Children’s development centre in Kelowna says its autism program is closing due to funding pressures

A child development centre in Kelowna says its autism program will close next month due to funding pressures.

The Starbright Children’s Development Centre posted the announcement on its Facebook page, stating its autism program will end on Dec. 20.

‘It’s just heartbreaking for us ,” said Rhonda Nelson, executive director for Starbright Children’s Development Centre.

Nelson said the facility had little choice but to make the tough decision as government funding is not enough to keep the program running.

“We get permission from the parents to invoice the autism funding unit for the services we provide,” she said.  “The amount that parents get which was established in 2010, that amount over the years, it’s 2019, that does not cover the cost of operating a program.”

While the not-for-profit organization does receive donations from the public, it’s not consistent or enough to keep the program going.

“It is through the generosity and the big hearts of members of this community that we have been able to maintain it this long, but we only have enough to get us to December 20th,” Nelson told Global News.

Nelson noted, however, that other programs and therapies it provides will continue.

The decade-long program has helped hundreds of children with autism.  Currently, there are 44 children enrolled in the program, and many more on the wait list to get in.

“There is certainly a very high need and it’s not just our area, this is pervasive,” Nelson said. “There are so many little people in need of this kind of program.”

Sam and Greg Michiel’s son Lucas attended the program for several years. The couple credits the program for helping their 7-year-old son learn to walk and communicate.

“We felt helpless without them to be honest,” Greg Michiel said. “We had nowhere else to turn.”

The pair said they’re saddened for the families impacted.

“I don’t know, I don’t know, I’m sad and I am sorry this is happening to them and to their kids,” said a tearful Sam Michiel. “It shouldn’t be this way.”

The program cut will impact 16 staff members at Starbright.

“Our well-trained and dedicated staff have provided services to children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and their families for many years. Yesterday, November 19th, our staff learned of the devastating news.

“The therapies and programming offered by Starbright through its other departments will continue to provide their early intervention services with the passion and compassion for which the centre is known.”

The Facebook post had more than 50 comments as of Thursday at noon, with many calling it heartbreaking news and a huge loss for the community.

The Michiels said they are shocked that at a time when the rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder are on the rise, programs like this one would be cut.

“It’s life changing for families for kids for our future…there are so many kids with autism,” Sam Michiel said.”The government needs to realize they need to pay for this.”

In an email to Global News, The Ministry of Children and Family Development stated it provides funding to eligible families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder so they can choose the type of intervention that best meets the needs of their child.

It goes on to say that for children under age six, families can receive up to $22,000 per year, and up to $6,000 per year for children aged six to 18 for autism intervention services from service delivery agencies.

It added the agencies themselves are responsible for managing their own costs and operating decisions.

For parents, who may be affected by a program closure, the ministry encouraged them to contact Autism Information Services B.C. (toll free 1 844 878-4700) to find out about alternative service options for their child.

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