B.C. Disability White Paper Consultation (December 3rd, 2013 – March 11, 2014)
Online Public Comments
Topic: Personal Supports, Aids and Devices
Please note that these comments were moderated and published according to the Moderation Policy
and the Terms of Use guidelines in place at the time of the consultation.
2013-12-03
First of all, people on PWD don't have enough money to live on, to eat properly, to
dress, heat homes, etc.
Those of us who need orthotics or other equipment must see a doctor, pay the fee AS
the doc also charges the govt. for office visit. Unless the specialist (orthotics in my
case) is located in a hospital, Gov't will not pay for long distance mileage costs.
Sure we are allowed to earn extra per month. First find a job in an economically
depressed area likeprinceton. I cannot drive in the winter. The local employment
office has NO IDEA how to help a PWD get a job. She told my I was the first person
with a disability she had ever met.
I go hungry a lot, though I am overweight-starch is still the cheapest thing I can buy.
Am often cold because I can't keep up with the cost of firewood or hydro. I am often
in pain. There are no viable work at home options, which would be ideal. I shop at
thrift stores and cheap places. Don't smoke or drink or drug or go out. Much. At
that,I have a brother who helps me. No homemakers, services were cut. Am grateful
for the taxpayer's largesse. There is no point in band-aiding. We don' need more
studies. We need action. The govt ALREADY KNOWS THAT MOST PEOPLE ON PWD
ARE LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL. I am too old to participate in the savings
program, even if I had any money to spare. I can't think that anybody would choose
to live the way many of us must. It also does not help when government officials
treat us like parasites.
I hope this is not just another sop to government conscience. Would be pleased to
talk about this further. Have emailed Ministry before, was sloughed off with no
answer to my questions.
Sincerely,
2013-12-03
2013-12-03
How many of the people compiling this white paper are persons with disabilities?
What will happen to the white paper? Will it be shelved like a lot of similar papers?
I would like to see more incentives to hiring people with disabilities, including wage
subsidy programs with employers that intend to retain their new employee rather
than let them go after 6 months once the subsidy is no more. PWD clients could
benefit society and the government with long-term employment outcomes if the
policies and employers guidlines could be negotiated effectively.
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The PWD rates do need to go up though, if low income seniors get more than the
disabled with federal programs, something is definitely wrong with this picture. Also,
the difference in rates with our neighboring province, Alberta, is a concern. 1588 vs
906 (with some incentives, but still way lower)
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I would appreciate that my comments are posted, I wrote a lengthy comment and it
did not posted, extremely frustrating
I am on LTD with Extended Medical. Depending on what you plan covers , medical
equipment purchases even if the plan covers a portion may take away from essential
living expenses. In my case my plan will give me one wheelchair per my existence and
I have to pay portion for fixes, again nothing is affordable and cuts into my essential
living expenses. There is no equipment that is a reasonable price. Why is all
equipment from hearing aids to side stix so expensive. One cannot assume that
everyone is on government disability, there are other scenarios to consider such as
LTD extended medical, retired seniors....
Homecare - I am on extended medical which is just enough to live on my own. My
plan does not cover homecare and I have to pay for each visit cutting into my living
expenses. Should the formula financials that determines whether one pays or not be
looked at.
To be honest I would rather have my husband look after me then 90 different care
workers. Over and over you have to repeat how!!! Why can we not be assigned a few,
that would make it easier on everyone. Going back to husband as a caretaker, who
better. They need to be recognized financially, they give up their career to look after a
loved one.
Government disability, one can earn a certain amount of money w/o having to claim.
My extended medical I cannot earn a cent w/o claiming. The money I earn gets taken
off my ext. medical. There never is anything more, at least the government disability
allows for a little.
I'm a parent of an adult with special needs and certainly what they are given to live
on from PWD is not enough. My daughter has high needs she requires full 24 hour
care. The main issues we face have to do mostly with medical, however I believe
Transportation should also be considered. The main issue we have is getting certain
prescriptions covered, if the Doctor recommends a special drug combination the
Government medical will not cover it. There is also the issue of Orthotics, my
daughter wears splints and every time she needs to have them reviewed or requires a
new one, we must take her to the the Doctor, fill in forms which we must get from
the ministry and eventually once it goes to Victoria and gets approved we will then be
able to get the orthotics. There is a lot of 'red' tape surrounding this process for
someone who requires splints all the time since she was about 4 (now 23). The fact
that the Government has decided to tighten up on their expenses regarding Orthotic
work, they did not consider the cases that always require approval and as such
lumped us in with those who might be taking advantage of the offer of Orthotics. The
other main issue is dental work - my daughter grinds her teeth and as such needs to
see a dentist regularly. The allowable funding for a dentist is ONCE every two years.
In the case of my daughter she must undergo general anesthetic to have anything
done in her mouth even just cleaning... needless to say she has already had 6 root
canals due to the grinding down of her teeth. The sad reality is that not only can she
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only be seen every two years - there is a 9 month waiting list to get in to have the
work done or teeth cleaned. Currently she has a wisdom tooth coming in and the sad
fact that she cannot vocalize when she is in pain is frustrating for us since she still
must wait on the wait list for all this time. Transportation with handi-dart is
gratefully accepted and it is amazing to have that service, however, cut backs has
affected the amount of support given and this is vital to our special needs adults to be
part of their community, day programs etc. A possible assistance would be to
receive some support for our own adapted vehicle or gas allowances.
I am a young person and deserve to be bathed more than once a week. How can
one's self esteem be downgraded. Hygiene should be at the top of the list. I am 100%
a wheelchair user with bladder issues that require proper hygiene. A UTI could be
fatal but I am only allowed one bath per week and I have to pay for it. As well being
very immobile my legs and feet are very swollen which would also need tending to
with hygiene. My question to everyone doing the white paper would be how many
times a week do you? Why should someone be left to feel dirty? Personally to
participate in community activities one should be confident and feel worthy and
clean.
I have a very hard time regulating my temperature because I am in a wheelchair 100%
of the time. Even in the middle of the summer never mind the winter. The last thing I
need is to catch a cold or get pneumonia from going to a community bath. I have a list
I have a bath chair but Homecare still will only give me one bath per week. To have
wet hair and a cold can is ridiculous. Maybe certain people can do acommunity bath.
Not everyone fits the cook book perscription
I have an adult daughter with an invisible developmental disability. She will require
an advocate to help her with any interactions with government employees as she has
severe organizational and memory problems which are invisible. The reason she will
need an advocate is because of treatment she will probably receive at government
offices as people do not see her disability. I am worried for her future.
I think people with disabilities should have a separate place to go when in need of
assistance and the staff at those places should be skilled in empathy and patience. I
am hoping someone is understanding this and others with the same problem.
I'm a soon to be twenty two year old man, with a disability which is Cerebral Palsy. I
am student at Okanagan College and sometimes chair our Self Advocacy meetings.
We need more support as far as wheelchair accessibility in the Okanagan. I have a
high work ethic and try to participate in as many activities as I can. To participate in a
specific social event I would need to have more wheel chair access. I am happy with
my assistive technology and support system.
The dental needs of a person with a disability is not being met. Despite such a small
monthly personal allowance, and for many an inability to have an income, dental
coverage is minimal. Regular cleanings are covered 1X/year, and for clients I support,
they still pay for part of that single cleaning. And they generally struggle with proper
brushing and need more cleanings not less than you and I. Dental coverage is not
isolated either as their are many many medical products or procedures which do not
get the required coverage to maintain respect and dignity for themselves.
There are a few "best places to live" for people with disabilities but Canada is no
longer one of them. There are some states that have 100% community inclusion
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(Vermont) and others that are very progressive in how they approach people with
disabilities and their families (Minnesota, New York), but the 'best' jurisdiction I've
seen is in Norway. There, legislation dictates that every citizen is entitled to at least
their own room and own bathroom. If people can't afford this, then the government
provides an apartment, space in a group home, or other living arrangement so each
person has their own room and bath, fully funded and very acceptable. Many people
ride bikes and there is a great public transportation system, so people are not home
bound. There are also in-home and other care services and many family support
options. In Norway, if you have a "right" to something, the government provides that
something if people cannot afford it. Norway is wishing they could solve the
employment problem, but the reality is that people have a right to a job, but
employers have a right to expect high productivity and opportunities to make a profit,
and that is an issue everywhere. But if people with disabilities don't work in Norway,
they receive a reasonable income and guaranteed housing. So to make BC the best
place for people with disabilities, we don't need anything new or fancy - just
accessible housing, transportation, access to a reasonable income, access to care
supports as needed, access to employment, access to healthcare, recreation, social
opportunities, education - just like the rest of us!
My son has congenital muscular dystrophy and since six months has needed a variety
of very expensive orthotics and mobility aids. $1500 for a helmet, $1200 for splints
yearly, $2500 for a walker, bath seats, seating for his school, large sized stroller,
wheelchairs, van conversion. This is just in his first five years of life. If it wasn't for
charities providing funds for these aids he would have a much lower quality of life
and be disformed. Extended pharmacare only covered his helmet at six months old
and any prescriptions he has needed for when he gets sick. Better funding of
pharmacare would be a huge help. His need for new orthotics once or twice a year is
a huge drain on funds. I can't even imagine what it will be like in 13 years when he
turns 18 and no longer qualifies for much of the help he receives.
I agree with an acquaintance who said, "We don't need another White Paper to know
what people need. Let's start with putting that money towards increasing disability
income!! No one can live on $700 to 900 a month without (undeclared) help. And
then a Food Bank - ours, much to most people's surprise is a "crisis" food depot
where you need to be apply everytime you are in need and don't qualify for a
Christmas Hamper unless you have used the depot in the past year! There are so
many needs facing our people with hardships. Accessability is just one, a big one, but
only one."
It is nice that we are allowed to make extra income without it affecting our benefits,
but what about those of us who cannot get extra income? It is really tough to try and
live on what the government is giving us. I get a CPP disability payment, in addition to
provincial disability, but every time the federal government gives me a couple of
dollars more a month, the province claws it back. I've been trying to live on $830
some odd a month for nearly 10 years, with everything else going up except my
income. I need to try and put back at least $200 a month for yearly expenses such as
property tax, car insurance, house insurance, and car maintenance, but most months
it is not possible to do that. I have a large debt on a line of credit because I can not
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put back what I need to cover those expenses, not to mention unexpected expenses
that do come up. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying, What we need is MORE INCOME.
Yes, people with so called "Invisible Disabilities" need more support and
understanding by the government and society at large
As a friend of person with a physical disability, I think that the disability community
requires increased accesses to physical therapy (PT). My friend spends thousands of
dollars a year on PT, which is very necessary to improve his physical skills. With this
therapy he has improved his hand function which has increased his independence but
this is a medically necessary service that he has to pay out of pocket for.
Mymtheo ctMy concern is with the lack of equipment funding options for people with
d
with disabilities. Having worked in home health for 8 years I have watched the
funding for necessary equipment, often mobility devices, shrivel and the wait lists get
longer. The worse off are those who had extended health benefits until they turned
65 and were converted to CPP without any health benefits. If they were using power
mobility before age 65 there are now virtually no resources for them to access. As an
advocate it is taking much more of my time to try obtain the necessary equipment,
time that could be better spent working with other Clients or on other goals. We
need to find a way to keep our geriatric disabled Clients properly funded to meet
their durable medical equipment needs.
Over and over, I hear about how the supports for young people with physical
disabilities decline significantly when they reach adulthood and, as the parent of a
teen with a disability, I am worried about what will happen in 3 years when he turns
18. Currently we have access to equipment through the At Home Program; he has
forearm crutches, a wheelchair, night KAFO's (knee-ankle-foot orthotics), daytime
AFO's, a bath lift...what will happen when he is too old to qualify for the At Home
Program??? Worried doesn't really even begin to describe how I feel... Terrified is
closer... The government keeps slashing funding (although there seems to always be
enough money to pay expenses of high-level politicians since they can't possibly
cover their own expenses with their small salaries; yes, that was sarcasm)...what good
is a white paper, if real positive changes for the masses don't actually ever happen?
