Nova Scotians with Disabilities to Receive Better Support

The province is helping Nova Scotians with disabilities get better, more stable support with staffing improvements for adult vocational and employment programs.

Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse announced today, Aug. 27, more support to provide relief staff when any of the 400 regular staff members in the 29 agencies are sick or need to be away from work. The support, which begins Jan. 1, will cost an estimated $900,000 annually.

"This is one of many steps the province will take as we move forward with individualized, person-focused, quality programs for people with disability throughout Nova Scotia," said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse, speaking at The ARK Industries in Bridgewater.

Through the DirectioNS Council, the province supports 29 agencies that deliver services to more than 2,000 people with disabilities. Participants volunteer or work in the community, learn life skills and explore personal interests, and work or train in social enterprises and employment programs.

"DirectioNS Council agencies, like ARK Industries in Bridgewater, exist to create opportunities and a better life for people with disability," said Bob Bennett, president of DirectioNS. "This enhanced partnership with Community Services furthers our mutual interest to provide the best possible person-focused programs and services for people with disability in Nova Scotia. Together, we are doing very good things."

Adult vocational and employment programs were established in Nova Scotia to provide community-based programs for adults with disabilities. They complement residential and other community-based supports from the Services for Persons with Disabilities Program.