4 Solutions to End Nothing about us without us!
(From our community in
response to
Persons with Developmental Disabilities)
1 Collaboration: work
together to be better
Background
PDD
has been paternalistic in its approach to planning. The community has not been
included in the process. This has created confusion, fear and uncertainty.
Solution
The community will be holding sessions over the next few
months to look at the challenges facing PDD and to work collaboratively to come
up with solutions that meet all of our needs. Everyone will be invited to the
table.
2 Values: what is important
to our community
·
Social citizenship
·
Community
·
Choice
·
Good quality of life
Our community has created
and defended services for people with disabilities that are based on strong
values. Individuals want to be active, involved members of their communities.
They want to have choice in their lives. They want to get the support they need
to have a good quality lives.
Solution
Planning for PDD supports
will ensure these values remain front and centre in the planning process over
the next few months.
3 No cuts to agencies until
we figure this out the support needs of the individuals
Background
PDD
has plans to cut agency budgets, in
addition to cutting individual’s supports. Community agency budgets are
largely composed of individual support dollars. We ask that any cuts to
agencies be done only after individual support needs have been determined.
Solution
For
the Government of Alberta to commit, in writing, to waiting until individual
support needs have been determined before they cut agency budgets.
4 Test your test: It’s not
the SIS tool, it’s how you are using it
Background
The
Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) was developed to determine support needs. It has
been well tested and demonstrated to determine support needs. PDD is using parts of the SIS tool, as well some
other unspecified modifiers, to assign
funding dollars based on provincial average expenditures. This has not been
tested, yet is now being fully implemented across the province.
Solution
Slow down the process. Test the Alberta PDD
adaptation of the tool and whatever else is being used to determine funding.
Work with individuals, families and agencies to check that people’s needs are
being met while going through this assessment process. Working collaboratively and transparently to develop this assessment process will address fears
and concerns.
“This PC government continues to break its promise to the PDD community,” said Notley. “The Premier said she would place the interests of vulnerable Albertans front and center, but these cuts are placing the health and safety of Albertans at risk. There must be an immediate moratorium placed on any changes to the PDD program.” - MLA Rachel Notley, June 18th, 2013 in a letter to the PC government
Erin Waite Connections Counselling 403 804-6100
Ryan Geake Calgary
SCOPE Society 403 717-5616
Denise Young Disability
Action Hall 403 717-5613
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