2009-03-31
07:11:56
Today marks the official closures of the last remaining institutions for developmentally disabled people in Ontario.
The province and community living advocates say it's the end of an era, and the beginning of a new one of social inclusion.At one time there were 16 institutions in Ontario -- today the last two will shut their doors.
Since 1987 thousands of former residents have been moved into the community, into such settings as group homes.
When the last closures were announced in 2004 many families dug their heels in because the institutions were the only homes their loved ones had known. Community and Social Services Minister Madeleine Meilleur says families were afraid of the unknown.
She says now the province can move toward full inclusion of people with developmental disabilities into society.
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