Ed: This is one of the most comprehensive statements made in this election on how to fix the DSP. Kudos to the Green Party for getting it right.
May 25, 2007
Millvale – Prince Edward Island’s Disability Support Program (DSP) is deeply flawed and must be revamped to be just and effective, announced Green Party leader Sharon Labchuk today. Over 19,000 Islanders currently live with a disability, yet the DSP provides support to only 1000 of these individuals.”
“The DSP is unfair and demeaning. Disabled Islanders deserve the same care and compassion from society as everyone else.”
“Some 18,000 Islanders are left out in the cold by the chronically under-funded Disability Support Program,” said Labchuk. “To make matters worse, particularly vulnerable groups including seniors, and mentally disabled and learning disabled individuals are not even eligible to apply for help from the DSP.”
“The Green Party would increase funding to the Disability Support Program while expanding eligibility under the program, ensuring that all disabled Islanders receive the support they need to live with the dignity they deserve,” said Labchuk.
Labchuk said the Green Party would focus on several key reforms:
– adopting the United Nations’ definition of disability: any restriction or lack resulting from an impairment of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being.
– providing the Disability Support Program with the funding necessary to meet the needs of all Islanders with disabilities, including seniors, learning disabled, mentally disabled and the autistic.
– dignifying the DSP application process by abandoning means testing, claw backs and unnecessary red tape.
– restructuring the DSP so that Islanders are not forced to fight expensive and time-consuming challenges through the Human Rights and Privacy Commissioner.
– improving accessibility for disabled Islanders in their homes, communities and workplaces, including public transportation.
“The DSP is unfair and demeaning,” says Labchuk. “Disabled Islanders deserve the same care and compassion from society as everyone else.”
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