I'm wondering why i am struggling and fighting to get in the first place and then the
second battle is keep the services that where available.
the way your system treats me and probably a lot of others have me saying
personally i hate bc.
i shouldn't have to fight for medication that has benefit to me
i shouldn't have to fight for services that aren't covered that need to be
i shouldn't have to worry about "what if i get sick during work or school" how will i
recoup from that.
How do i tell the people that are helping me are making my life worse, make me feel
like a pos. because i have a job and go to school doesn't mean my disabilities have
disappeared. but apparently they do when it comes down to detail in the system.
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i am tired of catching the 21 catches with the system
did you know i was homeless once and almost twice because of the services where
available but not to me?
why am i explaining my health concerns to a people on a board who i KNOW don't
give a crap.
i stand by my statement
2013-12-10
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I hate BC
you are going to fight every step of the way i am 24 dealing with a disability almost
since 2003 and still fighting for my life when it comes to the services needed. I'm
sorry to say :(
I think that is an excellent idea!
I know what you are experiencing. Do you know of the Community Supported
Independent Living (CSIL) funding. It does allow for a family member to be paid as a
caregiver.
I am being to believe this white paper is all smoke and mirrors
PWD rates will not go up
More services will be introduced that provide great PR for the media and government
in general.
The reality is without financial assistance, people with disabilities will continue to
suffer
2013-12-12
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We do not need infrastructure, we need financial help
Invisible disabilities, both physical and mental, are not well understood by most
people. If you disclose your disability many people try to be empathetic but often
don't really 'get it'. But that still requires that you disclose a medical issue, which you
may not want to do and can infringe on your right to privacy. It's an ongoing problem
to decide when it is 'safe' to disclose or not.
It is not only developmental issues that effect memory, organizational skills and time
management. It can also be a side effect of the medications used to treat your
disability and/or illness. This appears to be even harder for people to understand and
accept. It also complicates medical assessments as it can be hard to know what issues
are being caused by the illness and which are side effects of the medications. It's not
well reported by physicians and not accepted as valid treatment issue when being
evaluated for disability status.
This is true for me too. I received an honorarium for some 'work' I did with a
committee I volunteered for. Had to report it as it is considered income so had it all
clawed back by my insurance company, who then demanded an audit of my finances
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to see if I was working more than I claimed. Why did I bother being honest when it
has brought nothing but harassment?
2013-12-12
The real problem though is that the 'work' I did was using skills not required for my
formal employment and had nothing to do with what I am considered qualified for in
terms of employment. My employer has insisted I only come back when I can come
back full time (not going to happen), my insurer is saying that ANY activity that pays
money is 'work' even when it has nothing to do with my former employment skills.
Why should I bother making an effort to find a fulfilling life and make a contribution
to society when it makes no difference to my quality of life? Both the employer and
the insurer appear to want to make me a burden on society.
As I don't have family in BC I have to rely on friends and neighbours. As my disability
has gone on over time, friends have dropped away as I am much less able to
participate in the activities we've previously shared and my life has become much
more boring. It is unacceptable to me to ask more and more from my friends as I
become less able to do things for myself.
While my doctor continues to downgrade my health status, she has never asked how
capable I am of living independently. And has never offered information on how to
access home supports. I know she thinks I'll ask and/or research it if I feel I need it but
it doesn't seem to have occurred to her that there is a psychological aspect to asking
for this kind of help. I have always been very independent and losing my
independence and needing strangers to come into my personal space is highly
stressful and distressing in and of itself.
Especially when there is such variability in the quality of home care workers and you
have little or no say in who they are. I have had acute episodes and the first time I did
have home care workers come in (which I set up for myself from the hospital and paid
for privately because neither my doctor nor the hospital asked me how I was going to
cope when I left hospital). One was excellent, the others were variously arrogant
(wouldn't do THAT type of work), incompetent and/or incapable of speaking enough
english for me to explain what I needed done. I never set up home care again and
won't unless I'm on death's door and maybe not even then...
Who is training home care workers? What does it take to get access to them? What
are the standards they are being trained to? Who is monitoring the quality of care
they are providing, especially if they are private companies and not being offered
through the health authorities? How do people make complaints about these service
providers and get resolution of problems?
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It is obvious that Social Assistance rates must be increased, and by a very substantial
amount. Why is it that some new comers to this country are given $2,500 per month,
but disabled residents of BC are limited to $900 per month. A disabled individual who
requires any kind of assistive devices to enable them to live with even a modicum of
independence, cannot even begin to afford such a device, on the amount that they
receive in Social Assistance.
As a blind person, I require some rather expensive equipment if I am to have access
to information, in other words, to be able to read. Despite the availability of radio
and TV, a person must be able to read, in order to exist in our current society.
Cooking insructions, instructions on medications, news papers and
magazines,textbooks, utility bills, strata corperation notices, the list is endless. The
equipment to access this information exists, and relatively speaking, is not all that
expensive. But, it is certainly off limits to anyone relying on Social Assistance, or LTD
bennifits. the idea of employment is almost unthinkable without some sort of
adaptive device that will give a person access to print. British Columbia has a very
very very long way to go before it can think of itself as number 1 in Canada, with
respect to services for disabled people.
It would be nice if the moderator would stop cherrypicking posts and actually publish
all the comments made.
When we talk about persons with disabilities, are we also including seniors? There are
many seniors with "disabilities" perhaps resulting from factors such as chronic disease
or stroke. As a Occupational Therapist, I see seniors in the community who are on
pensions that allow them to pay rent, buy food, etc; however, they may not be able
to afford the extras that they require to age safely and independently in the
community. In particular, I deal with a lot of equipment for bathroom safety and
mobility. If a senior does not have supportive family, extended medical, Veteran's
affairs funding, or some other source, they will not necessarily be able to afford what
they need. Furthermore, what happens when some of these seniors have complex
needs (disabilities) that require them to move into complex care homes? Well, if they
don't have the money, they are not able to afford the equipment that they require to
live a comfortable life. Instead of getting a proper fitting wheelchair with an
appropriate cushion, which would help prevent skin breakdown and optimize
function, they are left with substandard facility loaner equipment.
I feel that these questions about how people with disabilities can "contribute" imply
an ageist, productivity bias. Yes, persons with disabilities should be able to contribute
and work without being discriminated against. However, we also need to value those
who perhaps do not function at this level (e.g., being able to work and access the
community), and so need to consider seniors who live in the community and in
complex care situations. Good health care has enabled many of us to live longer;
perhaps a related natural consequence of good health care is that those with chronic
disease (e.g., dementia, Parkinson, post-stroke, etc) who may operate on a lower
level of function are also living longer. Please consider seniors and people in complex
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care in these consultations; the lack of funding for them is disgraceful. Perhaps
consider a program such as Alberta Aides to Daily Living (AADL) in BC for seniors with
limited funds so that they can have appropriate equipment for their changing needs
in their last years of life. Their dignity and quality of life should not be forgotten
simply because they do not have the ability to be productive and contribute anymore
to society.
I have seen an incredible difference in the participation of people with disabilities due
to the funding from the EATI [Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative]. The
ability to choose the solution based on the participation model versus the medical
model has made a significant difference to individuals in British Columbia. Without
having voice recognition Dragon or JAWS to be able to type into the computer,
without having an electric wheelchair, scooter or vehicle conversion to be able to get
around, without having hearing aids or amplified telephones to be able to hear,
without a tablet or assistive apps to be able to help with learning as these are only a
small example of what people with disabilities need to be able to fully participate. To
be able to join the workforce, volunteering, engage in the community, be involved in
recreational activities and access all of what makes British Columbia so wonderful.
British Columbia must recognize the overwhelming success of the EATI program and
ensure that it does not come to an end on March 31, 2014. This is the program that is
talked about in the UN convention and British Columbia should be celebrating the
major contributions people with disabilities are able to make when provided the
tools. I would like to see the government commit to ensuring that this program
continues into the future.
I work for a service provider and deal with all types of clients, disabled,seniors,
mentally disabled and children. As a provider I would like to see the process to get
approval to help these clients improve. Waiting weeks or months is unacceptable and
puts pressure on me and my colleagues who with authorization from msd or mcfd we
are stuck in the middle unable to help. Everyday is a challenge and juggling act to help
those I can those that must wait. Their is not one policy followed each office or region
does things differently local level in one region does it one way which is different
from another. Their needs to be better communication between all parties and
discussions on an annual basis so we as providers can better serve the people of this
province.
Thank you
Does anyone out there remember cuts to Technology for Independent Living a couple
of years ago. I was wondering how the program is doing. Does anyone remember the
name of the program?
Does anyone out there know of a program that was cut and re-instated by the
government with regards to Personal supports, aids and devices about 2 years ago?
First of all I have to point out that the current amount we get on Disabillity 2 is totally
unrealistic and is a cause for more health problems. Once you pay rent and bills we
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are not left with much to buy food, extra supplements or dietary needs. The quality of
life at this level of poverty is unhealthy, demeaning and very disheartening. I have
multiple health issues that prevent my working even part time. I don't drink, smoke (
anything) or do drugs. I feel I am being punished for not being able to work.
Accessing mobility aids is a long drawn out process and even though those same aids
don't have a long life span I have to wait up to 4 years to get replacements. Example
my wrist braces barely last 1 year let along 3 or 4.
I live in a housing Co-op in an accessible unit. Stairs are a bane in my life. But in 2
years the subsidy for my unit is over. Finding an affordable living space that is safe,
healthy, suitable is very difficult. Rents here are expensive but the housing allowance
we are given doesn't reflect that at all.
I feel more and more the disdain some government officials throw at the disabled.
Their lack of knowledge of our issues is shameful. I have to pay for over the counter
pain killers and other aids, that adds to stress which adds to illness. I really want to be
involved in this white paper so I can help educate officials so they learn the hardships
we as disabled face daily. I spend a lot of time lying down due to pain and exhaustion.
That is stressful on its own, why add to it by forcing us to live hand to mouth. I never
wanted to be on disability but it became necessary through no fault of my own.
The ability to afford better food, and relieve some of the stress of poverty would
make our quality of life incredibly better. Yes I know that costs money, but look at it
this way. It would cost BC a lot more to have me in hospital then it would if we had a
decent income. Being treated as a valued member of the community instead of a
burden. That's how I feel I am being treated - a burden!
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The whole process of applying for and then receiving disability is degrading, shaming,
sick making putting it mildly. Then trying to keep my head slightly above water even
when really ill is exhausting on its own. I deal with lots of pain daily, this makes it
worse. Try putting yourself in our shoes, it's not comfortable, healthy or acceptable.
Why does the government force PWD's to apply for early retirement, then take the
money off our cheques? If we are allowed to EARN$800,00/ month, and the pension
is earned income, why is it not considered part of our money earned? This strikes me
as two faced. Suggest government repay all this money to senior PWD'S without
penalty.
Why can we not get mileage money bless the long distance medical or orthotics
appointment takes place in a hospital?
I dont know if im in the right place, frankly i dont really care at this moment.
As a person with a few disabilities it is hard to find work, every dime has to count
twice to support and feed my family, more so because my wife and stepdaughter are
americans immigrating into Canada, so they dont count as dependants to the
provincial government, but the federal does. makes perfect sense.
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as a person with disabilities im allowed to earn $800 per month if i have a job, but
$475 in child support for my step child doesnt count so it is deducted from me, thats
my rent money thats being deducted, with the child tax and the support thats the
rest of our bills and FOOD going out the window and i believe that is bull shit.
that defies logic, you can make 800 as long as its not child support?
2013-12-20
how many people are disabled or have some other kind of a disability and get child
support only to have it deducted from their check?
The government's focus on aids so people can be employed, fully participate in life in
the community, etc" is pretending that there are not people who are disabled who
cannot and may never be able to work. The government needs to develop a more
inclusive view - that includes those of us who can not work and will not be able to
work.
