For many people who have been labelled with an intellectual disability the
neglect and exploitation they experience may be more subtle and may not be
recognized as abuse. For example, if a person who supports the individual
deems a behaviour such as refusing to eat a meal to be inappropriate or
uncooperative, the individual may not be able to watch a television program or
listen to her music. Although some may not see this as abuse, the psychological
impact that can result from being punished for trying to assert one’s choice or
independence should be seen as abuse.
B. Prevention and ReportingOntario Regulation 299/10 Quality Assurance Measures requires all service
agencies to have policies and procedures for preventing and reporting abuse^45.
The regulation requires agencies to have procedures for documenting and
reporting abuse, supporting the person who has experienced the abuse, dealing
with employees or volunteers who are suspected of committing the abuse,
mandatory training and notifying police and others of the abuse.
An important provision of Ontario Regulation 299/10 regarding preventing and
reporting abuse is subsection 8(2) which covers education and awareness
building for persons receiving services. Section 8 (2)(c) states that all agencies
shall:
provide mandatory education and awareness-building on abuse
prevention and reporting to persons with a developmental disability
receiving services and supports from the service agency in a language
and manner that is appropriate to the capacity of the person with a
developmental disability when the person begins to receive services
and supports from the service agency and every year thereafter.(^45) Supra note 40 s 8 and 9