4 Solutions to end "Nothing About Us Without Us"

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

Rally Friday June 14 12-1 at Peace Bridge

Nothing About Us Without Us Disability Rally

We'll keep telling our stories until they listen.

Friday,June 14th, 2013, 

12-1 pm 

North side of the Peace Bridge,

Access Calgary drop off address is 101, 7th Street SW (near Oceana Restaurant)

Hundreds will gather to celebrate Quality of Life for Disabled Albertans

15^th Annual Speak Out - Quality of Life Disability Pride Celebration, Friday June 7th, 2013

For immediate release – Hundreds will gather to celebrate Quality of Life for Disabled Albertans

Famous 5 Statues in Olympic Plaza, Calgary, AB

The Disability Action Hall is hosting its 15^th annual Speak Out and expects several hundred people with disabilities, families, friends and caregivers to gather at Olympic Plaza over the noon hour, Friday June 7^th.

To view photos of the day visit our online photos! 

We talked about what is a good quality of life in Alberta. Albertans care and have a long political history of standing up for social justice for all Canadians like the Famous 5.  We began the celebration around a piece of art that honors’ the rights of all Canadians?  We have invited the general public to join us for an afternoon of celebration, walking, eating and much, much more.

The event was a positive opportunity for disabled Albertans to share and celebrate the common belief that everyone has the right to a good quality of life. We are looking forward to a day to help us all re-energize, let people know we are part of the community and continue to help ensure everyone has a good quality of life and services living in Alberta.

Some of the people speaking at the event were:  MLA Kent Hehr & Dr. David Swan, Deputy Mayor Brian Pincott, the Calgary Public Library, Indefinite Arts, Alberta Council of Disability Services, Public Interest Alberta, Arusha, The Calgary Women’s Centre, Alberta Disability Worker’s Association, Social Workers for Social Justice and Women Together Ending Poverty and more! ASL interpreters also attended the event.

For this special year of ‘Speak Out 15’ we have teamed up with Momo Mixed Ability Dance. The parade will begin at Olympic Plaza Famous 5 Statues. We will end up at Vertigo Theatre where people can enjoy an unforgettable performance called “Body Talk”.

Who:              15th annual ‘Speak Out’ Disability Pride Celebration with Disability   Action Hall, Momo Mixed Ability Dance Theatre & friends

What:            Parade, light lunch and performance

Where:         Olympic Plaza at the Famous 5 Statues to Vertigo Theatre

When:           Friday June 7 12 to 3:30 pm

Why:              To celebrate quality of life for disabled Albertans.

Contact:        Colleen Huston, Member of the Disability Action Hall, Phone 403.717.7530

Mobile:         403.473.3510

Visit:              www.actionhall.ca Email: actionhall@calgaryscope.org