ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

“Connections: A Guide to Transition Planning” was developed and written by
Rae Roebuck and Judy Coultes-MacLeod of First Leadership Limited. Initial
funding for this project was provided to Toronto and York Region by the
Ministry of Community and Social Services through the Innovation Fund
2005/6. The May 2007 reprint (Central West version) has been supported by the
Central West Regional Office of the Ministry of Community and Social Services.

We would like to thank the joint Toronto and York Regions Transitions
Partnership Projects Steering Committee for their input and support in the initial
development of “Connections”. Special thanks goes to the co-chairs of the joint
Steering Committee – Sandy Keshen of Reena, John Flannery of Surrey Place
Centre, Karen Hirstwood and Kelly Casey of York Support Services Network.
Thanks to the Ministry of Community and Social Services and members of the
planning communities and the Boards of Education in the Central West Region
for their input on this version of “Connections”.

The development of “Connections” would not have been possible without the
valuable input from a number of organizations, parents, and individuals. We
would like to acknowledge the work of the British Columbia Ministry of
Children and Family Development the New Brunswick Association for
Community Living, the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Central Alberta
Community Board, the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living and
Bloorview Kids in Toronto.

Finally we would like to thank the parents of children with developmental dis-
abilities who have shared their experiences with us and allowed the inclusion of
their stories in “Connections.” Their time and insight was invaluable to us in
making this document helpful to the many other parents with children just
beginning the journey to adult life.