December 2006
REGIONAL CO-CHAIR TRAINING
Every region was represented at the Regional Co-chair Training event held October 29 to 31 at the Parkway Sheraton Hotel. Sandy Keshen and Margaret Ringland provided the keynote address, “Keeping the Vision.” Kevin Costante, Deputy Minister of MCSS and Tim Burns, Director Long Term Care Homes Branch, MOHLTC provided overviews of Ministry initiatives in the area of aging and developmental disabilities. Val Armstrong presented on the CCAC as the fulcrum in transition planning between the developmental services and long term care sectors. Sessions included regional discussions on a number of issues of interest to regions and dialogue focused on development of our communication capacity. Some of the feedback is being applied to changes to the OPADD website. Ron Coristine provided sessions and materials on the role of the co-chair, leadership, communications and teamwork.
Val Armstrong chaired the task group that planned the program. Deanna Finch Smith coordinated prizes, games and decorations to add some fun between sessions. Anne Amore handled registrations and logistics. Participants indicated it was a worthwhile time and expanded their knowledge of OPADD and the role of the regions. Notes of some discussions, handouts and PowerPoint presentations will be made available on the OPADD website in the near future.
REGIONAL WORKSHOPS
Toronto – November 16 2006 at the Bank of Montreal Training Facility – was attended by 110 people with good representation from both sectors as well as CCACs and acute care. The North York CCAC and the Toronto OPADD Committee partnered to plan and deliver the workshop on building bridges to support transition planning. Toronto’s second workshop is being planned for 2007.
Central East – November 27 and 28 at the Kempenfelt Centre in Barrie – was attended by more than 100 people with balanced representation from both sectors. David Sheridan facilitated a series of process discussions that resulted in some specific plans and commitments for carrying the work forward. Participants expressed a strong desire to share what they have learned in order to expand the system’s capacity to plan for people as they age.
Southwest – workshop tentatively scheduled for April 25.
OPADD GUIDE ON ACCESSING SENIORS COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Copies of the Guide in CD ROM format are available for $12.00, which covers the cost of publication and distribution. The Access Guide provides an excellent resource for front line staff working in either sector as well as adults with a developmental disability who have some computer literacy. Multiple copies can be purchased at a reduced rate.
OPADD WEBSITE
There have been some technical problems with the website during the past few weeks. We are working to correct these and apologize for any inconvenience in the interim. If you are having difficulty accessing any of our pages or documents please send a quick e-mail to Anne Amore with a description of your problem.Thanks. A series of content changes and re-organization of portions of the site is continuing and will be uploaded once we have wrung the bugs out of the site.
October 2006
REGIONAL CO-CHAIR TRAINING
Regional Co-chair training is being planned with the help of a task group: Val Armstrong, Central East Region; Cindy Stephens, Toronto Region; Linda Peever, Southeast Region; and Berthe Last, Northeast Region. Deanna Finch Smith of the Hamilton, Peel, Brant, Halton, Niagara Region has taken on the role of Coordinator of Fun.
All regions are encouraged to send their Co-chairs. Where this is not possible, regions are encouraged to select another representative from the regional committee so at least two people from each region have the opportunity to participate. The cost of travel, meals and accommodation for regional reps are covered through special funding from the Central East Region, Reena and New Leaf.
When: 4:00 PM October 29 to 1:00 PM October 31 2006 Where: Parkway Sheraton Hotel (Highway 7 near the 404)
Who: All regional Co-Chairs and Members of the Collaborative are invited. What: Speakers, discussion sessions, planning, team-building, fun!
Why: To support the regions in their cross sector partnership work and to build an effective dialogue across the province.
REGIONAL WORKSHOPS
- Northeast – September 28 and 29 2006 – in Sudbury – 112 people attended. Speakers included Brian Aitken, Ethics and Gerontology Professor on Aging and Developmental Disabilities; Dr. Roy Brown, Director of Applied Research and Consultant for Down Syndrome Research Foundation of Canada on Quality of Life; Corey Doherty (Sudbury Developmental Services) and Susan Phillips (Alzheimer Society) on Alzheimer Type Dementia in Individuals with Down Syndrome; Stephanie Lawton and Susan Phillips, U-First!Trainers on U-First!; Donna Messer, of Connectus on Networking.
