Dear Editor:
Community Living Guelph Wellington (CLGW) executive and board of directors recently made the decision to close ARC Industries in Guelph as well as other day programs for developmentally challenged people, my son being one.
He will no longer have a place to go every day. He and many others will no longer be able to take part in activities, socialize with friends, and will have to do all activities in the community. Many are not capable of this, nor do they wish to be away from their friends.
The executive and board made the decision that my son should be able to get a job, or do volunteer work, or do all of his activities out of his comfort zone. He has attended ARC for over 30 years and now with their “three year strategic plan” he may get two or three hours a week doing activities in the community. That is if he is willing to do so.
When the Liberal government decided to close the “sheltered workshops” (not the proper description for ARC) we were told ARC would not be closing but run with a different concept.
However, the pandemic seems to have given the executive and board the perfect time to take it upon themselves to make this very devastating decision for our sons and daughters. It will leave many like my son sitting at home, vegetating every day.
This is not acceptable to us as parents who know our children better than the executive and board of directors. It has taken away a happy, productive life for my son and others.
Sylvia Quinn,
Guelph