End the Wait Ontario
End the Wait Ontario
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End the Wait Ontario
End the Wait Ontario
Two decades of policy changes, funding evolution, and the journey to the current waitlist crisis.
From 2000 to present • Complete timeline of OAP evolution
Autism services delivered through general children's services with minimal dedicated funding. Families relied on private therapy or patchwork of programs.
McGuinty government creates first dedicated autism program with IBI funding for children under 6. Limited capacity with long wait times.
Program expanded to include older children and more ABA providers. First significant waitlist crisis emerges as demand outpaces capacity.
Government removes age 5 cutoff for IBI following intense advocacy and legal challenges. All eligible children can access services regardless of age.
Introduction of direct funding option allowing families to choose providers. Regional consolidation creates nine regional service providers.
New government announces needs-based OAP to replace age-based program. Rollout cancelled after public outcry over income testing. Program frozen.
Childhood Budgets and interim one-time funding introduced while needs-based program developed. Confusion and inconsistent service access.
New needs-based framework announced with five funding levels. Core clinical services, foundational family services, and interim one-time funding.
Despite 13x funding increase since 2003, waitlist has grown from ~1,000 to 70,000+
EndTheWaitOntario.com is committed to accuracy. Our data is independently verified against official government reports, scientific literature, and accessible public records.
Two decades of policy changes, funding evolution, and the journey to the current waitlist crisis.
From 2000 to present • Complete timeline of OAP evolution
Autism services delivered through general children's services with minimal dedicated funding. Families relied on private therapy or patchwork of programs.
McGuinty government creates first dedicated autism program with IBI funding for children under 6. Limited capacity with long wait times.
Program expanded to include older children and more ABA providers. First significant waitlist crisis emerges as demand outpaces capacity.
Government removes age 5 cutoff for IBI following intense advocacy and legal challenges. All eligible children can access services regardless of age.
Introduction of direct funding option allowing families to choose providers. Regional consolidation creates nine regional service providers.
New government announces needs-based OAP to replace age-based program. Rollout cancelled after public outcry over income testing. Program frozen.
Childhood Budgets and interim one-time funding introduced while needs-based program developed. Confusion and inconsistent service access.
New needs-based framework announced with five funding levels. Core clinical services, foundational family services, and interim one-time funding.
Despite 13x funding increase since 2003, waitlist has grown from ~1,000 to 70,000+
EndTheWaitOntario.com is committed to accuracy. Our data is independently verified against official government reports, scientific literature, and accessible public records.