Dear Editor:
There is a small population of beautiful people living in Wellington County that are often not acknowledged.
They are local adults with intellectual disabilities. Often they are marginalized by many factors out of their control, like housing, finances and employment. They are people who want the same things in life as you and I: to be a part of our community, be needed and loved.
Many attend a local day program in Wellington County where they enjoy time with friends, and participate in local day trip outings.
Sadly Community Living Guelph Wellington (CLGW) has announced the planned closure of day programs effective Dec. 4.
The reason for closure is not entirely clear, however the CLGW and the provincial Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services are both responsible.
Our local communities have been very supportive of efforts to keep this program running, with 2,000 signatures in support on the petition “Stop day program closures” on Change.org. Please consider adding your name to this petition, and urge your local MPP to make changes to allow this segment of our society to live life to the fullest.
As Gandhi and former U.S. Vice President Hubert Humphrey said, “The measure of a society is how it treats its weakest members”
Linda Devries,
Palmerston