One size does not
fit all
When it comes to the needs of people with developmental
disabilities a variety of supports and services are
essential.
Developmental
service workers know better than anyone that the level of
developmental disability varies widely from person to
person. Levels range from minor intellectual disabilities to
severe or profound developmental disabilities, some have
multiple disabilities, some have related health problems and
some are dually diagnosed with serious behavioural issues.
People with
developmental disabilities need a broad spectrum of
services. Minimal supports are needed for high functioning
individuals who can live independently and work in the
community. Around the clock residential care with on-site
medical support is needed for those with profound
disabilities that leave them unable to speak or walk and
suffer from fragile health. For most, the level of care
required falls somewhere in the middle.
Lately we’ve
been hearing that trying to stop the closure of the Regional
Centres will hurt the care provided in the community. This
is a line being spun by a Ministry that is trying to get
away with continuing to under fund services for people with
developmental disabilities. The Minister is trying to
suggest it has to be one or the other. This is a foolhardy
plan that sacrifices the extremely high-needs, aging
residents of the Regional Centres.
If we truly want to provide quality developmental services,
no one should be sacrificed. Rather than trying to pit one
type of service against another, the Minister should be
working with all of us to build services that ensure all
people with developmental disabilities get the level of care
they need.
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