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5 | Friday M ay 2 6 , 2 0 1 7 | O A K V ILLE B EA VE R | w w w .in s id e h a lto n .c o m Funding complete by spring 2018 continued from p.3 "Putting in direct funding is something that parents have always been advocating for," said Coteau. The new initiative includes a single point-ofentry for families to get easier access to services and will create 16,000 new spaces over five years, so more children and youth with autism can re ceive the services they need sooner, according to the Province. Coteau said the $500 million in funding in the OAP is an "important area to make that type of investment" so youths and children will get the services and therapy they need, as quickly as pos sible. He noted there are about 11,000 youths and children currently receiving services, more than 20,000 on waiting lists and many more who haven't been diagnosed, yet, who will need care. The Province will continue to consult with families, caregivers, advocates, clinicians and pro viders, including the OAP Advisory Committee, to ensure OAP is providing adequate supports and services for children and youth with autism, from diagnosis to adulthood. "We've always tried to do what's best for young people, to position them for success. At the end of the day, those skills they learn provide them with the ability to better manage themselves and take care of themselves," said Coteau. Streamlined entry to autism services through a toll-free number in families' regions will also be provided as part of the new OAP. Parents can call 1-888-284-8340 toll-free for more information or to find their nearest minis try regional office. W alk for D og G uides is this S unday People and their four-legged best friends are pre paring to walk together across the country in the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides Sunday, May 28. This year's walk will be held in more than 240 communities across Canada, many of which will take place on Sunday, May 28, the national walk date. Oakville's edition is at 152 Wilson St. The largest fundraising endeavor of its kind, the walk helps to raise, train and place service dogs with Canadians who have a medical or physical disability. While each dog guide costs an average of $25,000, they are provided free to qualifying applicants. Lions Foundation of Cana da relies on donations and fundraising to support the program. By participating, people can help provide life changing dog guides to Canadians with disabili ties. All dogs are welcome to participate, but you do not need a dog to join the walk. For information, visit wwwwalkfordogguides. com, www.dogguides.com or contact Caron Morrow at or 905-842-2891, ext. 244. A $ OAKVILLE TO TORONTO PEARSON AIRPORT STARTING FROM ONLY $ 4 5 . CALL US FOR DETAILS. 5 f I T h in k in g o f R e tir in g ... Som eday? L e t's T alk. Live Balanced - Live Better at the Queens Avenue Retirement Residence B e in g a c tiv e is m o re th a n ju s t B IN G O a n d c a rd g a m e s . A t Q u e e n s A ve n u e , a c tiv itie s a re d e s ig n e d to m e e t y o u r s o c ia l, s p iritu a l, a n d p h y s ic a l n e e d s . Y ou n e v e r o u tg ro w th e p a s s io n fo r le a rn in g a n d th e u rg e to p la y! Visit our website to sign up for a free consultation. Peter Watson MBA, CFP, R.F.P., CIM , FCSI Jennifer Watson B.A. C all 905-8 1 5 -0 8 6 2 or em ail in fo @ q u e e n s a v e n u e re tire m en t.co m to boo k a visit. Queens Avenue Queens Avenue Retirem ent Residence 1056 Queens Avenue Oakville, O ntario L 6 H 6R3 www. queensaven ueretirement. com Retirem entResidence 220 Randall Street, Downtown Oakville 905-842-2100 peterwatsoninvestments.com