Parent Rally Against PC Ontario Autism Program

Edit: I have changed the goal to 2,000, I have looked into a bus and one quote I received was $1,800.00 just to rent. Then, km/gas have to be factored in. I am still looking for more quotes and information. This will be the FINAL goal ❤ we are overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone, I definitely did not expect this. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! April Pare and myself, Melissa Grass, want to organize a rally at Queen's Park against the OAP changes. Funds will help reduce traveling costs, for parents of children who have autism, to Queen's Park from Windsor, ON. We want our voices heard!  On February 6th, 2019 at 11:30 Lisa MacLeod, from the PC Government of Ontario, announced the most recent changes to the Ontario Autism Program. The most recent changes stated that a child 5 and under would receive up to $140,000.00 to be used until their 18th birthday. The money received can be used towards technology, respite, and therapy. But, a child entering the OAP at the age of 7 will only qualify for up to $55,000.00. Therefore, by using an age based system the government is ignoring the fact that some individuals need a higher amount of care and resources. The average cost for Applied Behaviour Analysis, also known as ABA, in Ontario is $88,000.00 per year. Therefore, even at the max amount granted to those 5 years and under will only qualify for not even two years of ABA services. ABA has been scientifically proven and provides individuals with tremendous improvements. That being said, the changes to the new OAP plan are unacceptable because every child matters, and every child deserves the opportunity to grow and it should not be based on your age.  During Lisa's announcement she stated that when you meet one child with autism, you have met one child with autism. This, in fact, is the very reason we will rally against the PC Government of Ontario and need your help. Let our voices be heard <3 After April and I finalize plans with Lisa Gretzky, MPP Windsor West, and permits are in place, I will withdraw funds from my Go Fund Me account to pay for transportation costs. If there is anything left after the cost of transportation I would like to use the donated money towards food and beverages for anyone participating.