Tashi Farmilo

Local Journalism Initiative

OUTAOUAIS – A specialized user committee within the Centre intégré de santé et services sociaux de l’Outaouais (CISSSO) is dedicated to improving care and services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder (DI-TSA). Known as the CU DI-TSA, the committee works to protect the rights of these individuals, ensuring they have access to necessary services while advocating for improvements in their daily lives and care options and assisting them in navigating issues and complaints.

One of the committee’s top priorities is improving access to dental care under general anesthesia, a service often required by DI-TSA individuals. In recent months, CU DI-TSA has worked closely with CISSSO, leading to the recent publication of new guidelines to improve access to dental care for these individuals. The committee is now compiling a list of specialists who can provide these services.

In addition, CU DI-TSA advocates for better adapted transportation services to access medical appointments, community programs, and social activities. The committee focusses on respite care services; essential for supporting families and caregivers who need breaks from caregiving duties.

The CU DI-TSA maintains an ongoing dialogue with CISSSO’s leadership to address issues and find solutions. Regular meetings with CISSSO executives, participation in working groups, and collaboration with other user committees ensure CU DI-TSA remains a key player in advocating for DI-TSA users.

Beyond these efforts, the committee has also been involved in the transformation of local care facilities, such as the Centre de réadaptation du Parc-du-Lac-Beauchamp, and the upcoming opening of the Maison des aînés et maison alternative in Masson-Angers. These projects are expected to significantly improve services for individuals with disabilities in the Outaouais.

CU DI-TSA’s advocacy extends beyond policy discussions. Over the past few months, the committee launched a media campaign to raise awareness about the difficulties faced by DI-TSA users in accessing dental care. The committee’s members, many of whom are longtime advocates and parents of DI-TSA individuals, conducted interviews with local media, sent letters to CISSSO’s leadership, and worked diligently to keep this issue on the public agenda.

“We’ve seen some progress, but there’s still a lot of work to be done,” said Michel Marcotte, a CU DI-TSA member. “Our goal is to ensure individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism receive the care and support they deserve,” he concluded.