Parents of children with complex needs in Regina are facing long waitlists and denials for special needs centres and programs. Darla Bauche, the main caregiver of her 9-year-old grandson Emmet who has autism and is low-functioning, has been on waitlists for years and has even been denied joining programs. Recently, Emmet was accepted into a three-week summer camp program at the Autism Resource Centre, which Bauche believes is important for maintaining his routine, socialization, and learning opportunities. However, due to high demand, many other families were unable to secure a spot in the camp.
The camp at the Autism Resource Centre is the only one of its kind in Regina and had 126 applicants, but only had room for 81 children. The high demand has led to applications going into a lottery system to determine who gets approved. Organizations of the camp and Bauche empathize with the difficulty of denying services and maintaining long waitlists due to lack of funding. The not-for-profit centre is looking to start another summer program to meet demand, but the total cost for staff, space, and resources is estimated to be around $200,000. They are seeking assistance from the government or private donors to fund the additional program.
Despite the challenges faced by families like Bauche’s, there is optimism that additional funding and support will be available to address the growing need for services for children with complex needs. The provincial government has expressed a willingness to work with the Autism Resource Centre to find solutions that would allow more kids to attend the camp. In this year’s budget, the government is investing nearly $9.5 million into autism supports through community-based organizations, but many feel that these issues need to be prioritized further to ensure that all children with complex needs have access to necessary services.
Bauche emphasizes the urgency of the situation, noting that the needs for services for children with complex needs are increasing while funding remains insufficient. She believes that the severe cases are in urgent need of assistance and that the current system is struggling to keep up with demand. The inability to access necessary programs and support services can have a significant impact on both the children and their caregivers, who are left feeling overwhelmed and underserved. It is crucial that these issues are addressed promptly to ensure that all children with complex needs receive the care and support they require.
Overall, the challenges faced by parents of children with complex needs in Regina highlight the urgent need for additional funding and resources to support these individuals. The high demand for programs like the summer camp at the Autism Resource Centre underscores the importance of expanding services to accommodate more children in need. Through collaboration with the government and private donors, it is hoped that more children will have access to the necessary support and care to help them thrive and reach their full potential. The ongoing efforts to address funding shortages and provide essential services to children with complex needs are essential to ensuring a bright and inclusive future for all.
