OIFN believes that infrastructure funding is critical to ensure that Independent Facilitation is successful in its implementation and continued evolution towards effective change for Ontario citizens facing a developmental disability, along with their supportive loved ones and families.

 OIFN Policy Statement: OIFN believes citizenship is key to inclusion. OIFN is committed to advancing citizenship for all people. Citizens are free to choose how they will live out the responsibilities of their citizenship. Investing in stable funding for Independent Facilitation supports choice and increases options for people living with developmental disabilities and their loved ones/families. It is an effective option with cost benefit that helps stabilize families and builds positive futures. Stable infrastructure funding will strengthen and expand organizations that provide Independent Facilitation and build the foundation for quality independent facilitators to be trained, supported, and available to people and families throughout Ontario.

Expanding on the values inherent to OIFN’s policy statement, this brief on Fee for Service explores why this approach is not a sustainable model for the availability of Independent Facilitation in Ontario and emphasizes the need for ongoing infrastructure funding, so that there is equitable access to Independent Facilitation and Direct Individualized Funding for all citizens in Ontario who live with developmental disabilities, along with their loved ones.