A Social Change Touchdown on Grey Cup Day!

As many of us are busy preparing to enjoy the Grey Cup championship featuring the Ottawa RedBlacks taking on the Edmonton Eskimos in Winnipeg, whatever the outcome of the game, at LiveWorkPlay we’ll also remember this day as one that is important in the evolution towards person-centred, assets-based, and community-focused supports and services for people with intellectual disabilities.

We are excited by ongoing and pending changes to the Developmental Services system in Ontario, which were elaborated in an article in today’s Toronto Star (one of a continuing series by investigative journalist Moira Walsh). We are humbled to be included in the list of individuals and organizations who are helping drive these changes, not only with words, but with deeds.

People’s lives are not a game, and so we don’t want to get carried away with sports analogies, but today’s announcements in the Toronto Star are a definite TOUCHDOWN as we continue the journey towards the ultimate goal of an inclusive community in Ottawa and beyond. This is in many ways only the beginning, but LiveWorkPlay is well positioned to be an important contributor for many years to come. This will be a huge team effort, with individuals, families, community partners, and government.

It’s also worth noting another Grey Cup connection that has direct relevance to today’s social change story – several LiveWorkPlay members are employees who have jobs associated with the Ottawa RedBlacks through the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) and food services provided by Levy Restaurants.

Last but not least, special thanks to Jeremy Robin, Vaughn McKinney, and everyone at The Parliament Cleaning Group who made themselves available to the Toronto Star on very short notice. You deserve every bit of recognition you have received!