- Ottawa/Champlain – October 5 2006 – in Ottawa
- Toronto – November 16 2006 – in Toronto
- Southwest: The inaugural meeting of the southwest working group was held October 4 2006 in Woodstock. The range of partnering experiences across the region is one element that will guide development of the workshop program. A next meeting is scheduled for November. Invitations to participate are being extended to additional key players.
OPADD GUIDE ON PERSONAL CARE AND PROPERTY
Continues to be developed by Ron Coristine and the working group: Jane Powell of L’Arche and OPADD; Rachel Blumenfeld of Miller Thompson and the Reena Foundation; Kenneth Pope Barrister/Solicitor and specialist in Henson Trusts; Judith Wahl of the Advocacy Resource Centre for the Elderly (ACE).
OPADD WEBSITE
Changes to the website continue; will include easier access to local project information, portions of the OPADD Guide on Accessing Seniors Community Programs, OPADD documents and reports and new links.
September 2006
REGIONAL CO-CHAIR TRAINING EVENT
When: October 29 to 31 2006
Where: Parkway Sheraton Hotel (Highway 7 near the 404)
Who: All regional Co-Chairs and Members of the Collaborative are being invited.
What: Speakers, discussion sessions, planning, team-building, fun!
Why: To support the regions in their cross sector partnership work and to build an effective dialogue across the province.
REGIONAL WORKSHOPS
Ottawa/Champlain – October 5 2006 – In Ottawa Toronto – November 16 2006 – In Toronto Northeast – September 28 and 29 2006 – In Sudbury
Southwest – the inaugural meeting of a southwest working group is scheduled for October 4 2006
OPADD GUIDE ON PERSONAL CARE AND PROPERTY
This newest OPADD Publication will feature information on consent, capacity, substitute decision- making, financial planning and taxation topics. The first draft of the guide has been prepared by Ron Coristine and is now being reviewed by the working group: Jane Powell of L’Arche and OPADD; Rachel Blumenfeld of Miller Thompson and the Reena Foundation; Kenneth Pope Barrister/Solicitor and specialist in Henson Trusts; Judith Wahl of the Advocacy Resource Centre for the Elderly (ACE).
OPADD GUIDE ON ACCESS TO SENIORS COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
The Guide, available in CD ROM Format can be purchased for $12.00 to cover the cost of publication and distribution. You can obtain copies for paid and unpaid caregivers and for older adults with a developmental disability who are seeking new opportunities available to Ontario Seniors by contacting Anne Amore at aamore@reena.org
OPADD WEBSITE
Changes to the website are in progress. Text is being updated. New topics are being introduced. The sections on regional news are being expanded and made easier to access. Information on post secondary training and education is being updated and expanded. Information on research institutes and studies is being added. The changes will be taking effect during September and early October.
July/August 2006
OPADD BACKGROUND PAPER ON LHINS
OPADD has prepared a background paper that describes many of the healthcare issues facing older adults with a developmental disability. The paper helps to draw attention to the responsibilities of paid and unpaid caregivers to ensure that the healthcare requirements of this aging population are given close attention within the new LHIN planning framework. The document provides a point of reference for regions in discussions with their respective LHINs. The paper titled, “ENGAGING THE NEW HEALTHCARE PLANNING PARADIGM: OPADD AND LHINs” is available on the OPADD website or by contacting Anne Amore at aamore@reena.org
REGIONAL CO-CHAIR TRAINING EVENT
Val Armstrong – Southeast is chairing the regional co-chair training planning group. Berthe Last – Northeast; Linda Peever – Southeast; and Cindy Stephens – Toronto Region are planning group members. The group is providing guidance to Ron Coristine in the planning of the Regional Co-Chair Training. It is expected that each region will send their co-chairs and where this is not possible, at least one representative from each sector.
The event will likely be scheduled for late October. Dates will be confirmed within a few days.
REGIONAL WORKSHOPS THIS FALL
Ottawa/Champlain – October 5: The agenda for the day-long workshop has been developed and will feature several speakers with experience in the area of aging and developmental disabilities. Three facilitated panel and group discussions will provide the means to build specific plans for cross sector partnering following the workshop.
Toronto – November 16: A draft agenda for the day-long workshop has been developed. The format will include speakers, a panel and group discussion. The event is being planned in partnership with the Community Care Access Centre.
Northeast – September 28 and 29: Features humour workshop, wine and cheese, experts in the area of Alzheimer Disease, U-First! and communications sessions.
