Individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and the community living sector are invited to participate in community engagement workshops to provide feedback on a proposed integrated service delivery model - an important step towards delivering on the 12-point plan for improving services for people with developmental disabilities.

The proposed model has been developed by an inter-ministry team - including the ministries of Social Development, Children and Family Development, Education and Health, along with Community Living BC (CLBC) - following extensive engagement on what an integrated service delivery model should look like.

An integrated service delivery model puts the person with a developmental disability at the centre of assessments and planning. Government co-ordinates access to the range of services, rather than individuals and families having to navigate through all of the supports and services available. Taking an integrated approach will help individuals move more easily from youth to adulthood and through other transitions in their lives.

During November, the ministry is hosting community engagement workshops in 14 communities throughout the province to get feedback on the proposed model. Input from consultations to date has helped shape the proposed model. The upcoming workshops will ensure government is heading in the right direction prior to final design and implementation.

Communities include: Kelowna, Terrace, Vancouver, Prince George, Richmond, Fort St. John, Surrey/Langley, Chilliwack, Burnaby, Cranbrook, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Courtenay and Victoria.

Next steps:

The goal is to have an integrated service delivery model designed, with an implementation plan ready, by spring 2013.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development Moira Stilwell -

"We have reached a critical point in the work government is doing to deliver on the 12 recommendations and improve services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families."

"It is important, and I encourage people with developmental disabilities, their family members and those who work in the community living sector to attend one of the upcoming community engagement workshops and have your voice heard."

CLBC interim chief executive officer Doug Woollard -

"These community workshops represent a great opportunity for the individuals, families, service providers and communities we serve to help shape the way government and CLBC provide support to adults with developmental disabilities in the future. We look forward to hearing ideas and feedback to improve the quality and responsiveness of our services."

Quick Facts:

• In September and October, the ministry held in-depth sessions with a sample of families, representative of the range of issues facing individuals transitioning through all life stages, to get their perspective on whether the proposed model would make a positive difference.

• This summer, the B.C. government conducted consultations with 48 individuals with developmental disabilities in 16 communities to give people input on decisions that affect their lives.

•  A reference group, comprised of 19 members, has been created to provide feedback on the development of the integrated service delivery model.

• An Integrated Services Support Team has been established to give people with developmental disabilities and their families a dedicated place to turn to for assistance when they have concerns about the services they are receiving.

• The Ministry of Social Development launched two competitions on the BC Ideas website as a way to solicit innovative ideas to improve supports and services for people with developmental disabilities.

• The B.C. government is providing an additional $144 million in funding over the next three years, plus $36 million being held in contingency, to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Learn More:

For regular updates about the progress government of B.C. is making towards completing all 12 recommendations: www.sd.gov.bc.ca/pwd/isst.html

For details about the upcoming community engagement workshops: http://ow.ly/eCKKz

To view an agenda and presentation for the community engagement workshops, including the proposed integrated service delivery model: http://ow.ly/eRHGW

To learn more about Community Living BC: www.communitylivingbc.ca

Media Contact:

Melody Wey
Ministry of Social Development
250 508-5030