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Report from Queen 's Park By GEORGE ASHE. MPP (PC-DURHAM WEST) j WHITBY FREE PRESS, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMJ3LR 3. I1980, PAGE 5 Government launches a $29 Million program to assist the mentaily retarded The ministry of healt.h has budgeted $30,617,000 this year for the continuing provision of residential and health care ser- vices for mentally retarded persons. The ministry will also continue to be responsible for the operation of the current programs which include health services and nursing care, basic custodial care, and some social and recreational ac- tivities. The ministry of education, through local boards of education will maintain responsibility for special education programs offered for young people up to the age of 21. I believe this is an extremely worthwhile and important program which will ensure that every mentally handicapped person in Ontario has the opportunuty to reach his or ber fullest potential and to enjoy an active and rewarding life. Encouraging and assistimg our mentally handicapped citizens to develop to their fullest potential bas always been a strong commitment of the Ontario Government. Earlier this year, my colleagues, Community and Social Services Minster, Keith Norton, Health Minister Dennis Tim- breil, and Education Minister Bette Stephenson, announced the implementation of a four-year program to increase developmental training, education, social and recreation op- port unities for mentally retarded people in nursing homes and bornes for special care across Ontario. The program which wil cost approximately $29 million, will assist 2,920 people and create about 800 new jobs in the private sector. Professional people and support staff in various fields are to be involved including physiotherapists, speech tberapists, residential counsellors, early childhood educators, occupational therapists, rehabilitation workers, psychologists, social workers and recreationists. The first phase of the program is well underway. A total of $1.3 million bas been allocated fot this fiscal year to provide for individual assessments and program initiatives for 400 children and young adults up to age 21, as well as for 300 older aduits. Each mentally retarded individual will be personally assessed by one of the professional teams set up by the Ministries of Health, Education, and Community and Social Services. Each teani will consist of a physician, nurse, educator, developmental instructor, and social worker. A personal plan will determine the developmental potential and training needs of each resident. Programs in behaviour, self-care, special education, physical and speech therapy will be offered to name a few. By September 30, 1980, personal assessments will be com- pleted for ail cbildren and young aduits under the age of 21. By Mardi 31, 1981, approximately 3W0 aduits are to be assessed, and programs will be introduced as soon as possible. 0f ten a mentally handicapped person can benefit from par- ticipating in establisbed programs offered in various corn- munities. These programs will be enricbed to include residen- ts and expanded to ensure that ail those wishing to participate may do so. The minstry of community and social services is respon- sible for the overali management of the project in addition to the funding and implementation of developmental programs, and recreational training and activities. Whitby firms fined for dumpmg tiegal waste Fines totaling $1,200 have been levied against the two Whitby plastic in- dustries after being convic- ted of dumping untreated chemical waste into Lake Ontario. Both Plastic Plating Com- pany and Plastic Surface Finishers, Ltd., of Hopkins Street, pleaded guilty to 12 charges under the Region of Durbam's sewer use bylaw. The companies were fined $100 on eacb charge. Wbitby Regional Coun- cilior Bob Attersley, a member of the public works committee, said that the prosecution of other polluting industries will now be easier because of the court decision. "IWe have other industries we are looking at now, and this should shake them Up," he said adding, "We'll tell them either to dlean up or we'll prosecute. " Attersley claimed that the two companies were dum- ping up to 100 times the allowable arnount of copper, nickel, and chromium waste into the sewer system which in turn carried it to the lake. The region laid charges on May 30 after testing the fir- ms effluent which sbowed high concentration of heavy metals. Attersley said that bis committee was "really hap- py to see the first convic- tions" because the waste the companies were dumping was causing a major pollution problem in the lake. The problem, he ad- ded, cound not be treated by the existing waste treatment plant. Durham Region is to bave only one representative on the board of directors of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. Newcastle Mayor Garnet Rickard was elected to the board at thé AMO's recent convention in Toronto. Whitby, Ajax, Newcastle and Pickering each pay more than $1,000 a year to be part of the organization wbich presents the views of the municipalities to provincial government. the Rickard, who bas served on the board for six years, said that the price the municipalities must pay to be members of the AMO is well worth it. Tbe only Durham politician on the board is Ajax Mayor Clark Mason, immediate past-president of the AMO. 1 p ~ ~Ju One Durham rep on AMO DENTURE THERAPY CLINIC HARWOOD PLACE MALL 683m6074 Um