The focus SHOULD BE on providing support and aid to help people to increase the
quality of their lives, so those who are disabled can live as well and as independently
as they can, whether they are able to work or not.
In addition, one of the key aids which is consistently not addressed, is the need for
better home health care. Right now, home health care is somewhat available for
medical needs like injections, changing catheters, bathing... However, there are many
of us who can't do things like vaccum, wash floors, carry laundry, or even consistently
do dishes. And having even just a little help in these areas can enable us to live
independently.
I am lucky enough to get 2 hours a week of home help on a subsidized basis by a
charitable organization - it has made an enormous difference in my life. To know that
someone is coming to help every week - and that when my condition flares up so
badly that I can't even make toast or wash a spoon... well that makes a huge
difference.
2013-12-23
All people who are disabled should have access to this type of support if they need it.
it would make a huge difference people's quality of life.
I have a friend of mine who uses an electric wheelchair to get around received
funding for a computer with a voice recognition system so that she could type from
EATI. She is now doing some work on a part-time basis and this one in the been
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possible without the funding from EATI. I heard that they are thinking about
discontinuing this amazing program and I would like to encourage you to keep this
kind of funding available for equipment for people with disabilities.
2013-12-23
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2013-12-23
I was a member of Provincial Equipment Aids and Devices committee (PEADC). The
goal of PEADC was to create a consumer based model for acquiring aids and
equipment. The goal was to have the consumer state what their equipment needs
were and what goals they wanted to achieve with their aids and equipment. This
model was supposed to be implemented province wide. This model is a major shift
from the present system whereby people are assessed and told what equipment they
need. In addition to a consumer centered model, People who require aids and
equipment should receive funding directly to purchase their aids and equipment. A
consumer based model that is directly funded gives the people direct say into what
aids and equpment they acquire and forces the providers of the aids and equipment
to meet their needs.
I currently am on Choice in Supports for Independant Living (CSIL) Program. CSIL is a
form of direct funding whereby I receive funding from the Ministry of Health based
on the hours of care I require to hire my own home support staff. The CSIL program
enables me to fully participate in the community because I can determine my own
care schedule to meet my lifesyle. I believe that everyone who receives care should
receive direct funding. They could then decide whether to hire their own staff or hire
an agency. If they chose an agency, it would then have to meet theirs needs or it
would lose its funding from the person involved. CSIL is a great program. However, to
make it a truly province wide program the province must create universal eligibility
requirements and make it portable so that people moving within BC do not have to
be reassessed.
I feel that EATI is a solution for this province. I like that it uses the participation model
and looked at my goals not just my disability. I received funding from EATI for some
very important assistive technology. This must remain available for everyone in this
province so that they can be involved in work and recreational activities. Please
consider renewing EATI.
I have a friend who has a disability and they were in need of some equipment they
could not afford that would allow them to work and volunteer in the community.
Thank god for EATI they provided the help to get the equipment they needed and
they are now an active member of the community. We need to keep funding EATI so
that many more people with disabilities can be active members in our communities
as well. I have experienced first hand how this program has enhanced my friends life.
I have a friend who has a disability who was in need of equipment to be able to work
and volunteer in the community but was unable to afford it. Thanks to EATI they
provided the help to get the equipment she needed and she is now an active member
of the community which has greatly enriched her life. We need to keep the funding
going for this important program if not people like my friend would not be able to
flourish in our community. She is now also able to make her own income which leads
to independance which opens so many other doors for people with disabilities. I've
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2013-12-24
seen first hand how EATI makes a difference lets continue to allow them to.
a simple change in how personal care services are delivered in the province will make
the single largest impact on the lives of people living with disabilities. its called
individualized funding. it works like this.
1.your local health authority assesses your care needs and allocates a dollar amount.
2.you are provided a list of agencies who have been selected through a proposal call
by the health authorities and meet their criteria.
3.you interview these agencies and choose the one that meets your needs. if they fail
you terminate their services and slect another ageny.
i tried to make it sound complicated but unfortunatey its just too simple.
here are the benefits.
1.huge cost savings to the system.
2.agencies are responsive to client needs in order to keep them as customers.
3.agencies will enhance services to attract customers, such as offering housing.
4 clients/customers empowerment through purchasing power.
here are the disadvantages
1.job loss for health authority staff because the system runs itself.
2.less control by the system as decision making is passed on to the client. so maybe
some potential for poor decisions.
2013-12-24
this needs to happen
I received funding from EATI for a Van conversion. If it wasn't for this program I
wouldn't have been able to have access to transportation. I am now starting to
develop a client base and working in my community. This program must continue for
people like me.
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my post was deleted, truth (which i can prove) hurts..these ppl just want to look
good..talk is cheap
Thank you for submitting your comment to the Increasing Accessibility for People
with Disabilities blog. We would like to post your comment but, unfortunately, it does
not meet our Moderation Policy. Please refer to item number 2 regarding
unsupported accusations against individuals, groups or organizations.
2 years ago i filed a "consumer proposal" because of the same issue..not enough
income to maintain my debt, mostly because a large "tax refund" (a lift) for medical
devices was turned down by BC Govt..google MNP in Kelwona..they r great!
of course!
ive been lucky i have gotten a lawyer as advocacy groups are govt controlled..except
the bc coalition for the disabled..hit them up..they are awsome!..but over worked as
a result of Govt red tape..keep fighting!!
The funding I have received from the EATI [Equipment and Assistive Technology
Initiative) for mobility and assistive technology devices has made a significant
difference in my life. Without having the funding for a power wheelchair to get
around, assistive technology such as a laptop or tablet and assistive apps I would be
unable to return to the workforce and embark on a new career path, volunteer, take
advantage of recreational activities, stay healthy and engage with friends and the
community and be a productive member of society. Without this program, I along
with many other would face insurmountable barriers to success and would become
marginalized members of society dependent dwindling government handouts just to
survive.
The Government of British Columbia must recognize the overwhelming success
that the EATI program has had in the great many lives of people with disabilities that
it has assisted. This is the program referred to in the UN Convention on the Rights of
People with Disabilities and the Government must commit to ensuring that it is not
only extended beyond end of March 31, 2014 but also expanded, thereby enabling a
greater number of people with disabilities to take advantage of it. All British
Columbians should celebrate the major contributions that people with disabilities are
able to make when provided with the proper tools for success and the government
must commit to ensuring that this program continues into the future.
Yes,
The infrastructure created to help the disabled is worth billions
The money is NOT going DIRECTLY to the CLIENT
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Want to save MONEY?
Give the client a choice in how to spend their benefits
At the same time, don't cheap out either
By having choice, we can get rid of people whose job it is to ensure we continue to be
sick so they can have a pay cheque
People are being taking advantage of by the health industry
2013-12-28
2013-12-30
If there only concern is their survival, then what about us, whom is looking out for our
interests? THE HEALTH AUTHORITY SURE ISN'T
It is so crazy that we finally have a few programs in BC that were designed by the
people with disabilities and built from the ground up like the Respitory Program and
EATI -Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative. The EATI was built based on the
participation model which respects an individual to define their own challenges and
the way to over come them and the equipment or technology they decide on. This
great and successful program needs to keep going and help so many more people. It
meets the standards of the UN Convention. The first time anyone ever asked me what
I think I need and believed in me. The first time I felt respected and capable. The staff
and community staff and volunteers are the best. So why ask us what we want and
then not listen? You need to commit to keep funding the EATI and use the
participation model for all the Goivernment programs. Not rocket science. Even I
know that. That is the way to build success for the disability community. Let us lead
the way based on the UN Convention. Be brave. Be willing to forget the politics and
truely trust us to do something that works and support us. Otherwise its just another
show to say you have done something.
I absolutely agree. This was the first time I was treated with respect to do with my
"dis" area and my "ability area" I only just, just got accepted to get equipment and
I'm so very thankful.
I do want to ask BC Gov't that this EATI be continued!
2013-12-30
2013-12-30
Please many more deserve to be considered!
Also, homemakers and caregivers have been cut, then the better at home program
was introduced. Not in rural areas, however, and, lord knows, though I need the
help, if the program WERE available here, I could not afford the rates.
Yes, the government needs to make a commitment to fund the continuation of the
equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative (EATI). Both the government and
independent evaluations determined the program to be a success. Participants are
treated with respect and empowered to make their own decisions by peer Navigators
who have disabilities themselves. The program is cost effective and is an example of
an innovative approach to the delivery of personal supports such as assistive
technology, aids and devices. The program is based on the Participation Model which
was developed by a network of persons with disabilities, community organizations
and government. There is no need to wait for the results of the White Paper; we
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have a model and program that works.
EATI - Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative- how can this government not
see how innovative and important this program has been and can be into the future.
Designed and developed as a partnership by people with diverse abilities, no dis
allowed, with government and follows the UN Convention. We up here far away from
the Victoria political bubble are the real people who know what the issues are on the
ground and how to get things done to fix them. Why not have open forums and have
us present to the Premier and Ministers directly. Have them look us in the eyes and
hear us tell them what is really going on. The government does not have to be scared
of doing the right thing with us. We are people of this province too. We have proven
our ability to suffer and still survive. Its time to hear us and be partners in stopping
the suffering and let us thrive. I agree with. Be Strong. Be willing to bring us to the
table and be full partners in resolving all the issues that impact us. That is what the
UN Convention is all about. You may have started this White Paper without us but
you now have a chance to change that around and respectfully have us collaborate on
real solutions.
Nothing about us without us!!!!!!
When people buy eye-glasses, they are never told you can pay for a lens that is not
20/20 which is cheaper than buying one with a 20/20 correction! So why do we hard
of hearing folk have to choose between a hearing aid that will help you somewhat vs.
one that would help your hearing a lot? That is the decision what the hard of hearing
community faces.
Due to the very high price of many hearing aids, I recently had to select one that
would not give me the full benefits I need to be able to hear and function well in
society (I am not eligible for EATI. I **only** volunteer in my community...I guess I
am considered a second class citizen in BC...)
The top of the series hearing aids with several channels would benefit me a whole lot
better, but I can't afford them:
Quote: "No provincial funds, says minister...the province has a limited amount of cash
to spend and hearing aids are one more thing the government can't afford to cover. I
recognize it's difficult, but I also recognize every day in the ministry we have finite
resources and many, many pressures on them, including this one."
2014-01-04
(If this is the answer to so many of our needs, then what will this "White Paper"
actually prove to accomplish in BC? How much is the government spending on this
whole "white paper" process, for instance...?)
I have been working with people with various disabilities for over 10 years and things
have changed in that time, but two of the firm realities is that most of the people I
support have difficulty reading and writing and focusing on online activities. So while
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this method of receiving feedback is innovative, it is also exclusive and arbitrary.
Instead of discussing what I feel is in their best interest I can say what I have been
told by working with them.
Most of them do not like being lumped together with other people on other forms of
social assistance. While other people are more willing to move to online and
telephone communication with the ministries, the people I support prefer meeting in
person with people, but they have a hard time spending hours at the office.
People want to be assessed as to what their needs are, but they need the assistance
when they need it as opposed to being placed on a wait-list to receive services. This
delay can cause people to wind up homeless or in jail, neither of which is in the best
interest of them nor is it cost effective.
2014-01-05
I have found that in dealing with people with disabilities is there is a lack of an
acceptance to the changes in the needs of people, when the work first started the
common disabilities were cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, now days there is a
growing population of people with FASD or on the Autism spectrum, both of which
require different levels of assistance and desire to be treated in a fashion that differs
from the previous standards.
Two things
Separate expected to work clients from the PWD clients
We don't receive the dignity and time of day from the ministry when we are worrying
about the rent being paid on time, trying to figure out ambiguous legislation that we
don't understand
2014-01-05
Too much stress is very traumatic for people with disabilities, there needs to be a
more humane way of dealing with PWD clients then welfare lines. It should be backed
up by medical documentation or facts of the disability to qualify for benefits. There
shouldn't be so much grey area and hoop jumping to navigate the system.
