People with disabilities need more support

Editor:

In the legislature on April 3, 2007, Seniors and Social Services Minister Chester Gillan said: today more than 1,000 Islanders are benefiting from the Disability Support Program in their daily lives and work.

Seems innocuous enough until you hear Richard Brown tell us how many aren’t getting help. There are 19,000 Islanders that are considered disabled. This government is only helping 1,000 of them.

Both statements are true, except Brown’s tells the whole story.

How can a minister admit that an essential social service is only available to five per cent of the people who need it? Can only five per cent of the cancer patients get treatment? Can only five per cent of the school age children attend school.

Only 1,000 of 19,000 disabled in the Disability Support Program — that’s unbelievable.

Stephen Pate,
Charlottetown