OACRS NEWS
June 27, 2008

Partnership Brings Service Closer to Home for Markham-Area Families

Jason Thompson

The Children’s Treatment Network (CTN) of Simcoe York and the York Support Services Network has joined forces to provide expanded access to supports and services for children, youth and adults with special needs living in the Markham area.

According to the CTN, the shared space facility offers integrated rehabilitation and developmental services, as well as access to equipment and professionals in a single location that is close to home.

The new facility includes a fully-equipped therapy gym and observation room; four treatment and activity rooms for occupational, speech and language therapy; an education and training room; consultation rooms and shared office space for therapists and staff from both the CTN and the York Support Services Network.

Furnishings and equipment for the centre were purchased through a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Bob Morton, CEO of the Simcoe York CTN, says the new site is a great resource for families and professionals in Markham, noting the York Support Services Network has been an important partner in the CTN’s efforts.

“They play a key role in providing developmental and inclusive recreation services for children and help us to fulfill our broad vision of supporting kids and teens with disabilities in all aspects of their lives, whether it is at home, at school or at play,” Morton says.

Marie Lauzier, executive director of the York Support Services Network, says her organization is excited by the opportunity to partner with the CTN in the creation of a shared space.

“It is our hope that this initiative will help us to better support the clients and families that we serve together,” Lauzier says.

With the new site up and running, there are now eight CTN shared space locations throughout the Simcoe and York regions offering access to services and supports in a single location.

The CTN is based on a single-point of care service delivery model that provides people in Simcoe and York with one toll-free number to phone (866-377-0286) to access supports and services from more than 40 agencies throughout the area.

Click here for more information or visit the centre at 50 McIntosh Dr., Suite 239 (Woodbine and 16th Ave. area) in Markham.

If you have feedback on this article, please contact the newsroom at 800-294-0051 or e-mail jason(at)axiomnews.ca.