Disability review committee’s preliminary report completed

STAFF
The Journal Pioneer

This article was ammended to correct the web link supplied in error by the Government of PEI. The correct link for the report is

http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/SSS_DSRP1.pdf

The preliminary report of the Disability Services Review Committee is now available to Islanders.

Phase 1 of the report is a compilation of information gathered from public consultations, written submissions and an online questionnaire.

From Feb. 24 to April 10, committee members hosted several community consultations and stakeholder meetings across Prince Edward Island and invited the public to provide input through written submissions or an online questionnaire.

In total, there were 300 participants and more than 100 presentations and submissions were made.

“The Committee heard many heart-felt stories from individuals and family members who use disability services and supports in Prince Edward Island,” said co-chairperson, Bridget Cairns from the Association for Community Living.

“I want to thank those people for their input, it was an extremely valuable part of this process. I would also like to reassure them that their voices and stories were heard and are reflected in this report.”

The review committee’s mandate is to advise government on public policy, identify gaps in services or legislation, advise on approaches to services and help develop a long-term plan of action to respond to issues. These issues deal with housing, employment, income, transportation, recreation as well as the role of individuals, families, community, business and government.

Phase 2 of is underway and includes a jurisdictional review into best practices across Canada in terms of programs and services and service models for individuals with disabilities and their families. Government and community representatives are working together to analyze how some of these best practice models can be adapted to existing services on P.E.I.

The review committee will provide a final report and recommendations by late 2008. Phase 1 of the report is now available on line at http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/SSS_DSRP1.pdf or by calling Island Information Service at 368-4000 or 1-800-236-5196.