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This paper reports findings from two of four studies conducted as part of the Ontario Facilities Initiative that focused on the outcomes of the closure in 2009 of the last three provincially operated facilities for persons with intellectual disabilities. As a companion to the outcome studies (Griffiths, Owen, & Condillac, 2015a, 2015b) that report positive results for individuals following transition to the community, this paper explores the nature of the deinstitutionalization process from the perspectives of family members of former facility residents, community agency staff, former facility staff, planners, and behaviour consultants. Participants emphasized the importance of a focus on individualized and well coordinated cross-constituency information sharing and planning to ensure that appropriate community services are matched to authentic individual needs and preferences. Recommendations for other jurisdictions undertaking a similar initiative included the need to inform family members of the impending closure early in the process to ensure that they are aware of time frames and the range of community services available. The central role played by planners was identified and recommendations were made for the training and support needed to facilitate their work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On March 31, 2009 the last three remaining government operated facilities for persons with intellectual disabilities closed in Ontario, ending the Ministry of Community and Social Services' Facility Initiative and more than 30 years of deinstitutionalization. Following the closures, four studies were undertaken as part of the Facilities Initiative evaluation. This summary report provides the results of an agency survey concerning outcomes for each individual who moved to community living. Surveys were sent to all community agencies that participated in the Initiative. Responses were received for 114 of the 941 persons who were repatriated. Responses from the agency surveys indicated that the vast majority of individuals who were placed in the community as a result of the Facilities Initiative were perceived to have excellent or good quality of life. Agency respondents reported that the transfer to the community and the subsequent adjustment were generally good to excellent, with respondents reporting that most individuals adjusted in less than three months. The study results do note, however, that there were individual differences within the sample. Overall, the study supports the view that community living is associated with more positive life values than institutional living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On September 9, 2004 the government of the province of Ontario, Canada announced that it would close the last three remaining large, government-run residential facilities for adults with intellectual disabilities. This final phase of the Ontario deinstitutionalization process became known as the Facilities Initiative and was completed on March 31, 2009. Four studies were undertaken to evaluate the Facilities Initiative implemented by the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services. The current study reports on the findings from a survey that recorded the perceptions of 61 family members of former facilities residents. The surveys were distributed to families beginning one year following the final closure of the three facilities. The survey results indicated that families perceived that the vast majority of individuals who were placed in the community as a result of the Facilities Initiative have excellent or good quality of life. Families reported that the transfer to the community and the subsequent adjustment were generally good to excellent, and they indicated an overall satisfaction with the present placement and with the supports and services provided. Although "counter-stories1" were evident and of note, the overall results revealed that of the families who participated in this study, most families, even those who were initially concerned, were pleased with the outcomes of the Facilities Initiative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]