Southwest – a working group is to hold their first meeting this fall.
ADVANCE CARE PLANNING GUIDE
A working group is developing the guide on financial issues, guardianship and substitute decision-making. Members include Jane Powell of L’Arche and OPADD; Rachel Blumenfeld of Miller Thompson and the Reena Foundation; Kenneth Pope Barrister/Solicitor and specialist in Henson Trusts; Ron Coristine OPADD ADD Project Manager are members of the task group. Judith Wahl of the Advocacy Resource Centre for the Elderly (ACE) will also be providing feedback on the document as it is developed.
June 2006
DIALOGUE BETWEEN OPADD AND LHINS CONTINUES
The Toronto Central LHIN will be attending the next OPADD meeting on June 16 to continue the dialogue around the role of LHINs.
REGIONAL CO-CHAIR INFORMATION AND TRAINING EVENT
OPADD is planning a two day information and training event for regional co-chairs. Funding for the proposal is being provided by the Central East Region with additional contributions from Reena and New Leaf. This will keep the cost to participants at a modest level. It is expected that each region will send their co-chairs and where this is not possible, at least one representative from each sector.
A task group is being formed to oversee the planning process. The two day program will offer regional co-chairs an opportunity to learn from one another, receive information about OPADD and participate in some training workshops. The program will include: OPADD vision, goals and strategies; the role of regional committees and co-chairs; OPADD communication vehicles and how to use them; leadership tips and strategies; team-building; the role of the Co-Chair; strategies for effective meetings and communications; supporting local initiatives; and accountability. The event will also foster cross regional communication to facilitate knowledge exchange about regional ideas, initiatives and successes.
The event will be scheduled in October or early November to avoid conflict with regional workshops being planned for this fall.
NEW OPADD BROCHURE
A new brochure has been developed and printed. It has been professionally designed and produced in full colour. The new format includes photographs of older adults with a developmental disability and caregivers, a summary of OPADD activities and information on ordering OPADD publications. A copy of the brochure accompanies this Update. Additional hard copies can be obtained from Anne Amore at aamore@reena.org
UPCOMING REGIONAL WORKSHOPS
Toronto – The Toronto Region is planning a workshop for the fall of 2006 in partnership with the Community Care Access Centre. Possible dates are October 20 or 27 2006.
Ottawa/Champlain – New date is October 5 2006.
Southwest – a working group has been assembled to begin planning for the fall of 2006.
OPADD WEBSITE TO BE UPDATED
The OPADD website is being reviewed to ensure content remains current and reflects OPADD priorities. Changes will include greater emphasis on quality of life and transition planning as approved in the Transition Report of November 2005. It is also expected that more information will be available from the regions in the form of workshop proceedings and news on local initiatives. A reference group is being assembled to
May 2006
GET TO KNOW YOUR LHIN
The Toronto Central LHIN has offered to return to the next OPADD meeting to continue the dialogue around the role of LHINs. If your group/committee-organization has not yet made contact with your respective LHIN or LHINs, now is the time to get to know them and have input to their evolving role. Working with LHINs will be pivotal because of the nature of the partnership between developmental services and the system of services to seniors funded by MOHLTC. Contact information for all LHINs was sent out previously. If you need a copy of the information please contact Anne Amore at aamore@reena.org
OPADD PUBLICATIONS
OPADD now offers the following publications for caregivers and planners:
- Transition Guide for Caregivers (paper copy) $5.00
- NEW – Access Guide to Seniors Community Programs (CD ROM format) $12.00
- NEW – Best Practices in Transition Planning (PowerPoint) free download from the opadd website. To order either of the Guides contact Anne Amore at aamore@reena.org
BUILDING OUR CROSS SECTOR CAPACITY
The format of OPADD meetings is being examined to see how we can use meetings to continue building our capacity for learning, information exchange and mutual accountability. One of the key elements is to strengthen the connection between the regions and the provincial meetings. Reports from the regions are a vital part of OPADD meetings since they help the regions learn from one another as well as disseminate information and updates across the province. More news with the next OPADD agenda in June.
