Summary
PEI Disability Alert started a campaign in December 2006 to encourage the government to reform the DSP including the inclusion of seniors into program. The reason seemed obvious – why should seniors be excluded from this important part of the disability supports network?
By Stephen Pate – In December 2006, PEI Disability Alert launched a campaign to urge the government to reform the Disability Support Program (DSP) and include seniors.
The reasons were clear: why should seniors be excluded from essential disability support?
To this day, the Government of Prince Edward Island prohibits individuals from applying for AccessAbility Supports after their 65th birthday.
A CBC TV story in December 2006 highlighted the issue from a senior’s perspective. Doris Worth succinctly summarized her need. (Note 1)
The DSP, established in 2001, aims to provide additional support for Islanders with disabilities to help them live as independently as possible and achieve a satisfactory quality of life. The program, now called AccessAbility Supports, still largely excludes seniors.
Supports available for adults include assistive devices and technical aids, respite care for family caregivers, community living (home care), community access, and home and vehicle modifications.
Regulation 4.1.1 excludes all Islanders over 64 from applying for these supports, which is simply unfair and appears to be a cost-saving measure.
In 2022, 19,000 Islanders aged 65 and over had one or more disabilities (Statistics Canada). The government has grandfathered people who qualified before their 65th birthday. Other programs provide free hearing aids for the 4,370 Island Seniors with hearing disability. The are several needs-specific programs for Seniors with disabilities.
However, most Island seniors with disabilities get no help with a wheelchair or other mobility aids. Fro example, awheelchair can cost between $10,000 and $25,000. Some people can afford that but many seniors can’t.
Some of the most pressing needs include wheelchairs, scooters, grasping tools, and bathroom grab bars. Seniors also require more home care, community access support, and home modifications.
It is unconscionable for the government to deny these supports merely because someone is 65 or older.
Until the rules change, we urge everyone who is 55 and older with a disability to apply now to secure their qualification. The rules only state that you cannot apply after 64. Protect your rights—if you wait until you are 65, it will be too late.
Join us in demanding change. Advocate for the inclusion of seniors in AccessAbility Supports. Together, we can make a difference.
Updated May 23, 2024.
Note 1 – Doris Anne Worth passed away at age 99 on December 17, 2016.
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