Doug Currie, new action on disabilities includes rinse, lather, rinse, lather, rinse and repeat

What could be better than a large 19-person committee to prepare press releases on the disabled?

We are going Back to the Future on PEI.

In 2003 after the Baker report recommended important improvements to the PEI Disability Support Program, Minister Jamie Ballem said he was moving immediately to implement the recommendations.

The only tangible action by Ballem was to form the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG). The group met in early 2004 and set to work diligently to create a program of public relations.

Today Minister Doug Currie, responsible for Islanders with disabilities, made a big announcement in the Legislature. He pre-announced it during Question Period.

He is forming the PEI Disability Action Council (DAC) to advocate for people with disabilities.

DAC will meet with the Minister once a year to advise him on improvements they would like to see in disability programs.

This is worse than we expected in Government preparing phony announcement on disabilities

Currie said the DAC will dedicate themselves in 2010 to forming a program of social marketing campaign to promote awareness and educate the public.

The disabled on PEI don’t need education. Seniors with disabilities don’t need social marketing. Islanders living with disabilities on PEI need help.

This is deja-vu all over again – consult, write a report, form a committee and do nothing. Rinse, lather, rinse, lather, repeat as necessary.

The Committee members, no matter how sincere, will only get a free lunch, press releases and maybe an annual photo op from the government.

It is apparent from today’s announcement, they can expect little help during 2010 as another Minister stalls on the program.

I was an active participant in the Baker study as a person with a disability. In 2004, I was appointed to the MAG and was disappointed we were only allowed to discuss press releases. A one year non-disclosure agreement tied my hands until mid-2006. I have advocated for reform of the PEI DSP fr0m 2006 onward.

I optimistically joined the SRV in November 2007; however, it was quite apparent the SRV committee was guided by their master, Doug Currie and would not consider the DSP. I resigned as a matter of principal in January 2008.

Here is the official press release.

Minister Currie announces Disability Action Council on International Day of Persons With Disabilities

Social Services and Seniors

The Minister of Social Services and Seniors, Honourable Doug Currie, is pleased on this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, to announce the creation of the Disability Action Council.

“The Disability Action Council has been created as a result of the two-phase Disability Services Review,” said Minister Currie. “We heard from the community and, as a result, have created a Council that will help my Department of Social Services and Seniors, as well as our entire One Island community, to improve the lives of those who live with disabilities.”

The Disability Action Council will be comprised of 19 members from advocacy groups, service organizations, government departments, businesses and community members. “These individuals were selected because of the expertise they can offer, and because of the commitment they have demonstrated in advocating for people with disabilities,” said Minister Currie. The Council will play an integral role in consulting with and advising government on new and existing legislation, policies, programs and services affecting people with disabilities in Prince Edward Island. In addition, it will be focusing on the themes contained in the Disability Service Review: raising awareness, promoting inclusion and opportunities, highlighting the contributions people with disabilities make to their communities and changing public attitudes.

“This is an exciting time,” said Minister Currie, “as we move toward providing a more progressive Island for all. I’m encouraged by the positive work that the Council will do to help serve people with disabilities in our One Island Community.”