I am very upset that the EATI program is due to be discontinued this coming March. I
have worked in the health care field in the community in BC since 1987 including
participating in the creation of the CSIL program which was developed with the
participation of the end users. It has enabled participation in employment, volunteer
participation and recreation and health facilities in the community. The EATI program
which was also developed with the participation of the end users was a very
important component to expand the participation of people in the community in
employment which simply is not possible without the various devices to empower
them to do this. The EATI program is cutting edge in that the "clients" have been
allowed to develop the process to trial devices and themselves access what works
works for them, rather than being saddles with cookie cutter devices that cost big
time but do not do what is needed. It would be a very big set back if the roll of EATI is
eliminated rather that expanded and further diversified.
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We need these programs and others like them strengthened.
2014-01-06
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They are not a cost!! They help our citizens contribute value to the society both in
their work and volunteering and also in their roll as parents, spouses, sons and
daughters and roll models for society on how to contribute to its overall well being.
Please let the people who work on the front in the field and the individuals that
directly use the EATI program be heard and do not go backwards to eliminate their
full participation as citizens. Thank you.
My biggest concern/ pet peeve is with handicap parking. It seems that the majority of
people believe these spots are for elderly people not handicapped people. The dirty
looks I get before I get out of my vehicle can sometimes be quite stressful. Then they
realize and just look away. But that's only the beginning . It seems that an awful lot of
people have these" convenient" passes and use them all the time. It clearly states on
the pass, if your having a good day, please leave this spot for someone that really
needs it. I watch people pull into a designated spot, jump out and practically run into
a store! One time, at a Costco a man parked besides us, hopped out, started heading
in at a quick pace then noticed me hobble out. He then started to limp! I can't tell
you how many times I've had to leave and go home because i couldn't get a close
enough spot that I was comfortable with. It seems to me, Doctors hand these out to
anyone with grey hair these days and they make full use of them.
As a blind person, the biggest barrier I face every day, is a lack of access to
information. Whether it's reading a morning paper, reading emails, checking physical
mail, reading a menu in a restaurant, job applications, or any of the million other
examples a day, in which a lack of sight, prevents me from living independently.
Other provinces throughout Canada, have programs whereby disabled individuals,
that includes the blind, are entitled to an amount of money every three years or so,
to purchase adaptive equipment. The money still must have to be applied for, and
some justification must be made, but it is at least possible to have some of the
adaptive devices that make it possible to live independently. There is obviously a cost
to such a program, but there is a cost to all aspects of civilization. ,
BC needs a law to give them the following:
BC’s disabled citizens need these options:
A) The tax-payers money goes directly to the disabled citizen and they recruit, hire,
train and so on the workers they need for personal care services.
Or:
B) The power to choose which government contractor (commonly known as “service
B.C. Disability White Paper Consultation (December 3, 2013 – March 11, 2014) – Personal Supports, Aids and Devices
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providers”) gets the contract to provide personal care services the disabled citizens
need.
This law should mandate that BC’s Individualized Funding system be administered by
the Ministry of Finance (not by the Health Authorities, CLBC or the Ministry of
Children and Family Development). This law should also mandate that Individualized
Funding be genuinely portable (if the disabled citizen is assessed in Vancouver as
needing X amount of hours of personal care every month, that will be the amount of
personal care the citizen gets if they move anywhere in BC).
Option A would preserve the best of the CSIL program; a law mandating real
portability will bring out the best of the CSIL model, which was intended to enable the
independence of disabled citizens.
Option B would give disabled citizens the power to punish bad government
contractors (service providers) and the power to reward innovative ones. All the
government contractors would know at the beginning of their relationship with the
client (the disabled citizen) that the client has the power to give the contract to
another organization. Disabled voters would have real leverage over those history
proves are most likely to abuse or neglect them. This leverage is what disabled citizen
need in the real world to protect their freedom and dignity.
2014-01-07
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2014-01-08
2014-01-08
Disabled voters need the Golden Rule: those who control the gold, make the rules.
FYI everyone, "CIVIL" is Civil Rights Now!, a BC-based not-for-profit society.
Here's a situation that may affect many. My brother is my primary caregiver. He has
a torn rotator cuff and needs surgery. Has been WAITING 4 years now; was told wait
list is another 4 YEARS! His injury affects the things he can do for me, so we are both
suffering. We live rurally. I cannot afford to hire somebody to do the things he does
for me. When our caregivers health fails, who can we turn to? Bet your life that no
government official would have to wait 8 years for surgery, or be told that their
situation was not urgent!
I believe that a counselor that is there to listen would be beneficial. I know that the
more interaction that occurs, the better that the counselor would be able to advocate
for the person experiencing difficulty. Therefore, the more financial assistance
earmarked for people with disabilities - the better.
When calculating the Choice in Supports for Independent Living Program's client
contribution the spouses income should not be included. Yes, there is a cap of $300
for people employed but it is still far too expensive.
Exactly. Being designated a Person With Disabilities is little help if you still face denial
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after denial of benefits. Getting approved is easy, compared to actually receiving
benefits, and getting approved only happens if you have a lawyer or advocate and go
through the reconsideration and appeal process. Thousands of persons with
disabilities are denied benefits because they don't appeal the "automatic" denial of
benefits. Workers believe it is their job to deny benefits, rather than follow policy or
legislation. That's how they're trained. These directives come from the top.
That's not the kind of "innovation" the govt wants to hear!
A couple things on COUPLES, get it !
Don't reduce their cheque because they live together. The rates are already low
enough for singles AND then are reduced further per person when couples live
together.
We are now able to earn 1600 per household since Oct 2012. The rates for support
for couples per person haven't been changed to go along side the new earnings
potential
And don't tell me we save a bunch because we live together. We are not harboring 10
people and saving immensely on toilet paper by going to a big box company with a
membership, (avoiding actually company names but get my drift)
My spouse still needs female specific products, like say every 28 days?, as I male
counter parts.
Reducing couples rate is just wrong, let us each have the same support per person
2014-01-08
Thank you for considering this suggestion
PWD clients should not have to rely on employment to get them out of poverty
The rates should go up enough so a little employment makes a difference for those
that can work
Having to rely on employment to double your income is unfair to the disabled
community and is not the solution. Yes, employment exceptions are good but not
when you have to rely on almost 50 percent of your monthly earnings to be from
employment not disability assistance
I cant get a job because I lack the social skills required to be an accepted employee
I cant compete with non challenged applicants
I cant compete with new immigrants
B.C. Disability White Paper Consultation (December 3, 2013 – March 11, 2014) – Personal Supports, Aids and Devices
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I cant get employed through social networks which are small
In other words, I wont get work unless I have someone qualified to get me into a
position. The agency I was using no longer serves me.
We need employment advocates that are skilled at getting clients work
People whom get out and meet employers and build relationships
We need people who walk the walk
I am very angry that I cant find a decent job. And have given up as the mental health
center is not helping, I need better employment support
2014-01-10
I hope a new agency is the answer but I am doubtful
I THINK WE NEED TO LOOK AFTER OUR OWN BEFORE WE CAN BE A PROSPEROUS BC
The economy is fragile, and we have a lot of social problems
Too much income inequality in the world
The hole in the dam is going to get bigger unless we start caring about the different
social welfare levels of our society
We need to implode inward and create prosperous societies where everyone is
included. The cycle of economics will return as consumers spend, businesses are
opened, and we are not dependent so much on foreign interests in order to succeed
The only people whom are doing well in this province already have money
The majority of people are suffering, especially the one in 6 that have a disability
I could see special cards that allow for groceries, expenses, if you are disabled
Perhaps companies could merge with the government to give the disabled spending
power for necessities such as food and clothing
I also think anyone who works less than 20 hours a week should keep their earnings
regardless of the wage
I hate my disability, the medication, the fatigue, the lack of social skills and networks
I wish I was healthy but the reality is I have to take medication which doesn't cure and
sometimes hinders the ability to succeed
Should I have to work my way to a better life?
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People take for granted that job hunting can be learned. If you have a disability, your
still going to have those challenges
Mental illness is the most misunderstood disability to the so called normal people
because it affects your brain meaning you have some cognitive impairment yet
people expect you can just follow 10 steps to a successful life like everyone else
I was turned down for employment assistance because my job search is not fine
tuned enough to narrow down the job titles I want to explore
2014-01-10
2014-01-10
My brain doesn't work properly maybe you could help me flush out the ideas to help
me narrow it down so off I go back to the drawing board
Not all disabilities are the same and not all people are capable of working fulltime
part time or full time hours. Many have severe challenges like myself in learning a
new career and age being a huge barrier. I don't remember one day from the next
without the help of my computer, ipad, iphone, to record appointments with
reminders. Without these tools I am housebound and lost. I was fortunate to receive
these tools by taking part in the EATI program which has not yet been further funded
so the program may continue. The EATI program is a great example how your
programs should be operated. I don't need non disabled people telling me what my
needs are when they really have no idea. It is important that the Government quit
deciding for each person what they need. Rather to turn it around and let the people
with disabilities themselves speak. There are too many organizations, non profits and
govt ministries that have very top heavy personnel and use up sometimes 90% of the
funds before anything gets to the clients.
I know my disability was a huge factor in not getting hired even though at the time
the agenda was to hire a person with a disability. Of course they hire someone who is
affected the least by their disability. They certainly weren't willing to take the time to
teach or train anyone. It's the same as working with others with mental illness or
brain injury but those agencies don't want to hire us disabled persons who have the
disabilities that they working with, they want the fresh out of school social workers
for the jobs and pay them top dollar because they have a degree of some sort. I
guess we don't know enough about our own illnesses and barriers to help other
people or be paid to do those kinds of jobs. We get left with all the volunteer work or
the lowest paying jobs they don't want to pay anyone for.
I would like to see therapists covered by BC medical and stop restricting the amount
of visits when the restriction interferes with our abilities to function day to day. Why
is it we can see a pshychiatrist for meds, limited visits and assistance from mental
health, doctors but when they all recommend that we see therapists specializing in
areas like trauma or other conditions, these professionals who provide a much
needed service are not covered by Medical so we don't get treatment and our
conditions don't improve. These are our support systems which are restricted so that
only the people with huge incomes can afford to get the services. How can we have
any hope of achieving a healthier life when we can't afford the services that can
actually help us.
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2014-01-12
In my life time I have seen a great deal happen that directly put the disabled out of
work. We have become a society of barriers against the poor and disabled. The only
place I know of that willingly supports the disabled is Wall Mart. So sad really. There
are no more "pump jockeys" , we bag our own groceries or pay a penality. We have
disabled parking spots instead of valet parking , automated tills and soon the latest
one , no more postal carriers. So many jobs have been eliminated due to " progress"
that there is no need for "People" any more. You figured out ways to benifit
companies who did away with these jobs , so now figure out how to get them back !
Many long years ago I got involved in a WAP program ( Work activity Program) It was
fantastic ! Bring it back Please. Ad to the program and expand it . It worked and I will
never know why the government got rid of it.
Lack of adequate dental coverage is something that I, as a PWD, have struggled with
over the years.
I've needed root canals and crowns. Attempts to receive ministry help playing for
them has been repeatedly denied. I am told the ministry will pay for 'extractions'.
Why would I want to be toothless? I need to eat! Likewise, if I want to get work
(which I do), I need to look presentable. Imagine going to a job interview and having a
front tooth missing or one that is hideously yellow and dead (my experience). So NOT
workable in these highly aesthetic times when most everyone in public life has
veneers, artificially white bright teeth or gorgeous crowns. There is an expectation
that anyone attempting to find employment look polished and attractive - nice
haircut, decent teeth, stylish clothes - but that is WAY beyond the budget of anyone
‘living’ on disability welfare. Which means what? ...We have yet another barrier to
push through to join the ranks of the gainfully employed.
2014-01-13
2014-01-13
Besides, hoping that someone will 'overlook' your less than ideal appearance and take
you on merit alone is a pretty tenuous position to be placed in...
