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Kids with Disabilities Facing Long Waits to Access Essential Services: Advocates | CityNews Edmonton
EDMONTON, Alberta – Advocates for children with disabilities are sounding the alarm about the alarming delay in accessing essential services, leaving families in limbo and worried about the potential long-term consequences.
According to reports, thousands of children with disabilities are facing lengthy waits to receive critical therapies, treatments, and other services, sparking concerns about the impact on their development and overall well-being.
"We’re seeing children with disabilities waiting for months, even years, to receive the services they need," said Sarah Jenkins, executive director of the Edmonton-based advocacy group, Abilities Alberta. "This is unacceptable and has far-reaching consequences for their physical, emotional, and mental health."
The organization’s research suggests that many families are struggling to access necessary services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, due to a lack of resources and funding.
"We’re seeing a backlog of cases that’s growing by the day," Jenkins added. "It’s not just about the delay, it’s about the impact it’s having on these children and their families. They’re suffering in silence, and it’s heartbreaking."
The situation has left many families feeling frustrated, anxious, and unsure about what the future holds for their loved ones.
"My son has autism, and we’ve been waiting for over a year to get him into a specialized therapy program," said Sarah’s mother, Rachel. "It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions – from hope to despair and back again. We’re at our wit’s end."
Experts warn that the prolonged wait times can lead to irreversible damage, such as developmental delays, sensory processing issues, and decreased self-esteem.
"The sooner these children receive the services they need, the better their outcomes will be," said Dr. Emily Johnson, a pediatrician and expert in child development. "Delays can have long-lasting effects on their cognitive, social, and emotional development. It’s crucial we address this issue now."
The advocacy group is urging the government to take immediate action to address the backlog and provide sufficient funding to support essential services.
"The government needs to take responsibility for this crisis and work with advocates to develop a plan to alleviate the wait times," Jenkins emphasized. "These children deserve better, and their families deserve peace of mind."
KEYWORDS: children with disabilities, access to services, wait times, therapy, treatment, advocacy, government, healthcare, developmental delays, disabilities, special needs, parenting, education, child development, social services, support services.
CATEGORIZED UNDER: Health, Education, Family, Disabilities, Edmonton, Alberta.
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Kids with disabilities facing long waits to access essential services: Advocates | CityNews Edmonton
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