Latest news with #developmentaldisabilities
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DD levy rally set for Aug. 1
Jul. 24—Event to serve as call to volunteers SOUTH POINT — A rally is set for Friday, Aug. 1 in support of a ballot levy in the general election in November that would fund the county's developmental disabilities services. Julie Monroe, superintendent of Open Door School, operated by Lawrence County Developmental Disabilities, said the event is being organized by Lawrence County Advocates for DD, a political action committee in support of the levy, and is set for 6-8 p.m. at the South Point Community Center. Trending * Piketon man found guilty of 4 counts of murder in traffic accident * Fair concludes with livestock auction Monroe said advocates are seeking a 2.5 mill levy on the ballot. "This will enable us to continue to provide services for people of all ages with developmental disabilities in the county," she said. Monroe said there has not been a levy in support of DD services approved since 2006. "And these levies don't increase," she said, noting this does not meet current needs. "So we are very far behind and that's why we are asking for an increase." The event will feature music by Emmy Davis and MacLean James, as well food. Monroe said its primary purpose is to serve for organizing and to recruit supporters for the campaign in backing the levy. Trending * Reds' 3rd baseman Stewart making name for himself * Facing Hunger Foodbank will have food giveaway in Ironton on Friday "There will be information on how to help, as well as yard signs," she said. "It's a call for volunteers." The last time a DD levy was on the ballot in the county was 2019, when a 10-year, 2.5 mill levy was defeated by less than two percent. You Might Like News, Local, Top Home, Politics, Z Newsletter — News Candidates begin filing for office News Ozzy Osbourne has died at age 76 News Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan has died at the age of 71 in Florida News Taste of Ironton canceled Solve the daily Crossword
CTV News
14-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Families speak out about Algonquin College's plan to phase out adult special needs program
Terry (left), Charlene (middle) and Brennan White (right) say they are 'disappointed and sad' about Algonquin College's decision to discontinue the AAADD program. (Josh Marano/CTV News Ottawa) Brennan White is currently enrolled in the Academic Assistance for Adults with Developmental Disabilities (AAADD) program at Algonquin College. The AAADD program has been offered at the college since 1997, providing academic and social skills for adults with developmental disabilities. White just finished his second year at the school but said he was 'disappointed and upset' to learn the school is phasing out the program as it faces financial challenges. The college says the program will conclude on April 30, 2026 to allow students currently enrolled to finish their studies. Brennan's mother Charlene White says the news came as a shock and adds the program is important for her son's independence. 'Brennan does love going to the (AAADD) program, it increases his independence,' Charlene White says. 'He goes on the bus to get here, he loves the college atmosphere, that is so crucial.' AAADD students are given a certificate of completion and not a formal credential approved by the Ministry of Education when they finish their studies. The college previously told CTV News Ottawa that it would be focusing on credentialed programs that align with its mandate. The program does not receive funding from the Ministry of Education. White is one of many families that are affected by the closure of the program. There are currently 73 students enrolled in the program, but no new students have been accepted for three years. 'It is a really important niche for so many young adults and adults with exceptionalities who need extra help, support with continued learning, but are certainly capable of continued learning and so this should be funded in some way, shape or form by the provincial government,' Charlene White adds. A town hall is being hosted on Thursday by Ottawa West-Nepean NDP MPP Chandra Pasma at City View United Church at 7 p.m. 'It's an opportunity for parents and those who are concerned about these program cuts to come, share the impact on their children and to talk about what we can do to fight to get this program and to have it continued,' Pasma says. White says they are planning to hold a protest later this fall. The college already announced wider cuts earlier this year, including the suspension of 41 active and dormant programs, the closure of the Perth Campus and the offering of voluntary exit packages to staff, citing a drop in international student enrollment and a tuition freeze. Staff say enrolment is projected to drop 11 per cent in 2025-26. Algonquin College reported in January that it was projecting a $32 million loss in revenue for 2024-25, and a $60 million loss in 2025-26 and $93 million for 2026-27. The board of governors approved the $479 million 2025-26 school year budget last month, using $41 million in reserves to cover the multi-million-dollar budget deficit and to support projects and initiatives at the college for the next school year. With files from CTV News Ottawa's Josh Pringle and William Eltherington
CTV News
25-06-2025
- CTV News
Hamilton support worker charged after allegedly stealing $277K from clients with developmental disabilities
A support worker who is employed by a Hamilton agency that provides support to people with developmental disabilities is facing charges after she allegedly stole $277,00 from clients under the guise of helping them with their finances, police say. The alleged fraud took place over a two-year period that spanned from Dec. 15, 2022 to Jan. 16, 2025. Police say that the accused was providing care for multiple vulnerable residents of Community Living Hamilton and was able to access the bank accounts of those individuals 'for the purposes of assisting them with their finances.' Police, however, allege that the accused ultimately diverted $277,000 from those accounts for her own personal use. Pamela Ellis, 44, was arrested following what Hamilton police are calling a 'lengthy' investigation. Police say that Ellis is charged with fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. Police continue to investigate the matter and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Should wealthy people be allowed to buy their way on to drug trials? It sounds unethical – but it could help save other sufferers like Tom and Rosie
It was a handwritten birthday party invitation that finally made Mel Dixon realise something was wrong. Her firstborn son, Tom, then four, had struggled with feeding since birth. He'd screamed after having milk. He was clumsy. His speech lagged behind his peers. And he had a subtle but persistent tremor – a shakiness in his hands that was hard to explain.
CBS News
16-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Florida families of children with developmental disabilities stuck in line for assistance
Despite a state budget that allocates more than $900 million this year to support people with developmental disabilities, tens of thousands of Florida families are still waiting for help. Among them is the Castro family of Sunrise, who said the long-standing waitlist for services is forcing them to pay thousands out of pocket each month to care for their daughter with a rare genetic condition. A rare diagnosis, a daily struggle Fridays are always busy in the Castro home. That's when 5-year-old Madi attends physical therapy and dynamic movement intervention-treatments her parents say are essential but costly. "She has a chromosome 7 duplication. It's essentially a one-in-a-million. It's very, very rare," said Madi's mother, Francis Castro. "We don't have a lot of information as to what that means. It comes with other things, of course, like being nonverbal, [and having an] intellectual disability." While therapy has made a huge difference in Madi's development, it's all paid for out of pocket. "Her overall care a month, including everything else that we do, is probably about $3,500," Francis said. Thousands still waiting for help The Castros are one of more than 23,000 families in Florida stuck on the waitlist for the state's iBudget Medicaid Waiver program, which provides essential services such as therapy and in-home care for individuals with developmental disabilities. "Some people with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy or severe autism, other chromosomal or genetic mutations, they have been on the waitlist 7, 12, 15 years with absolutely no other assistance," Francis said. "So essentially, they have to quit their jobs and just take care of them." Although Florida invested a record $2.2 billion into the Agency for Persons with Disabilities last year, only about $64 million went toward reducing the waitlist-enough to serve just 1.71 percent of those in need, according to the Florida Policy Institute. "Anyone can become disabled at any point," Francis added. "So I think it's something that everyone should be passionate about because once you need the services, it becomes a lot harder to try to get them, and it really shouldn't be." Other states, including New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire, have eliminated their waitlists altogether. "It is really frustrating having to continuously fight," Francis said. "But obviously it's worth it for our kids." CBS News Miami reached out to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities for comment but has not received a response.
