Perhaps actually meeting some of the families negatively impacted by your government's bureaucracy, wait lists, etc. might provide you with greater insight and compassion into their daily existence and not leave you with such a feeling of pride. Your letter mentioned having increased funding substantially for developmental services, yet it neglected to specify the allocation of the funding dollars spent on government services versus those provided directly to the families in need. Your new developmental ser- vice system was created to allow for a more equitable and fair assess- ment of each individual indeed a step in the right direction. However, are you aware that the new system does not have to be adhered to by your own represen- tatives when considering funding for the applicants? Our recent, and gruelling, year with your ministry in our request for the Passport funding has been anything but positive, transparent, consistent, fair, efficient or accountable and certainly not the single-point access you project. The Passport Initiative was intended to assist those individuals still at home, transitioning from the Ministry of Education into meaningful programs within the community. Yet the wait list for the Passport funding with your ministry currently remains at approximately 4,000. Access to a wait list is not access to a program. As well, we have been told that the program's three-level review will in no way result in reversal of the original decision regardless of what transpires. This simply obfuscates the meaning of the word review. The ministry's representatives have responded by stating it is simply an information-sharing process. Yet, as we approach a Level 3 meeting, we are still being denied access to the information essential and critical information required to proceed to a review. These are only a few of the many systemic errors and proce- dural injustices our family has encountered in this most time- consuming and stressful process. As a result, we had to request the assistance of Ms. Hart at the Ombudsman's Office. Her tireless efforts have focused upon improv- ing communication and process. However, again, despite Ms. Hart's persistence, our daughter remains no further ahead. Caring for a special needs family member is a daily struggle and only those living with this can appreciate the challenges. Most programming and related costs for the lower functioning individuals Continued from page 6 See Family page 9 (905) 639-7740 2243 Fairview Street, Burlington (905) 628-8562 294 York Road, Dundas www.hollandpark.com Selection may vary from store to store. All specials are while quantities last, unless otherwise stated. GARDEN GALLERY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES. HOLLAND PARK Prices in effect from August 12-25, 2011 Garage Sale & Corn Roast Saturday, August 20 & Sunday, August 21 Only SAVE UP TO 75% OFF SELECTED POTS, SILKS, CHRISTMAS & MUCH, MUCH MORE! Service Tree and Shrub Planting Decks to Patios Waterfeatures Full Scale Landscape Construction Service ... We can complete it all! From Consultation to Landscape Design to Complete Construction Call or e-mail Fred for a site analysis consulation Fred@hollandpark.com 905-639-7740 ext. 245 Perennial Grasses - 1 gallon 50% OFF our regular prices Fall Mums - 1 gallon $499 ea. or $12 for 3 Patio Furniture & Outdoor Patio Accessories UP TO 50% OFF (Includes Furniture, Umbrellas & Bases, Outdoor Lighting & Much More) on regular priced items only Rose of Sharon 40%OFF Regular price All Upright Cedars 30%OFF Regular price All Perennials 30%OFF All Blue Spruce 40%OFF