The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Ontario `backtracks' somewhat on autism issue by Melanie Hennessey Metroland West Media 5 | Thursday, July 14, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Halton Regional Councillor Mike Cluett is crediting the actions of both parents and municipalities as the catalyst behind the Province's decision on June 28 to amend its contentious Ontario Autism Program. And while the local politician, who represents Milton around the Halton Region council table, said he doesn't think the changes extended as far as they should, he's considering the Liberal government's assurances that it will make autism therapies available sooner for all children, regardless of age "a good start." "It's a small step forward, and there are still lots of details to come. It means some families who've been waiting a number of years on the waiting list will start to get the service they're looking for, and it means the waiting list might continue for others," he said. "I do thank the Province for listening to the 49 municipalities who passed motions and parents of children with autism. They've shown that they're listening and that advocacy does work." In its announcement, the Ontario government said it will provide autistic children of all ages with more flexible services catered to each child's individual needs, significantly reduce wait times for service and increase the number of treatment spaces It's a small step forward, and there are still lots of details to come. It means some families who've been waiting a number of years on the waiting list will start to get the service they're looking for, and it means the waiting list might continue for others.... Halton Regional councillor Mike Cluett Nancy Sidebottom (right) and Melanie Fox rally outside Halton MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris's office earlier this year. They were protesting Ontario's proposed autism program, which limited children over the age of five from receiving Intensive Behavioural Intervention. | Noah Park ­ special to Metroland West Media available. The sweeping changes to the Ontario Autism Program come as a far cry from the We are the region's best lighting store latest lighting designs at exclusive pricing! Liberal government's initial announcement that it intended to remove autistic children five and older -- some who've been waiting years for service -- from the Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI) waitlist and direct them into less-intensive Applied Behavioural Analysis services. The contentious proposal sparked a massive outcry from thousands of parents across Ontario and led to dozens of municipalities passing motions asking the Province to deliver the services it had promised. Such a resolution was put forth by Cluett last Monday evening and unanimously endorsed by Town Council. "Autism doesn't end at the age of five, and I think this is our way of saying to the provincial government, `Let's move it forward,'" Cluett told council. see Strengthened on p.11 CONCEPT Outdoor Lighting Sale. an additional % LIGHTING Take save group up to 20%off 70 INJURED? I Can Help! YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY UNLESS I GET YOU MONEY My team of experienced lawyers can help you with: · Car accidents · Slip and Falls · Disability Claims (Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, CPP) · Wrongful Dismissal OFFICES IN OAKVILLE AND TORONTO For a free consultation call: Oakville: 905.842.2022 or Toronto: 416.351.9222 email: sspadafora@slspc.ca PLATINUM entire store on sale SALE Take 24 monThs To pay no downpayment · no interest* *Some conditions apply. See store for details. PLUS INSTALLATION Attention business owners/managers.... we will convert your entire buildings to LED zero cost to you $$$. Limited time only. Call 9058495483 for more information. Oakville 243 Speers Road 905.849.LITE(5483) Visit our website to see our "love of lighting - sale flyer" Burlington 1515 N. Service Road 905.331.7444 Between Guelph Line & Brant Street Mississauga 5980 McLaughlin Rd. #3 905.712.4548 Sam Spadafora Injury and Employment Law w w w. c o n c e p t l i g h t i n g . c a now shop online