ADVANCE CARE AND ESTATE PLANNING
The need for information tailored to the requirements of older adults with a developmental disability and caregivers was identified by OPADD late last year. This project will review existing information, speak with experts and assemble an information guide. Judith Wahl of the Advocacy Resource Centre for the Elderly (ACE), Kenneth Pope, Barrister and Solicitor in Ottawa and Jane Powell of L’Arche have agreed to help with the work. Anyone wishing to contribute contact Ron Coristine at rcoristine@reena.org
Regional Workshops
Southeast – Two day workshop held Apr 18/19 in Kingston. In the words of one participant, “This has been one of the best conferences I have attended.” Plans were laid on day 2 for creating a sustainable cross sector planning capacity in the region. Workshop proceedings will be available soon on the opadd website.
Toronto – Workshop planning committee has been struck.
Central East – recently completed focus groups across region to identify key issues and stakeholders. Workshop being planned.
April 2006
OPADD Regions Encouraged to Establish Working Relationship with LHINs
At its meeting of March 24 2006, OPADD hosted representatives of the Central Toronto LHIN. The message to OPADD was that LHINs are engaging with community agencies in preparation for development of priorities and planning initiatives. Service providers and others in all OPADD regions are encouraged to get on the radar of their local LHIN(s).
The Toronto Central LHIN will attend the next OPADD meeting, Friday June 9 2006 at Reena to continue the dialogue with OPADD. OPADD encourages all regions to begin a process of engaging with their respective LHINs. More information on LHINs will be shared with OPADD members in the coming weeks.
U-First! Train the Trainer Project Moves Ahead
All regions have scheduled or are in the process of scheduling U-First Training days. Stay tuned or contact your regional co-chairs for more information.
Access Guide to Seniors Community Programs
The Guide is complete and now in production. The final report was reviewed by the task group on April 4. The Access Guide will be presented at the next OPADD meeting June 9. A copy will be distributed to OPADD members, LHINs, CCACs, Ministries and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. Additional copies will be available at cost plus postage and handling. A portion of the Guide will be posted to the OPADD website so people can see what it offers before ordering a copy.
Best Practices in Transition Planning
OPADD’s work is building a body of knowledge around best practices in transition planning. Consideration is being given to developing a blueprint for transition planning as a means to test various practices and identify links between best outcomes and best practices.
Regional Workshops
Northwest – Thunder Bay
Workshop held March 30 and 21 2006. Program included presentations on health issues, quality of life and LHINs. Information will be forwarded by the workshop planning committee for posting to the OPADD website.
Southeast – Kingston
Workshop coming up April 18 and 19 2006. Agenda includes focused discussion and strategy-building to further development of a cross sector dialogue and planning process.
Toronto
Workshop planning getting underway. Possible date of this fall.
March 2006
OPADD Establishing Working Relationship with LHINs
At its next meeting, March 24 2006, OPADD will have the opportunity to hear more about LHINs and dialogue with representatives of the Central Toronto LHIN. At its last meeting OPADD members received information about principal contacts and LHIN boundary information. One of the principal parts of the LHIN mandate is to engage with local communities and is described in the LHIN literature as:
“Local community engagement
- Developing and carrying out community engagement strategies.
- Developing mechanisms and channels for community dialogue.
- Responding directly to unique local concerns and requirements.”
OPADD is looking forward to the discussions and encourages all regions to begin a process of engaging with their respective LHINs.
U-First! Train the Trainer Project Moves Ahead
OPADD has moved the markers in developing collaborative training capacity between developmental services and long term care. Representatives from each of the OPADD regions have attended a training day that will begin the process of equipping them to become U-First trainers and spreading U-First training across the developmental services sector. There will be follow-up training days in each of the regions where the new regional trainers will team up with experienced trainers from long term care to deliver the U-First curriculum to 30 colleagues. The regional trainers will continue to offer U-First within the regions to mixed audiences of long term care and developmental services staff. The U-First! Task Group has managed to accomplish a great deal in a short time.
Transition to Seniors Community Programs
This project has been developing a Guide to support older adults in making the transition to seniors community programs. The guide’s third draft is now being reviewed and converted to CD ROM format. It contains important information about the support requirements of older adults with developmental disabilities and a model for transition planning. The Guide will be ready for distribution in early April.
Regional Development
Each of the regions is moving ahead with cross sector partnerships and initiatives. OPADD is supporting various means for the wealth of knowledge in the regions to be shared across the province. Some of these are:
- OPADD web site discussion centre.
- The OPADD Letter – published quarterly.
- E-mail distribution list for all regional co-chairs.