My post was deleted! Tell me exactly why and I will edit it to your satisfaction but my
comments are relevant and true!
If they don't raise PWD to an actual living allowance it won't matter how many of
their own government programs they continue or restructure. They have been
cutting back even as this paper is being done. If they keep us poor and financially
repressed living unhealthy lives begging food banks and soup kitchens for food most
of which isn't even nutritional. We are a 3rd world issue in a 1st world country. I am
sure they will find something they can give to Christy Clark for another photo op.
while she pats herself on the back saying how good they are doing for us. Lip service
at it's best. Disabled person will continue to live in poverty and enjoy all the benefits
of living with depression, anxiety, stress, hunger, homelessness etc and the list goes
on. All we can do as disabled person is tell them the reality of what living life in our
shoes is like. They will continue to spend money on things that will only make our
lives even more difficult. I know for myself I can't take their ignorance anymore. If
life continues the way it has been for the past 15 plus years, I know for me life might
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as well just be over. The reality is I have tried suicide several times because the fight
takes everything out of me and the inadequate services to keep going keep getting
cut back on and access to them becomes more difficult and limited. I have been
homeless on more than one occasion. I have been refused jobs because nobody
wants to hear about my disability or deal with the issues I face because of it. Some of
those jobs were postings with our own government. Yes it's going to cost a lot of
money to bring us up to a descent living allowance. They won't do it because that is
short term thinking. That is how the government works. It is sad that they can't see
the long term benefits that this would bring to this province. To be paid 1500 a month
for disability and be given a working income allowance is not too much to ask for.
each individual is different and should not be categorized
Employers judge by first impressions! How you are dressed, how you are groomed,
and yes that nice smile that appeals to the public. These are all things that are hard
enough for a non disabled person to afford while they look for work. Add on all the
challenges disabled persons face day to day and you don't see much hope of getting
hired. On PWD we can't afford that winning smile, rather pull out your teeth because
nobody will fix them, the fancy clothing to impress the interviewer that we can't even
think of going out to buy and that healthy look and feeling we have to make believe
the best we can to hide the real life struggles of what we face day to day on what
little money PWD gives us to live on. We can’t afford to be well dressed and well
groomed with that winning white smile and we are certainly not healthy well fed
persons with the zest for today and the hope for tomorrow that the employer wants
to see. Instead all they see is a person with a whole lot of challenges that go along
with our disability. They fail to recognize the social and economic contributions that
people with disabilities have and a tend to see only the disability rather than the
person and their abilities. Constantly living in poverty can present a further
challenges. As a result, persons with disabilities do not always have access to the
same opportunities as others, and they are more likely to be socially isolated, have
higher rates of unemployment, suffer from depression and live well below the
poverty line.
The participation model that EATI uses is the best and most innovative way to meet
all of our needs as persons with disabilities. Basically it is based on individuals
determining what they need at any given time. That could be support groups, medical
supports, appropriate affordable housing, home supports, Equipment and Assistive
Technologies, Transportation Supports, nursing supports, therapist supports, training
supports, career planning supports, and on and on. The important thing is that the
Government quit deciding for each person what they need. Rather to turn it around
and let the people themselves speak. With so many ministries up in our business they
spend hundreds of millions of dollars administrating the money and few services are
available that the person themselves decide on. There are too many organization non
profits and govt ministries that have very top heavy personal and use up sometimes
90% of the funds before anything gets to the clients.
I have received devices from the EATI program in the past which have truly allowed
me to increase my quality of living&continue part time employment. This
program should be extended to include senior's ,as living with a visual impairment,
many of the devices that are on the market today to improve the freedom of reading
your own mail or listening to a talking book, or using email to communicate with
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loved ones and keep up to date on current events in our communities truly exceed
the cost of being affordable on a fixed income.
Was told today by a Ministry employee today that I was eligible for home support.
WHAT home support?
I am a 76 year old caregiver to a 58 year old spouse with MS. Both of us were
previously married and entered this relationship after carefully weighing our options,
both financial community support. Instead of committing my spouse to a facility
when her MS worsened I cashed RIFS to purchase aids and modify our home. I
approached our case manager ( Home Support) before proceeding as my income
would increase for the year and might trigger increased charges for service, I was told
to proceed and they would make allowances. However when our new daily rate form
arrived we were told the only thing they could do was a hardship application. One of
the most demeaning things I have ever done, I now regret my decision and will have
to consider a facility.
I am hearing from other families that there is a support gap between the ages 18 and
19. MCFD stops when an individual turns 18 and other adult support programs does
not begin until a person turns 19. Hopefully, this can be looked into.
i look after mygrown year son who has Down Syndrome he functions at the age of a
very young child. Community Living should be giving himservices . They are not. The
Federal Govt acknowledges the severe disabilty .
YES, I totally agree
couples are unfairly CHEATED
The Cerebral Palsy Association of BC supports the community calls to maintain and
enhance the EATI (Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative)
For people living with CP, like many other people with disabilities, the use of adaptive
equipment and technology is the core essential for participating fully in our society.
EATI is at the very center of any attempt to reduce barriers and to increase
accessibility for citizens of British Columbia. This program has made a critical
difference not only in the lives of the people accessing equipment and technology, it
opens the eyes of the community at large to see the importance of the contribution
of persons with disabilities.
I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome among other issues and have been bedridden for
more than 2 years now. I worked seasonally for as long as I could and now have such
severe exhaustion, I can't do anything. I am not able to shop and prepare meals so I
end up eating crackers and other things that make me actually more sick as I have
many food sensitivities. I called for home support a couple of times and got a rude
lady who said " We don't clean your house and if you can dress yourself, you aren't
eligible for Home Support". I told her I could technically dress myself, but don't
because I am too exhausted and weak,and don't leave my bed, but that I can't shop
or prepare meals. She told me I wasn't eligible to be assessed. So from this I take it
that it's more important to be dressed than it is to eat? It seems extremely difficult to
find out what benefits exist and how to access them. Why can't we have one site that
spells it all out for us? Why can't we have a worker that knows us personally and can
assist us? Why can't we have help with shopping and meal preparation if we can't get
out of bed and stand up for more than a few minutes? I'd like to go back to work, but
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eating crackers because I have no food in the house, isn't going to help me get there,
since I'm definitely allergic to some foods and regurgitate most of what I eat, unless it
is a healthful meal that requires someone to go to the store, stand and cut things and
cook it. I promise I'm not being dramatic about the crackers. Can someone help me to
be able to eat in a way that will improve my health or is that unreasonable? Thanks.
I have been suffering from severe sleep apnia for years. It has worsened to the point
where I can not get a good nights sleep and my Dr. told me I could die from it, it is so
bad. When I approached a FAW I was told there is no guarantee that I will receive the
breathing device I require even though I get a Dr.s note and that I am on PWD. I was
very confused and wondered what he was talking about.
One of my comments made on January 17th is not posted and I don't know why and
have not been told why.
Professional service that is desperately needed!
In the city where I live we are in desperate need of a psychemotrist. Why? This
person is qualified and trained to provide the necessary testing and data to
psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians, and other health care workers so that these
professionals know exactly what they are dealing with for every patient that has a
brain injury. Not all people who have a brain injury are affected in the same way.
Some show more deficits in other areas of their lives that others but all have deficits
that need to be addressed. It is as simple as a broken arm. If you don’t have an x-ray
to identify that is it broken and where it is broken how does the surgeon or physician
know what to look at or how to treat that patient to be able to reset a cast that
injury. He would simply have to make a guess and hope for the best. This is how
brain injury is treated. No data, no tests and no scans and a whole lot of guessing for
these medical professionals to try and figure out how to treat this injury.
I am an engineer and a volunteer with the Tetra Society of North America. The Tetra
Society is a non-profit society (part of the Disability Foundation) and its volunteers
create personalized assistive devices for people with disabilities. Though I've only
been involved for about three years, I've worked with several clients with reduced
mobility and have seen the positive impact that these devices can have in their lives.
The reality is that everyone has a unique need and a lot of off-the-shelf products are
not tailored to these needs. The services that the Tetra Society provides are quite
diverse and the volunteers are very creative, skilled and motivated, and they really
know how to listen and learn about what a client actually needs. Then they
collaborate with the client and other volunteers to create a customized solution
tailored for their individual needs.
I am been amazed with how much these volunteers can accomplish and I think that if
the government was able to provide more funding for materials, tools and outreach,
this organization could have an even bigger impact.
I think there should also me more incentive to come up with new and innovative
methods of making our communities more accessible. The Tetra Society has already
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partnered with University of British Columbia Engineering students to come up with
new ideas and solutions, while constantly receiving feedback from the disabled
community. Partnerships like this are very effective and if there were more incentive
programs for innovation and new developments, it could also help set the province
apart in their efforts to become one of the most accessible places to live.
This may not the kind of “innovation” the govt wants to hear but it is the grass roots
problem and this is exactly what they need to hear and listen to. Poverty oppresses
and penalizes disabled people financially, emotionally, physically, mentally only
diverting even higher expenses to other areas like our medical system.
As a brain injury survivor who has tried every means of support available to me this is
the one important service that is desperately needed. I previously commented on the
need for a psychometrist and explained what this person does and why they are so
desperately needed in order to help these medical professionals know what exactly is
affected by our brain injury and the information needed to actually provide us with
proper care and treatment. I guess that comment was not approved for posting. Are
there any Psychometrists in this province? If there isn't then I have to ask the medical
system and the government why? Without them medical professionals are not given
the necessary diagnostic information so they can provide us with making accurate
and affective treatment decisions.
The really sad thing about all of these comments is that the government knows they
are all true. The government, no matter which party is in office, has known these
things forever. There was no need for them to spend taxpayer dollars on a white
paper. All they ever needed was a conscience.
I am recently diagnosed with a long-term disability and have applied for PWD. I have
raised 3 FASD children into adults as a single mother, and am their main support and
caregiver now they are adults. 2 of them will function somewhat independently with
the right supports but the third will always require caretaker. The 3 have discovered
through their lifetime that need does not equal ability to access resources or dollars
for effective help and support. My youngest does not speak clearly, cannot read or
write, ergo internet and telephone are not 'normal' for him and most people treat if
as invisible or less than. Why can't the dollars for me to caretake him and get further
training to teach what I can to enhance adult expectations be put here. What
housing options, etc are available if I no longer can be involved and who will care?
So Many gaps and not enough space to vent or problem solve
I believe that Pharmacare has a short sighted view of cost when it comes to people
with disabilities. I have a prosthetic leg and have been told that I get "basic mobility
coverage" only for my prosthesis. While I am thankful that I have this coverage, basic
mobility prostheses are not capable of withstanding the impact from a highly active
lifestyle. Given the cost associated with prosthetics, it is not something that can be
reasonably covered by an individual.
By limiting coverage to "basic mobility only" Pharmacare is increasing the barriers to
amputees in staying active. This leads to degenerative conditions like diabetes, heart
disease and cancer, all of which cost the system more money in the long term than
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the provision of more thorough prosthesis coverage.
2014-01-20
It is sad that people south of the border seem to have better access to prosthetics
than we do here in Canada. We can do better.
BC has arbitrary deadlines for so much. These are not needed. They're there to force
the application as ineligible.
I had a arbitrary deadline on a application for dietary supplement. After spending
more time with my Dr. getting the apps filled in, instead of addressing cancer or my
other health problems, I turned in the app. I was told there was a deadline. It wasn't
stated on the app. Why would they have a deadline on this. It was 2 weeks.
I walk around with one breast. Try getting a job with that. After surgery, I had 6
months to apply for a prosthetic and bra. I missed the deadline as, after surgery, I
broke my leg. So I am screwed for life! People with these prosthetics need NEW bras
every couple of years. No one has bras that last for life. These cost about $150.00.
Prosthetics don't last forever. I've had 2 where the outer surface breaks down, and
the silocone comes out.
I had 2 such bras stolen from the laundry in my impoverished BC Housing building.
