The DSP reform train is moving along the tracks. It’s called the Disability Services Review Committee or DSR for short. We’re making progress and the Guardian Editorial shows the growing public concern.
The work is not over – I wish. We still don’t have any major improvement in the treatment of Islanders with disabilities. Let’s get beyond the happy talk and reform this thing. Real people are suffering everyday as we work on the problem.
Why DSR? Mainly because the Executive Council expanded the scope to include all services related to Islanders with disabilities, not just the DSP. That means we have more work to do but with the Committee complement and DSP staff resources we’ll get it done.
There have been two committee meetings before Christmas and they went well. There are 12 people on the Committee so there are lots of people to meet and get to know. Everyone brings a different experience to the table and that will result in a rich understanding of the problems and possible solutions.
12 did I say 12? Yes, two more members this week representing seniors with disabilities. I was especially happy to see that since seniors represent almost half of Islanders with disabilities. In the past they have been ignored in the system: their inclusion is a good sign.
The Guardian editorial this week does a good job of pin-pointing the problem of disability. It’s not just a few people’s problem. It becomes everyone’s problem since as we age the probability of disability rises dramatically. We thank the Guardian for their coverage of the issues. 
Just one year ago when PEI Disability Alert was a voice in the wilderness it was the Guardian and other local media who ran with the story. They printed stories and Letters to the Editor when many people thought we were making it up.
I dreamed we would be somewhere close to this point but it was hard to believe it would be a reality in the cold and wet of last winter’s protests and street demonstrations. Thank you Guardian for supporting and believing.
To everyone, especially those for whom every day is a struggle, have a Merry Christmas and a Better New Year.
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