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Dear Christina Mitas
My name is Susan Beayni and I live at 8 Fairway Dr., in your riding. I am a mother of a 36 year old daughter named Rebecca who requires 24 hours a day support. She is totally dependent on others and lives at home with us as an integral member of her community. Because of the assistance of a facilitator who believes in the importance of people with an intellectual disability being full members in their community sharing their gifts, Rebecca has lived an amazing life where she actively contributes to society by volunteering at the ROM, Rosalie Day Care, our local library and in our local elementary school listening to grade 1 students read. With facilitation, a support circle/network was created around Rebecca to assist her plan and implement her plans to follow her dreams. None of these things would have happened if it weren’t for independent facilitation. I also have been part of parent support groups and have heard the amazing stories of what their sons and daughters with disabilities are contributing to their communities because of the involvement of independent facilitators. Not only does the community benefit from all being able to contribute their gifts, it has also been shown that in the long run, it is much more economical for the government to provide funding for independent facilitators to enable people to reach their full potential in the community, rather than paying for group homes and day programs. I feel very strongly that it is vital for the government to continue to fund independent facilitation for individuals who have an intellectual disability. It would be helpful for you and anyone in the government who is making these decisions re: independent facilitation funding to watch a film about our daughter called “Dance in the Shadow” at http://www.planningnetwork.ca/en-ca/Resources/18697/Dance-in-the-Shadow What you see in the film, would not have happened without independent facilitation. I strongly encourage you to represent our point of view on this very important topic at this time. As well as reading this letter, I would be happy to speak in person to whoever is involved in making decisions on this topic. Thank you very much Sincerely Susan, Simon and Rebecca Beayni 8 Fairway Dr. Scarborough ON M1J 2R2 |