However the search is on to find additional ways to stimulate a dialogue not only between the sectors but among the regions – to build the knowledge into best practices and effective transition planning. If you have any thoughts on this please send them to rcoristine@reena.org
February 2006
GUIDE TO SENIORS COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
The Access Guide is being developed to facilitate access to seniors’ community programs. Surveys, focus groups and interviews are underway to gather views of caregivers in the developmental services sector, staff of seniors’ community programs and self-advocates (clientele). The Guide will be produced in CD ROM format. The Caregiver Guide, previously developed by OPADD and published September 2005 will be included on the CD. Plans for annual revisions to both guides are being dovetailed.
REGIONAL WORKSHOP REQUIREMENTS
The OPADD document that describes workshop requirements has been sent out to the regions as a reminder of the accountability relationship between OPADD and the regions and to ensure regions are aware of the availability of OPADD and OASIS workshop seed funding.
OPADD FUNDS
Each region may apply for up to $5000.00 from OPADD to assist with their first time and follow-up workshops to be scheduled in 2005 and 2006. Some regions (Southwest, Northwest, Central East and Southeast) had their first-time workshops in 2000/01 and are eligible for follow-up workshop funds. Other regions (Ottawa/Champlain, Toronto, Hamilton/Halton/Niagara/Peel and Northeast) are eligible for first time and follow-up workshop funds of $5000.00 per workshop. Application for these funds is to be made by submitting an approved budget and a cover letter with the request.
OASIS FUNDS
OASIS has approved up to $1000.00 for each region having their first time workshop (Ottawa/Champlain, Toronto, Hamilton/Halton/Niagara/Peel and Northeast). To make application to receive these funds, send a letter of request to Denis McLelland, Director, OASIS Board of Directors.
OPADD WEBSITE
Final touches are being made to the Discussion Centre prior to it being brought online as part of the OPADD Website. A number of format and content changes will also be made to the website during the month of February. If you have any suggestions for changes please convey them to Anne Amore at aamore@reena.org
REMINDER – BUILDING BEST PRACTICES – SHARING MODELS AND PROPOSALS
One of OPADD’s goals is to foster the development of best practices in supporting people with developmental disabilities as they age. Today, there are innovative models in place and proposals that have been developed and await funding. If you are part of an innovative model that has been developed or know of a creative approach that deserves to be tested, you can share it with others via the OPADD website. Send your project descriptions or proposals to aamore@rena.org If sending via E-mail please write –“Best Practices Forum” in your subject line.
Distribution: OPADD – Regional Chairs / Co-Chairs
January 2006
TORONTO REGION SCHEDULES INAUGURAL MEETING
Cindy Stephens and Renske Connell have been contacting service providers and planning bodies in Toronto to arrange a first meeting of the Toronto Committee on Aging and Developmental Disabilities. More then a dozen organizations have indicated they will attend the first meeting on January 10 2006 at Cummer Lodge. A project coordinator is being hired (funded from the Innovations Fund of the Ministry of Community and Social Services) to assist with the initial developmental phase of the Toronto partnership.
OPADD WEBSITE MOVES TO PHASE 3
A Discussion Centre has been created as part of the OPADD Website. The centre will allow all interested people to dialogue on aging and developmental disabilities and will provide another resource for sharing information and learning. The centre will include a notice board for upcoming events and topic areas such as OPADD activities, caregiver support, system planning, research and best practices. The centre will also feature a discussion room for Co-Chairs of regional ADD committees to facilitate cross regional communication. The Discussion Centre will be online by mid January. Watch for it!
BUILDING BEST PRACTICES – SHARING MODELS AND PROPOSALS
One of OPADD’s goals is to foster the development of best practices in supporting people with developmental disabilities as they age. Today, there are innovative models in place and proposals that have been developed and await funding. If you are part of an innovative model that has been developed or know of a creative approach that deserves to be tested, you can share it with others via the OPADD website. Send your project descriptions or proposals to aamore@rena.org If sending via E-mail please write -“Best Practices Forum” in your subject line.
TRANSITION GUIDES AVAILABLE IN HARD COPY
The Transition Guide for Caregivers – Aging with a Developmental Disability, is available from the project office at $4.00 per copy to cover the cost of printing and postage. The Guide provides practical ideas and checklists to help caregivers in their support role. To order copies for staff or family caregivers, send an e-mail to aamore@reena.org You will be invoiced for the number of copies ordered.
Distribution: OPADD – Regional Chairs / Co-Chairs
