UscoNt.ca
Title
The United Senior Citizens Of Ontario Inc.
Description
The United Senior Citizens of Ontario Inc. (U.S.C.O.) represents 300,000 seniors and over 1,000 clubs throughout the province. In the mid fifties a province wide seniors' planning group convened to address problems of the elderly that were not being met by the programs of the time. Since then, it has grown into an extensive network of clubs, and a growing number of single members at large.
Back in 1974, after some pressure from U.S.C.O., the Ontario Legislature under the authority of Premier William Davis officially proclaimed Senior Citizens' Week. It was to be held the third week in June of each year. The government also assured the U.S.C.O. of their assistance and continuing support. Senior Citizens' Week has been a very successful project. In 1984, the entire month of June was designated as Seniors Month in Ontario and in 1985, a minister responsible for seniors affairs was appointed. We remain as members of the annual planning committee for seniors month.
Over the years, U.S.C.O. has been instrumental in achieving such benefits for seniors as Meals On Wheels, OHIP coverage, assisted drug coverage under the Ontario Drug Benefit plan; the property tax grants; the Bill of Rights for Nursing Homes; reduction in car insurance premiums for seniors; etc,. Under the Assistive Devices, U.S.C.O. was responsible for acquiring assistance for diabetic supplies; incontinent supplies; hearing devices; home oxygen supplies.