Disability rewarded me with $15.00 crisis grant. That was for 2 loads of laundry, and 2
mastectomy bras. This government hurts me so much.
2014-01-20
It's a crime to get cancer in BC. They kick you to the curb so fast, you don't know what
hit you.
I said to my Dr, I keep falling between the cracks. My Dr said, no, everyone is falling in
the cracks. This government is all cracks. The more you create, the more money they
save. On the backs and lives of citizens. BC is no place to be poor or sick.
The Campbell government closed the BC Human Rights Commission. Now, we have to
ask the BC government if we can take our issues to a Tribunal. IF they say yes, we
have to get our own legal advice. Usually, we fail due to basic technicalities that
lawyers wouldn't miss. The only ones getting their BC Human Rights are Corporations.
They have legal departments.
2014-01-20
Please reopen the BC Human Rights Commission so we can fight for our own human
rights.
Transportation Safety issues related to passengers with disabilities.
B C Coastal Transportation Society has presented the following concerns at the
Canadian Marine Advisory Council in Ottawa on November 6th 2013 and the Regional
CMAC meeting September 11th 2013 in North Vancouver. This presentation is
regarding what the BCCTS considers to be deficiencies in the manner special needs
passengers are dealt with on domestic passenger vessels in Canada.
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We have concerns about vessels that may not have proper equipment to evacuate
special needs passengers off a ship in an emergency, crew not having the proper
training in all cases to assist these passengers, the requirement to self declare, the
need for assistance by the passengers and the minimal level of care and
understanding on the part of the Shipping Companies involved.
With the accidents involving Ferries and Cruise ships that have occurred in the last 20
years internationally more is being discussed on this topic, for example cruise ships
visiting Vancouver are required to demonstrate to Transport Canada Inspectors that
they meet the requirements to properly evacuate disabled persons from the vessel.
This resulted from the investigations done after the Costa Concordia incident.
In the Marine Industry "Special Needs Passengers" include all persons with
disabilities, infants, children too small to use evacuation equipment on their own,
persons too large to safely use evacuation equipment, elderly persons who require
assistance or could get fatal injuries using evacuation equipment and passengers
returning from hospital after having surgery which affects their ability to be
evacuated safely from the vessel.
Evacuation Equipment
Examples of evacuation equipment that may not be suitable for special needs
passengers include evacuation chutes the company won't allow ships crew to use
during training drills due to the likelihood of injury and then expecting all passengers
to use this equipment in an emergency. Other vessels evacuation equipment
requiring all passengers to evacuate using steel ladders or scramble nets.
Elevators
On all ships in an emergency it is normal to turn off the power to elevators as there is
the possibility of it becoming stuck between floors if the vessel develops a list or loses
power to operate it. Our concern then is a large number of people not being able to
use stairs without assistance being in their cars and having to go up 2, 3 or 4 decks to
get to the evacuation stations.
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Crew Training
We feel that crew training should include disability awareness training of appropriate
responses to different disabilities, being able to communicate appropriately, boarding
and de-boarding, assistance that safeguards their safety and dignity, escorting
techniques of visually and hearing impaired persons, being able to transfer a person
in and out of a wheelchair and awareness of feelings of vulnerability because of
dependence for assistance.
Self-identification
We are concerned that the current regulations for carriage of special needs
passengers rely solely upon self-identification. Many ship owners may over-rely on
their websites for self-identification, a concept that relies on all passengers being
aware of the policy and having access to the internet.
The British Columbia Coastal Transportation Society is a non-profit organization and
we are a group of volunteers who want to see safe and affordable transportation for
all passengers and employees.
SSB # 06/2007 (Information on Persons on Board, Counting, Recording and Special
Needs)
BC Coastal Transportation Society
We appreciate the spirit and intent of Ships' Safety Bulletin 06/2007 and the
subsequent regulations that have been drafted in response to TSB recommendations
regarding adequate accounting of passengers on Canadian vessels. However we are
concerned they may not have gone far enough in providing guidance for ship owners
and operators, given the complexity of the issue. We raise the following concerns for
discussion, with the understanding that we believe this is not a local or isolated issue
regarding one specific ship-owner but rather a national issue speaking to a significant
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number of special needs passengers. This demographic is increasing as the population
ages and an important group travelling on passenger ferries in Canada.
SSB #06/2007 and the subsequent regulations contained in Fire and Boat Drill
Regulations do not specify requirements for implementation of systems that would
ensure that all passengers who may need assistance are identified, nor are there
means specified for notifying the Master or crew of the presence of all passengers
requiring assistance that are on-board any given sailing. The regulations rely solely
upon self-identification. Is the method of self-identification an adequate system given
the broad spectrum of physical and mental challenges some passengers live with?
Furthermore operators may over-rely on websites for self-identification, a concept
that relies on all passengers being aware of the policy and having access to the
internet. We suggest identification of passengers who may need assistance be
included in a more substantial way in the Passenger Safety Management training
certification, as well as through recognized systems for passenger accounting that
may be available to ship owners.
We are also asking how this important regulation is enforced and audited, including
the means to communicate the policy to Masters and crew responsible for these
passengers once they are aboard the vessel.
We support the recommendation put forward by the International Transport
Workers' Federation that a certificate be issued to a vessel stating the number of
special needs passengers that can be carried as well as the number of seafarers
specially trained to deal with these passengers.
2010 EU regulations suggest training of ships' crew should include disability
awareness training of appropriate responses to different disabilities, being able to
communicate appropriately, boarding and de-boarding assistance that safeguards
their safety and dignity, escorting techniques of visually and hearing impaired
persons, being able to transfer a person in and out of a wheelchair and awareness of
feelings of vulnerability because of dependence for assistance. We understand that at
least one ship owner on the east coast has taken this more extensive approach;
however they are still reliant upon the self-identification process.
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We would also suggest that a national policy be developed making the Canadian
Transportation Act applicable to all domestic passenger vessels in Canada in order to
have all passenger vessels on par and create consistent standards for all special needs
passengers regardless of what part of the country they live in or whether the ferries
they ride on are vessels regulated federally or provincially.
We are also concerned the regulations do not specifically address what the
evacuation equipment and arrangements for this group of passengers and the
Domestic Fleet should be and we request a comment on when or whether they will.
We believe the design of new vessels should include not only accessible areas in
accommodations but should address improved access to evacuation equipment for
passengers requiring special care or assistance. Vessels in the domestic fleet have
used a wide variety of systems, including slides, chutes and scramble nets for the
evacuation of passengers and we suggest that a standardized system be explored for
these passengers to assist ships' crews to evacuate them.
Finally at least one large passenger ferry operator permits free access to vehicle decks
during the voyage on most of its routes which may complicate the crews' ability to
respond effectively to an emergency and, more specifically, to assist special needs
passengers. This also makes assessing the numbers of special needs passengers who
have not self-identified problematic and may hamper what could already be a difficult
emergency scenario. The practice of using a 2% buffer for counting passengers could
also skew the data regarding accounting for all passengers including special needs.
We are also concerned about the policy of enlisting the assistance of untrained and
unqualified albeit able bodied or 'responsible' passengers to supplement the crew
during emergencies on some vessels in the domestic fleet, something that is reflected
in some evacuation plans.
and the BCCTS respectfully request copies of risk assessments that may have been
undertaken with regards to these issues, in particular the practice of permitting
passengers on car decks during voyages and the ongoing use of a self-identification
process for special needs passengers.
We also ask for verification of how the inspection and enforcement regimes work for
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these particular areas of concern.
As there is quite a lot of information on our website. We have included links to our
Authority to Enforce series that relates to this subject.
Additional reference material;
Regulation (EU) No 1177/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24
November 2010 concerning the rights of passengers when travelling by sea and
inland waterway and amending Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 Text with EEA
relevance
UN Article 9 - Accessibility
Regards
President BCCTS
2014-01-20
2014-01-21
My comments throughout are going to be the same. "Begin with increased funding" is
the answer to almost every question they have posed.
The clients I support via Community Living are limited in their access to the
community and services not only because of physical barriers but because we lack the
funding to maintain appropriate staffing levels to ensure that clients are able to get
out into their community on a regular basis. We cannot attract nor retain qualified
staff to work in community living. They will be paid better by working in complex care
or as an EA. This leaves us in a constant struggle for staff and leaves clients lacking
continuity of care and long term staff who know them.
I agree!!! As a health care worker I witness time and time again huge holes opening
up in our so-called 'world-class' health care system. It is disgusting and i am
embarassed to mention I work for the health authority i do. I see more and more
health managers (on a pay scale I could only imagine) questioning the validity of proactive programs (run on a shoe-string) and staff they do not understand while
ignoring descent research supporting these community programs. 'Do more with
less' is the name of the game-this is not sustainable and is becoming harmfull. Clark
and her government are directly to blame-their treatment of health care workers and
teaching professionals is disgusting. I fear for the state of this country they will leave
my kids. I think venues like this are useful but am dubious as to if comments here will
create any serious consideration...I doubt it.....
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2014-01-21
Through my own research I have found that needing an increase in PWD payments is
not exactly new to this Government.
What has been needed for a decade is to increase rates for basic income assistance
and Persons with Disability (PWD), but it seems as though people can talk until
they're blue in the face and this government doesn't get it, or care, that its most
vulnerable citizens and their children are living in deep, dark poverty.
In 2011 the BC office of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives calculated that
poverty costs British Columbia $8.1 billion to $9.2 billion every year. The estimated
cost of a poverty reduction plan would be $3 billion to $4 billion a year – or less than
half of what we lose to poverty (Campaign 2000).
Advocacy B.C.
2014-01-22
2014-01-22
Obviously it's cheaper to eliminate poverty than it is to keep things as they are now.
I have recently learned that my son has to choose whether he is a manual chair user
or a power chair user when he goes into adult services. I think this could be
compared to asking a person without a disability to choose if they would like to drive
a car to get around or ride a bike, (you can only choose one)!! Why is this? My son
needs both equally. A manual chair works much better for him indoors and a power
chair is essential for getting places safe and in a timely manner outdoors. My son did
not choose to be a person with a disability, he was born this way. He has grown up in
a system where there are lots of options for children with disabilities to access extra
funding through charities. Now as an adult it seems so depressing. I listen to the
news and our government is sending millions of dollars to aide other countries. My
son is living right here in BC in need of aide!!!!
I am both a person with a disability and an advocate and service provider to persons
with disabilities. While I will certainly be posting other comments and solutions on all
the categories, there is one point that I forgot to bring up at today's in person
consultation session. The BC Bus Pass Program is great, but now with Translink
moving to their Compass Card system, those of us on the BC Transit system have to
pay for transit down there, even with our BC Bus Pass, as the kind the Ministry issues
outside of the GVRD will not be recognized by Translink's new technology. The
problem is for people like myself and many others, who regularly travel to Vancouver
for medical services now have to come up with money for transit down there. I was
down there in November to see both a cornea specialist and a cataract surgeon. One
specialist was in Vancouver and the other in North Vancouver. This is two different
fare zones. If I had to pay cash, it would be a $4.00 fare each time, good for only 90
minutes (albeit in both directions, which is better than on BC Transit). I can buy a day
pass for $9.75, but if you're down there for a few days, that gets expensive. Since I
have PWD, I imagine the Ministry will give me extra money for transit, if they're also
paying for the trip. How about people with disabilities who don't receive assistance
from PWD, including seniors with disabilities. I would encourage the Ministry of Social
Development and Innovation to work together with the Ministry of Transportation,
Translink and BC Transit to come up with a solution that works for everyone. I should
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2014-01-22
also mention that this works both ways: now people in the Lower Mainland travelling
outside of the Lower Mainland will also have to pay for transit when riding a BC
Transit bus. Either way, it's a major concern of mine.
