Investment to Improve Quality of Life for Persons with Disabilities
The Nova Scotia government is promoting independence for persons with disabilities and providing more residential living options to help improve the quality of life for thousands of Nova Scotians.
Premier Rodney MacDonald and Community Services Minister Judy Streatch rolled out plans for the $6-million investment today, June 17, at Bonny Lea Farm, a vocational day program for people with disabilities in Chester.
"This investment speaks to our vision of giving every Nova Scotian the opportunity to contribute to a way of life that suits them and their families best," said Premier MacDonald. "We are laying the foundation to enhance services for people with disabilities within their own communities."
The premier said the investment will help people with disabilities live more independently. It will create nearly 200 residential and vocational placements for persons with disabilities as well as about 70 jobs.
"We are building a sustainable support system for people with disabilities," said Ms. Streatch. "This is about shifting resources to foster independence and encourage self-reliance for people who deserve a better quality of life. We are going to support clients with the right program at the right time of need, with the right place to live."
About $3.4 million will help create three community homes for up to 25 persons living with intellectual or physical disabilities or mental illness. One home will be for children and youth in Halifax Regional Municipality, and two homes will be built for adults in the western region of the province.
The funding will also expand Alternate Family Support with 30 placements for individuals who can be matched with a caring family. In addition, Independent Living Support will expand with 55 placements that help someone learn to live on his or her own with help for up to 21 hours a week.
Arthena MacLeod, executive director of the Cape Breton Community Housing Association, welcomes the investment.
"Independent Living Support has not only enabled us to offer support services to new clients, but it is also a natural extension of our existing programs," said Ms. MacLeod. "We have had a number of clients living in group homes and small option homes who have benefitted greatly from the support to help them move safely and confidently towards living independently in the community."
An additional $2.6 million will be invested in vocational day programs that offer skills training or employment opportunities for about 90 people with disabilities. As well, adult service centres will have an increase in operating grants to help with expenses and hire new staff.
The investments are through the Services for Persons with Disabilities Program, which serves children, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities, long-term mental illness and physical disabilities in a range of community-based, residential and vocational day programs. These are voluntary programs designed to support about 4,800 people at various stages of development and independence.
The provincial government announced the funding in the spring budget. It has increased investments in programs for persons with disabilities by $40 million over the past three years, bringing the annual budget to $217 million.