I think Doug Ford must have woken up on the morning of Sunday May 18th, 2014 and thought he was living in 1914. He publicly made a statement demeaning the Rexdale group home that houses 3 young adults with autism, stating that they’re “ruining the neighborhood”. I’m so glad he was able to pin-point the specific thing that is causing so much havoc in that community. It obviously has nothing to do with all of the gangs or drug dealers that live in the area.
Hopefully Doug Ford will eventually be able to see the real Toronto life. I’m not sure if he’s aware, but a very well respected children rehabilitation center exists in the heart of Toronto; Holland Bloorview. Not only is it a state of the art hospital and school system, it is nestled right between houses of wealthy Torontonians. And you know what? I’m guessing no one is complaining about it. In fact, I know many residents are proud that this institution is situated right in their backyard.
Doug Ford, did you know that Holland Bloorview accepts non-disabled children into their various programs. Not only are parents lining up to enroll their kids in these programs, but there are waiting lists for those interested. In fact, one of the programs that Holland Bloorview provides to the general public is an integrated kindergarten program. Again, there’s literally a waiting list of parents who want their non-disabled children to be apart of this program and to learn and play with students with disabilities. Beyond learning basic human skills including empathy and passion, the program encourages
inclusion for special needs children by promoting their understanding of equity, fair play and diversity. In this program, children learn to be leaders, helpers, problem solvers, mediators and responsible citizens.
Not to mention, there are group homes supporting individuals with different needs all over our city. In fact, just across from my house, in an relatively affluent neighborhood filled with lawyers, businessman and doctors, is a group home for recovering alcoholics (you know, like your brother), among other things. Should these individuals also be institutionalized? And guess what? It didn’t bring down the value of the houses in our community. In fact, house values have increased almost three fold since we first moved in to the neighborhood eight years ago.
Doug Ford,… kindly give your head a shake and come back to reality. We live in 2014, where diversity, in all shapes and forms, is not only accepted, but it’s encouraged and embraced.
considering where it’s coming from… I’m not surprised. He and his brother are the human definition of ignorance.. in every form.
His comments are discriminating, insulting, disgusting, abrasive, rude… wow, all the adjectives I use to describe him…. interesting.
I hope this is brought to the attention of the media…
Thanks Darlene. I’m not surprised either. I normally just role my eyes when one of them opens up their big mouth. But this time, I couldn’t just let his comments slide by
Well said! I hope he reads this…he needs a dose of reality. I feel sorry for him… he and his siblings obviously weren’t raised with the kind of empathy and compassion you’re talking about. And that’s just sad.
I know! I almost wonder what values they were raised with. If you watch their mom being interviewed she’s just as clueless
Good for you for bringing attention to the great programs being offered, and not having to yell like the Fords do while doing it.
Thanks Erin. I can’t believe there isn’t more of an uproar. The stuff that was said is so ridiculous but the unfortunate part is that some people will believe it
Well said!
I”m going to have to spread this post around in the hopes that the knuckle-head brothers read it!
Thanks Nancy. But I bet nothing can change their stupid ways
what a bloody moron he is! I have a disabled daughter and the cruel comments etc you hear daily make you want to take people by the scruff of their necks and jam their little heads into a bucket load of slop!
Oh Ruth. I can only imagine. Ignorance is not bliss! Too bad people aren’t more educated or aware. It’s such a shame