These bus passes should work all over bc, as they did before
The government needs to changes this RIGHT AWAY as this is simply administrative
red tape, if you live in bc and are disabled legally this should be challenged on the
bus, and drivers should yield and understand their circumstances, The COMPASS
Program shouldn't limit the disabled choice for public tavel
WHY CHANGE THIS NOW? WHEN THIS HAS BEEN IN PLACE FOREVER
2014-01-22
COMPLETELY STUPID
LISTEN UP EVERYONE
THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT RAISE THE RATES
2014-01-22
2014-01-22
2014-01-22
THEY COULD, HOWEVER, AT LEAST INDEX THEM FOR INFLATION UNTIL THE
ECONOMY IMPROVES
ONCE THE ECONOMY IMPROVES, THEY SHOULD GO TO 1200 and up
STOP SPENDING ON CAPITAL PROJECTS, SPEND ON INVESTING IN PEOPLE
I THINK THE DISABLED SHOULD DRAFT THEIR OWN CONSTITUTION, AND COUNTRY
FOR THAT MATTER
THEIR SHOULD BE NO CONSULTATION UNTIL RATES ARE RAISED
2014-01-22
2014-01-22
PERIOD.....
LETS ALL GO TO VICTORIA FOR A PROTEST
Seriously, People I am scared of the government
When they hold your purse strings it is frightening
Too Bad a non-profit organization couldn't administer the PWD Program
The whole system needs to be revised
We need to be looked at as HUMANS not a financial burden
Disability and Poverty should not go hand in hand
We have too many struggles to be lumped together with welfare
WE DON'T NEED EXTRA STRESS
2014-01-22
ELIMINATE US FROM WELFARE, PUT US IN TOUCH WITH CARING PEOPLE
I suffer from mental illness, and do not have hope that I will find a job now that y
contractor does not serve me.
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Jobs are hard to come by for the non disabled
The government wants you to work your way out of poverty
2014-01-22
good luck to you all
I have no more rants
So Sorry for the comments
2014-01-22
I am frusturated
Canada is a country that has strong social support programs
That takes care of people
I would like to see a federal disabilty program that combines federal and provincial
monies and is determined by cost of living by city etc
People are also free to move their assistance to other provinces
I think the government can make great progress and makes things more efficient for
all disabled by having a federal non cpp program
It can administered better by the federal govt with more money and resources
2014-01-22
2014-01-23
and less discrepancy
I am an individual who is deaf and use a cochlear implant. I use my CI on a daily basis
for work and communication. It is suggested that the users of the Cochlear implant
are to upgrade their speech processors every 6 to 7 years as technology is always
evolving and of course, the speech processers get worn out by daily use just like
hearing aids. The first processor that I received over 8 years ago was provided along
with my surgery at no cost and covered by health insurance. However, when I
decided to upgrade almost 2 years ago, I was told that I had to pay the upgrade out of
my pocket at the tune of $5,000 ! I was like NO way so contacted Pacific Blue Cross,
they only were willing to cover it up to $700 ( it took them over 3 months for a
response because they only would cover hearing aids not a cochlear implant speech
processor. ) and then the tax write-off was an another $700.
The upgrade of the speech processor will be an on-going issue for all users of
cochlear implants and costly. I consider this as a necessity as same as people with
disabilities having to upgrade their wheelchairs and other aids. Yet their wheelchairs
are replaced at no cost to them and costs way more than just a speech processor.
Whats wrong with the picture here ?
Having worked in employment programs for people with disabilities for
approximately 7 years, I have had the opportunity to work with clients on a variety of
issues and have experienced both successes and challenges.
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With regards to financial supports, while I do wish the monthly amount was higher, I
have witnessed how the PWD support can be of assistance to help clients become a
bit more stable compared to when they were only receiving regular income
assistance benefits. Whenever appropriate, I have encouraged clients to apply for
PWD and the results have been mixed. At times, clients are provided useful help
from income assistance workers and are guided through the application process,
while other experiences are a lot more negative.
I don't believe the process of applying for PWD is particularly difficult and understand
that applicants need to properly qualify for the benefit, but given the severity of
some disabilities as well as the lack of having a regular doctor to confirm it, the
process of applying for PWD can require more abilities than some clients have. In
short, I wish that the application process could be more easily facilitated so that the
clients who need it have an easier time accessing it.
My second comment pertains to regular income assistance benefits, particularly
related to clients who are on the support, but are making efforts to become gainfully
employed. One challenge I continue to experience with clients in this category is the
concern they have that if they lose their new employment (e.g., fired, quit, laid off,
etc) before they earn enough to go on EI, they will have had their income assistance
cut off and will face severe consequences (e.g., not being able to pay their housing,
food, child care needs, etc). This policy continues to impede some clients from
making progress with employment as they fear that getting a job can have dire
consequences if they are not able to maintain it. Considering that many clients who
are on regular income assistance have had difficulty with employment in the past, it is
realistic to say that this is a legitimate concern.
The advantage of PWD is there is a 'safety cushion' which allows recipients to start
receiving their income supports rather quickly if for some reason they lose their
employment. I would suggest that a similar type of safety net be established for
clients with disabilities who are not eligible for PWD and who are trying to gain
employment. When I have worked in certain ministry sponsored employment
programs, I have often called income assistance offices on behalf of my clients to
confirm to the worker their efforts in attempting to gain employment. Often, once
the worker understands the client is connected to an employment program and is
aware of the efforts the client is making, there seems to be some wiggle room with
regards to the supports that can be delegated.
If possible, I would see the value of changing the policy regarding the termination of
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income assistance benefits for clients who have a disability. If benefits are to be
terminated once a client becomes employed, it would be useful to have their file
remain open for 3 - 6 months so that should they lose their employment, they can
more easily reactivate their income assistance benefits to more rapidly receive their
funds. While not a radical change, I believe this shift will reduce some anxiety with
clients about starting a new job as they will feel a bit more secure if things go wrong
with their employment.
2014-01-23
2014-01-23
2014-01-24
2014-01-24
My last comment is that not all Income Assistance Workers are created equal. I have
no doubt that the job is incredibly challenging and have respect for the work they do.
However, I have had clients who face significant barriers to employment (and life)
due to their disability or multiple disabilities. While I wish there was more funding, I
do appreciate the types of supports our province has for income assistance, housing,
and employment. However, trying to navigate through the system, connect with the
proper departments, associations, registries, etc., can be a difficult and confusing
process. Clients with disabilities and no family or friends to help guide them through
the system can be particularly challenged to access supports. While it is my
experience that some IA workers have been helpful and respectful when assisting
some of my clients with some of the processes, I have also experienced other workers
who are rude, disconnected, and apathetic to the needs of some clients. While it may
be unrealistic, I would like to see the customer service aspect of workers improve so
that all clients, but particularly the ones with disabilities, do not feel intimidated to
get information or assistance and are treated with more dignity and respect.
I agree
I live in a rural area without transit or handy-dart. I receive no assistance for travel. I
live 45 minutes from town one way. Its deplorable how people on a disability are
treated.
My comment is about accessability to the community. Where I live and support
people who use a wheelchair van it seems that the shopping centres have decided
that "handicapped" parking is not necessary. Two new shopping centres have cut
back on their parking for permitted vehicles, and we can't shop at Walmart anymore
unless we want to unload and walk in the rain and wind to a very slow and over used
elevator, then do the same on our return. It takes more than 5 minutes to unload a
wheelchair van, and the first one out sits out in the rain until everyone is out. No
thanks! We are in Victoria where the "handicapped" parking is almost always taken
by older people driving cars. We need spots that are only for the use of wheelchair
vehicles, since we can't park in a regular spot. People who access their community in
wheelchairs do need special consideration and it should be offered without prejudice
- their money spends just like everyone elses.
Fact is 80% of the disabled will never enter the workforce full time.
Yet we are forced into total poverty, yesterday I had to spend $145. on rapid insulin
that is only 50% covered, now I can not afford healthy food, yet without insulin I will
die!
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The rates are way to low.
The average person works 173 hour per month and min wage is $10. per hr. or
$1,730. per month, yet the disability rates is only $900.
We should get a rate equal to minumim wage not 50% less. In fact we need a high
rate to cover all the extra costs we have.
2014-01-24
I would like it to be a pension and not part of welfare.
This is a comment by a group made up of day program participants and the staff who
support them.
One of the difficulties we frequently face is the ability to obtain the various
technology based tools to allow us to explore and meaningfully support using these
tools in our daily activities. We do receive some valuable support, particularly from
CAYA for our communication devices. However there are other tools we would like to
use, such as accessible software and computer interfaces, that we do not have
support for under our current funding formula. Consequently, we have very limited
opportunity to use and expand our experience with technology.
Given that technology is such a large part of daily life and has so much potential to
enhance the lives of persons with disabilities, we urge funding agencies to review
funding models to include provision for the use and development of technology
based tools.
2014-01-24
2014-01-24
2014-01-24
Technology, and the required funding, is a large part of a school based experience,
but is notably less available in programs or situations for adults with disabilities.
I totally agree with you!
the BC government needs to live like a single person on pwd for three months and
see how it to live. Without the help of family or friends where can they find to rent
for $325-$375? Then try budget needed meds, food and utilities on $531.41 It's
impossible. Every time I tell my friends, family and coworkers how much is allotted
for rent and how much I'm given for living expenses they are shocked. Why can't BC
be more like Ireland? They pay for all meds, medical visits, there is even regular
houses to rent so people aren't living in dumps and not segregated as different.
People on disability need help to feel a part of their community not to giving so little
they feel like their whole world is falling apart.
I can certainly identify as being part of that 80 percent that will never have
sustainable employment or the ability to even work a full time job due to my
disabilities. What are people like myself supposed to do for the rest of our lives. I
have a brain injury, PTSD, and Chronic Depression on top of what physical health
B.C. Disability White Paper Consultation (December 3, 2013 – March 11, 2014) – Personal Supports, Aids and Devices
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impairments that I have developed from living like I am trying to survive in a 3rd
world country. I am 55 years old. I just finished checking out the college here to see
what my options could be as a disabled person with a learning disability. This was an
experience I wouldn't wish on any disabled person with any kind of learning disability.
Even if I try, which I am struggling to do, to take a program at the college it would be
2 years before it would be completed before I could even begin a program for a
career. That is of course if I am able to attain that 70 percent overall score. I have
extreme difficulty with short term memory and even long term is mostly fragmented
and random at best. I would be extremely lucky to make it through one of these
college and career prep programs that are 4 semesters long. Not until I complete and
pass this would I be able to enter another program that is career orientated. The
shortest of those being another 2 years. That leaves me at 59 years old before I can
even pass out an application and only if I am able to make that passing grade of 70
percent. Just going through all the process to even get assessed and all the other
medical documentation the school requires it will take months before I can even
apply for anything. It is overwhelming, stressful and I don't feel very optimistic or
hopeful of even making it through the application processes. Way to many obstacles
in the way on top of the deficits I am left with because of my disability. I am trying
and doing the best I can and doing what ever work I can but it isn't enough. I still
can't make nearly as much as the average person can make working full time at a
minimum wage job.
2014-01-24
All the innovations and supports are not going to make a difference in my abilities as
a disabled person. So what am I left with? A life of extreme poverty. Struggling to eat
and make it through each day. The stress and anxiety of dealing and coping with the
deficits my disability has left me with. It is really hard to find anything that I might be
good at that could be turned into an employment opportunity where I could be paid
enough money to live on even at minimum wage. Just that alone is a dream and a
pretty hopeless one at that. If all I have to count on for security in my life is that $906
a month then where is the hope in even wanting to live or think about any kind of
future. There is no future. I can honestly say with the challenges I face day to day
with my disabilities that I hope my life is short because I have no desire to continue
living a life condemned to this dark lifestyle of poverty and living life with no dignity
hope or purpose. Suicide has been a reality in my life with several attempts all due to
hopelessness and feeling less than human when it comes to how the Ministry and the
Government treat us and the constant desperate challenge of coping with all the
limitations of my disabilities. We are constantly ignored and swept under the rug with
a band aid approach to what they consider helping us. I think it is great we can talk
about our struggles and identify barriers but I don't believe that this government will
ever do anything that will honestly make a difference in all our lives. I have promoted
this paper to many disabled people in hopes they would take part in the conversation
but most believe there isn't any point and call this the White Wash Paper. I know for
myself that changes to PWD amounts have to be severely increased and they have to
be done now and not months or years from now otherwise, really what is the point of
going on with life? No wonder so many disabled people that I am surrounded by turn
to drugs and alcohol out of sheer hopelessness. That is what PWD is for us now.
