AccessCommunity Services Inc.About Access
Access Community Services began as a local response to the movement away from institutionalizing people with developmental disabilities.
Access opened its first group home on March 1, 1979 in Port Hope. Local advocates came together to find better ways to serve people with developmental disabilities in Northumberland County.
Within a year, Access added two more houses and began an Apartment Program. In 1981, Access agreed to operate the homes of St. Hugh’s House, and in 1982 began sponsoring Northumberland’s Adult Protective Services Program.
Expansion in 1985 brought fourteen new people, more staff and twice the number of homes. Through the following decades, Access increased its focus on community involvement through clubs, activities, trips, dances and partnerships.
In 2007, specialized treatment beds opened in partnership with the Ministry and Community Network of Specialized Care. A new fully accessible Port Hope home opened in 2008, bringing Access to eight group living homes.
Access continues to work with health, mental health and behavioural professionals and explore creative options that improve quality of life. The warm, nurturing values of the founders remain the foundation of the agency’s direction and daily work.