The Ministry of Social Development has led significant consultations throughout the year. This is an essential element of delivering on the recommendations to improve supports for adults with developmental disabilities made 11 months ago.

Community engagement workshops gathering feedback on an integrated service delivery model have now wrapped up in 14 communities around B.C. A total of 766 people participated in the workshops, including individuals with developmental disabilities, parents, a wide range of service providers and government agency staff. A final report on these workshops will be available later this month.

An online discussion forum is now available so British Columbians who were unable to participate in a community workshop can still provide feedback. Additional comments can be submitted at any time to: feedback@gov.bc.ca

The first series of online dialogue sessions will be on the foundation of the integrated service delivery model, which includes: early planning, navigator, co-ordination of information, self determination, community and quality assurance.

Community Living BC (CLBC) is acting on its commitment to quality assurance by initiating a number of measures over the coming months to ensure people with developmental disabilities and their families are receiving quality supports and services.

Beginning this month, CLBC is undertaking a review of home sharing services as part of ongoing quality assurance measures. Home sharing is a popular residential option that allows adults with developmental disabilities to share a home with someone who is contracted to provide ongoing support. As more and more people choose this option, the review will help to ensure the quality of services keeps pace with the growing demand.

In addition, CLBC has recently updated its conflict of interest policy and is enhancing staff training to focus on quality and customer response. These actions work together to reinforce standards and best practice when responding to individual and family concerns.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development Moira Stilwell -

"Engagement has been a fundamental part of the work our government is doing to improve services and supports for people with developmental disabilities."

"These workshops have been tremendously useful and instructive, attendance was strong and people were highly engaged. A huge amount of information has been collected, which will greatly assist the inter-ministry team in the next phase, and that is service delivery design."

CLBC interim chief executive officer Doug Woollard -

"The ongoing quality assurance measures we are doing take into account the recommendations made in the 12-point plan and reflect extensive feedback from the families and individuals we serve, CLBC regional staff, service providers and others. More will follow in the new year as part of our commitment to being more responsive and continuously monitor the quality of the services we provide to thousands of individuals and families in B.C."

Learn More:

Visit the online discussion forum: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/services_to_adults_with_developmental_disabilities

For regular updates on progress made to improve services to people with developmental disabilities, please visit: www.sd.gov.bc.ca/pwd/isst.html

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

Media contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Social Development
250 508-5030

Community Living BC
778 239-5350