More Options for People with Disabilities

More options are being introduced for Nova Scotians with intellectual and physical disabilities or long-term mental illness. Improvements to the Community Supports for Adults program, including new and expanded supports, were outlined in a paper released today, Dec. 16, by Community Services Minister David Morse.

"We have heard loud and clear that Nova Scotians with disabilities and their families want more choices when it comes to living in the community," said Mr. Morse. "We will now move to expand the range of options, including more individualized support and funding programs that provide direct assistance to consumers and families."

Community Supports for Adults is a voluntary program that provides residential supports for about 3,100 Nova Scotians. In March 2004 the department released a discussion paper regarding support for people with disabilities. There were more than 1,700 website visits and input was gathered from 200 written submissions and 50 consultation sessions held across the province.

Responses highlighted a need to provide a broader range of services. As a result, one new program will be introduced and two existing programs will be redeveloped and expanded, supported by an initial $1 million in funding.

Direct Family Support is a new program that will provide financial assistance directly to families and consumers, enabling individuals to remain at home and in the community. This program will be similar to the Children's In-Home Support program, and will mean that families will continue to receive seamless services after their child turns 19. It will be phased in starting in early 2005.

Patrice Cantwell's 21-year old daughter, Charmaine, needs round- the-clock care. "Since Charmaine was born, we have always wanted to have her here with us," said Ms. Cantwell. "This kind of support will help us continue to care for her at home."

The existing Supported Apartments program encourages independent living, and is already successfully in place in some areas of the province. In the next year, this program will be further developed and expanded, both in Halifax and across the province.

The Alternate Family Support program is also expanding. It is similar to foster care and will support families who welcome a person with a disability into their homes and family. There are a limited number of these homes in Metro Halifax and the Annapolis Valley. Starting in late 2005, the program will be further developed and become available across the province.

Lorraine Bartlett's daughter Tracy has lived with an alternate family -- Patricia and Lloyd Mansfield -- for the past nine years. Ms. Bartlett takes comfort in knowing that this type of support is available to Tracy. "This program has given us a whole new lease on life, and Tracy is much happier and healthier with the Mansfields than she had been anywhere else. A weight has been lifted from my shoulders to know that there is someone who cares for and loves Tracey as much as I do."

"We have heard from Nova Scotians and are moving forward to put their directions into action," said Mr. Morse. "Improving supports for people with disabilities will be an ongoing process. We want to hear from Nova Scotians as we proceed to ensure families and consumers know services are in place when and where they are needed."