British Columbia



Disability White Paper CommentsSubmitted by Cathy Girling, Social Justice Advocate & Melissa Jameson, Housing Outreach Worker; on behalf of Community Connections (Revelstoke) Society.Innovation?More programs to accommodate aging persons with disabilities?Programs to accommodate substance use, not expect total sobriety?Recognition and priority towards Housing First approach?Recognition, through policies and programs, of both physical and mental disabilities and recognition of both visible and non-visible disabilities. ?Stop claw back of family bonus for families receiving Persons with Disability benefits through MSDSI.?Recognition and acceptance of dual diagnosis in individuals applying for government subsidized housing (fits under housing first umbrella). In our experience individuals can be excluded or delayed in an application for housing if they disclose mental health issues or substance use. ?Increase amount of PWD monthly payments; it is not possible to live on $900.00 a month without compromising health or safety.Personal supports, aid and devices. ?Increased access to, and funding for, advocates, particularly in rural/small communities where government programs may only be accessible via telephone or online (e.g. application for income assistance)?Increased accessibility of government services/offices in rural areas?Have assigned MSDSI workers for individuals on/applying for PWD?Train, and have continuous upgrading training offered, for any staff working with people with disabilities (e.g. MSDSI, BC Access centres, Service BC Staff etc). Training could include such topics as; the effects of various disabilities on the disabled individuals capacity to hold conversations, literacy skills, memory, etc. Work and Contribution?More supported work programs, particularly for individuals with non –visible disabilities (e.g. brain injury, FASD)?Ongoing Individualized supported work for individuals who will not be able to hold a job without supports. ?A clear policy about individual responsibility/expectation to reveal specific details about his/her disability with various ministries. ?Increase employer education about disability in the workplace, particularly non-visible disabilities. Housing and Accessibility?Increase funding available for all housing programs. ?Allow families on PWD to access the BC Housing Rental Assistance program?Provide more affordable housing units?Increase housing portion of PWD payments. ?Provide more resources for individuals and families to maintain housing in their home community?BC Housing Buildings need criteria for screening that include a priority for maintaining individuals in their home community and priority for severely disabled individuals. ?Re-assess criteria for BC Housing Buildings – have clear written policy which can be accessed by the public to ensure fairness.?Educate managers of BC Housing Buildings on the spectrum of disabilities which exist, and how to respond to various behaviours. Social networks. ?Provide financial assistance for social opportunities, e.g. travel, recreation fees, etc.?Letting individuals chose their neighborhoods rather than depend on “whatever is available”.?Fund support to initiate, and maintain ongoing and permanent relationships for clients with severe disabilities.Asset Accumulation?Lower the amount of initial contribution, before government contribution?Most individuals have very little financial resources to invest in RDSPs, if monthly amount for PWD or CPP-D was increased more funds may be saved. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download