The Province and Community Living BC (CLBC) are investing an additional $8.9 million to help provide priority services to adults with developmental disabilities and their families.

The $8.9 million in funding - a $6-million increase from the Province and $2.9 million from deferred CLBC Personalized Supports Initiative funding - will provide new and additional supports and services to about 540 people. Priority will be given to those who have urgent health and safety needs, including transitioning youth and others who are eligible but not yet receiving services.

This year, CLBC is providing support to more than 13,600 adults with developmental disabilities. Since 2005, the Province has provided $3.5 billion in funding for Community Living BC. The additional $8.9 million brings CLBC's 2011-12 budget to nearly $710 million - an increase of $17.8 million over last year's budget.

The Province is committed to ongoing funding and support for CLBC, and continues to support CLBC to find new and innovative ways to deliver services to more individuals every year. Support through CLBC can range from a 24-hour supervised group home to a residential home-share, to home supports, depending on each person's unique needs.

Community Living BC has a strong vision for working with service providers to develop a plan for delivering appropriate supports and services to individuals in B.C. The Province is confident that CLBC will continue to explore and adopt innovative solutions for service delivery that will best meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.

Quotes:

Dan Collins, executive director, Langley Association for Community Living -

"This additional funding will allow more individuals and families with urgent needs to access quality supports and services. We appreciate this continued commitment to creating inclusive communities and supporting solutions that enable individuals with developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible."

Quick Facts:

• CLBC currently serves more than 13,600 developmentally disabled adults - 3,300 more than in 2007. CLBC projects that it will be providing supports and services to approximately 14,190 people with developmental disabilities and their families by the end of 2011-12.
• In 2010-11, CLBC provided supports to 766 individuals newly registered for services and provided additional services to more than 1,000 individuals already receiving some level of support through CLBC.
• In 2010-2011, the number of individuals registered for service with CLBC increased by six per cent over the previous year and 35 per cent over the last five years. CLBC continues to find ways to maintain and expand services while working within our budget.
• Last year, CLBC provided an average of $48,800 in supports and services per person.
• CLBC provides supports to adults with developmental disabilities so they can live and participate in their communities. Supports include residential services, community-inclusion activities, professional and behavioural supports, and family supports such as respite care.
• CLBC will continue to work with individuals who want a greater say in their living situations in order to ensure that everyone receives service and supports that meet their disability related needs. For some individuals - depending on their unique needs and goals - this might mean moving from a group home to another type of supported living arrangement, such as home-sharing.
• Community Living BC was established in 2005 based on a vision by families and advocates who wanted a government-funded organization that would empower people with developmental disabilities to lead productive lives, be accepted and valued as citizens, and have rich relationships, financial security and job opportunities.

Besides services through CLBC, adults with developmental disabilities may also qualify for the ministry's Persons with Disabilities (PWD) program, which includes:

• Monthly support and shelter assistance of up to $906 a month.
• A $500 earnings exemption.
• An annual bus pass through the B.C. Bus Pass program for only $45 a year.
• Medical coverage, which includes Medical Services Plan and PharmaCare coverage with no deductible.
• Other health supplements, such as dental, orthotics and optical coverage.

Learn More:

CLBC will host a technical briefing at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2011 at:

YWCA Program Centre
Welch 1 Room - 4th Floor
535 Hornby St.
Vancouver

Media feeds will be available on site. Media outside Metro Vancouver can call 1 866 322-1159. Please indicate to the operator that you are joining the Community Living BC technical briefing.

Community Living BC: www.communitylivingbc.ca

Ministry of Social Development: www.gov.bc.ca/hsd

Contacts:

Cindy MacDougall
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Social Development
250 387-5635

Kate Chandler
Community Living BC
604 664-0187