Parents of children with complex needs in Regina are struggling to access special needs centres and programs due to long waitlists and limited availability. Darla Bauche, who cares for her 9-year-old grandson Emmet who has autism and is low-functioning, has been on waitlists for years and even been denied entry into certain programs. Recently, Emmet was accepted into a three-week summer camp program at the Autism Resource Centre, which Bauche believes is crucial for Emmet’s routine and socialization. However, due to high demand, many families were unable to secure a spot in the program, leaving them without crucial support for their children.
With 126 applicants for the summer camp, the Autism Resource Centre in Regina is struggling to meet the demand for their services. Organizers have implemented a lottery system to determine who gets approved for the program, as the high demand exceeds the available spots. The not-for-profit centre is hoping to start another summer program to accommodate more children, but the total cost for staff, space, and resources is estimated to be around $200,000. They are looking to the government and private donors for financial assistance to expand their services and support more families in need.
Angela Ricci, the executive director of the Autism Resource Centre, remains positive about the possibility of securing additional funding to meet the growing demand for their programs. The provincial government has expressed willingness to work with the centre on potential solutions to allow more children the opportunity to attend the camp. Health minister Everett Hindley stated that officials are discussing the centre’s funding allotment and the support they provide to families, with the goal of finding a way to address the increasing need for autism supports in the community.
Despite the government’s investment of nearly $9.5 million into autism supports through community-based organizations in the current budget, parents like Bauche feel that the issues facing children with complex needs need to be a top priority. Bauche emphasized that the lack of funding is affecting the most severely impacted children who have limited options for support. She believes that the need for services is only increasing while the available funding falls short, making it essential for governments and donors to step up and provide the necessary resources to meet the needs of these vulnerable children and their families.
The situation faced by families of children with complex needs in Regina highlights the challenges they encounter in accessing essential services and programs. Caregivers like Darla Bauche are advocating for more funding and support to ensure that all children have equal access to critical resources that can improve their quality of life. The high demand for programs like the summer camp at the Autism Resource Centre underscores the need for increased investment in services for children with autism and other special needs, as well as the importance of collaboration between government agencies and nonprofit organizations to address these pressing issues. Despite the current obstacles, there is hope that with continued advocacy and support, more children will be able to receive the assistance they require to thrive and reach their full potential.