I can certainly identify as being part of that 80 percent that will never have
sustainable employment or the ability to even work a full time job due to my
B.C. Disability White Paper Consultation (December 3, 2013 – March 11, 2014) – Personal Supports, Aids and Devices
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disabilities. What are people like myself supposed to do for the rest of our lives. I
have a brain injury, PTSD, and Chronic Depression on top of what physical health
impairments that I have developed from living like I am trying to survive in a 3rd
world country. I am 55 years old. I just finished checking out the college here to see
what my options could be as a disabled person with a learning disability. This was an
experience I wouldn’t wish on any disabled person with any kind of learning disability.
Even if I try, which I am struggling to do, to take a program at the college it would be
2 years before it would be completed before I could even begin a program for a
career. That is of course if I am able to attain that 70 percent overall score. I have
extreme difficulty with short term memory and even long term is mostly fragmented
and random at best. I would be extremely lucky to make it through one of these
college and career prep programs that are 4 semesters long. Not until I complete and
pass this would I be able to enter another program that is career orientated. The
shortest of those being another 2 years. That leaves me at 59 years old before I can
even pass out an application and only if I am able to make that passing grade of 70
percent. Just going through all the process to even get assessed and all the other
medical documentation the school requires it will take months before I can even
apply for anything. It is overwhelming, stressful and I don’t feel very optimistic or
hopeful of even making it through the application processes. Way to many obstacles
in the way on top of the deficits I am left with because of my disability. I am trying
and doing the best I can and doing what ever work I can but it isn’t enough. I still can’t
make nearly as much as the average person can make working full time at a minimum
wage job.
All the innovations and supports are not going to make a difference in my abilities as
a disabled person. So what am I left with? A life of extreme poverty. Struggling to eat
and make it through each day. The stress and anxiety of dealing and coping with the
deficits my disability has left me with. It is really hard to find anything that I might be
good at that could be turned into an employment opportunity where I could be paid
enough money to live on even at minimum wage. Just that alone is a dream and a
pretty hopeless one at that. If all I have to count on for security in my life is that $906
a month then where is the hope in even wanting to live or think about any kind of
future. There is no future. I can honestly say with the challenges I face day to day with
my disabilities that I hope my life is short because I have no desire to continue living a
life condemned to this dark lifestyle of poverty and living life with no dignity hope or
purpose. Suicide has been a reality in my life with several attempts all due to
hopelessness and feeling less than human when it comes to how the Ministry and the
Government treat us and the constant desperate challenge of coping with all the
limitations of my disabilities. We are constantly ignored and swept under the rug with
a band aid approach to what they consider helping us. I think it is great we can talk
about our struggles and identify barriers but I don’t believe that this government will
ever do anything that will honestly make a difference in all our lives. I have promoted
this paper to many disabled people in hopes they would take part in the conversation
but most believe there isn’t any point and call this the White Wash Paper. I know for
myself that changes to PWD amounts have to be severely increased and they have to
be done now and not months or years from now otherwise, really what is the point of
going on with life? No wonder so many disabled people that I am surrounded by turn
to drugs and alcohol out of sheer hopelessness. That is what PWD is for us now.
B.C. Disability White Paper Consultation (December 3, 2013 – March 11, 2014) – Personal Supports, Aids and Devices
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2014-01-24
2014-01-24
I can certainly identify as being part of that 80 percent that will never have
sustainable employment or the ability to even work a full time job due to my
disabilities. What are people like myself supposed to do for the rest of our lives. I
have a brain injury, PTSD, and Chronic Depression on top of what physical health
impairments that I have developed from living like I am trying to survive in a 3rd
world country. I am trying and doing the best I can and doing what ever work I can
but it isn’t enough. I still can’t make nearly as much as the average person can make
working full time at a minimum wage job.
All the innovations and supports are not going to make a difference in my abilities as
a disabled person. So what am I left with? A life of extreme poverty. Struggling to eat
and make it through each day. The stress and anxiety of dealing and coping with the
deficits my disability has left me with. It is really hard to find anything that I might be
good at that could be turned into an employment opportunity where I could be paid
enough money to live on even at minimum wage. Just that alone is a dream and a
pretty hopeless one at that. If all I have to count on for security in my life is that $906
a month then where is the hope in even wanting to live or think about any kind of
future. There is no future. I can honestly say with the challenges I face day to day with
my disabilities that I hope my life is short because I have no desire to continue living a
life condemned to this dark lifestyle of poverty and living life with no dignity hope or
purpose. Suicide has been a reality in my life with several attempts all due to
hopelessness and feeling less than human when it comes to how the Ministry and the
Government treat us and the constant desperate challenge of coping with all the
limitations of my disabilities. We are constantly ignored and swept under the rug with
a band aid approach to what they consider helping us. I think it is great we can talk
about our struggles and identify barriers but I know for myself that changes to PWD
amounts have to be severely increased and they have to be done now and not
months or years from now otherwise, really what is the point of going on with life?
Starving the sick just shortens life!
To bad I can not say what I really think, due to censorship.
It is so nice that I'm allowed to earn $800 extra, it is big carrot that most of us will
never be able to have.
I live in a paid off house and all the bills, tax/ins/heat/light/etc are over $500. month,
yet $375 is the max shelter allowance.
I can not afford a free house, this is insane!!!! Welfare clients can not have the BC
rent subsidy. Harper and Clark took away the RAPP program that repaired houses. I
take 20 R/X per day and more drugs are now not being covered.
BC is turning into a 3rd world state.
This whole project will be another multi million dollar waste of money where our
leaders discover more things to cut.
Corprate welfare cost 400% more than social welfare.
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PS: The disabled are not invited to these meetings, but if we tell our keepers what
they want to hear then maybe yes.
2014-01-26
I love how all government meetings are food events....
I wrote you a note last night and it was removed, boy is that ever sad!
These guys have my e-mail address and could contact me about editing but again that
is far to simple.
I do hope the moderators collect all the rejected comments and review all of them, so
they can learn what it is like to be PWD.
our keepers do not love us!
It would be nice to see what welfare really thinks about us, I think I know the answer
and so do most of us!!!
2014-01-26
Take care.
from Vancouver island First a raise in the monthly income giving the PWD's enough
to follow the Dietians of Canada recommended diet requirements. That would
provide them with better basic health and keep them out of the hospitals and
Doctors office as often. The return of home care for those that need it and remove
the limits of what the homecare workers is allowed to do.
It would be helpful of the PWD,s or anyone on IA could have the hydro bill paid by
the Ministry and not have it taken off the monthly income As it is its just a claw back.
Return the volunteer supplement and all the medical supplements that have be cut
off or refused
2014-01-27
2014-01-27
A raise of $400 - $500 per month would help the PWD have a more reasonable life
CSIL Program - there is the maximum monthly client contribution people that are
employed. The maximum should be applied overall because contrary to popular
belief, management of basic life needs for a person with a disability is more costly;
Simplify the process to allow family members to be remunerated for some of the
assistance that they provide, and in doing so reduce their ability to pursue
employment outside the home
Self-assessment and self- management - of personal needs. In most cases the
individual with a disability has expertise to identify their own needs. Should be
included on every step of the way.
I was contacted and asked to change my comments, after thinking about that I must
say no thanks, my opinions are valid.
I have been a member of a support group for the disabled for years now and I know
what you are saying, your friends calling this a white washed paper is a valid point of
view, we will see.
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As for increasing rates it will not happen, here is why!
Across canada in every province there is welfare and from the very beggining no one
province wanted to have a higher rate, the fear being that it would cause an influx of
poor people to the highest rates. BC feared it the most due to Vancouvers mild
climate and a higher welfare rate would attack the poor and disabled from all across
the country, this is just an unspoken fact.
This is why shelter rates are only $375. because in other provinces housing is so much
cheaper. Even within the province shelter rates vary, my house is about $200,000. but
in Vancouver it is over $2 million yet my house in Sask could be $65,000. or less and
lower again outside the cities.
Our leaders have not looked at the real cost of housing using a made in BC rate
system, (in my opinion).
Like I have said before, that I live in a paid off house that costs over $500 per month
yet $375 per month is the max. shelter rate. I can not afford a paid off house!
2014-01-27
2014-01-28
I just can not see BC stepping up and adjusting welfare rates first before other
provinces, and Harper could request all provinces to increase their welfare rates,
sorry but Harper spends all his time supporting corparate welfare not social welfare,
(in my opinion).
My son has a mental disabitlity. He requires help with activities of daily living. I am his
only support. I have tried for over 10 years to get some help for him with no luck. His
mental health team is of NO HELP at all. My son eats out of garbage cans because he
can not handle his money, or cook for himself. I have tried every avenue to get him
some assistance but I feel like I am hitting my head against the wall. I know there are
supports out there but none of the professionals that are assigned to my son are
guiding me to get any help.
Cross posted from Asset Accummulation
from Thompson Okanagan said on January 27, 2014 at 11:54 pm:
I notice the frustration in the words of the previous commentators on this question. I
believe that BC should lead Canada in implementing a very aggressive IDA policy. I
found out about Individual Development Accounts when I attended the TASH AGM in
Seattle in 2007. This is the Association for the Severely Handicapped.
Every person with special needs requires and is entitled to 2 bank accounts. One for
daily living income support, and the other for development of their personality,
B.C. Disability White Paper Consultation (December 3, 2013 – March 11, 2014) – Personal Supports, Aids and Devices
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health, education, business involvement, etc. We need to completely scrap the evil
and destructive and unnecessary idea that any money that a person is able to raise
needs to be clawed back just so a person is able to maintain a bare treading water
way of living. This is a garbage policy, and BC’s special needs population needs to be
recognized as having a right to development. Canada signed at the UN the convenant
on this right in 1966, and since has treated it as a state secret that dare not be
spoken.
Washington State, and SEED Winnipeg are offering IDAs. I suggest that we could put
together a really aggressive and effective program of this kind in this province. I am
holding a meeting at the second floor study room on Thursday Jan 30 at 5 to 7 PM. I
am inviting everyone who is wanting to bounce their ideas off each other, so when
we meet on February 6 we are oriented on what each person is wanting.
said on January 28, 2014 at 12:08 am:
2014-01-28
2014-01-28
The study room for the preliminary Kelowna meeting is on the second floor of the
Ellis Street Public Library in Kelowna. This meeting will be held from 5 to 7 PM this
Thursday, Jan 30. 2014.
I tried to view new comments and I could only get this leave a reply The government
does not want anyone to know the suffering the poor - disabled - or seniors go threw
because of the failure to provide enough money each month
I am ashamed of people who would think this is OK. Its bad when someone must
choose between eating and another needed item - ie trip to the doctors office or a
medicatiom
EATI - Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative
UBC’s Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy and School of
Social Work released the evaluation report on the Equipment and Assistive
Technology Initiative (EATI) program, to the BC Personal Supports Network and the
Ministry of Social Development.
In partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Social Development, the BC Personal
Supports Network is responsible for delivering the EATI program.
Through this program I met my tiny goals of volunteerism, and two years later I have
B.C. Disability White Paper Consultation (December 3, 2013 – March 11, 2014) – Personal Supports, Aids and Devices
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a small 6 week employment contract that I had to leave behind in 2005. More
important, EATI provided the tools by which I was able to remain updated in various
areas, and through volunteering extended and honed my skill level. Even though,
everything I try to do is a functionality test reminding me of what I can and cannot do
physically, this program, without any exaggeration, saved my sanity, moved me from
despair and misery into hope, and allowed me access to the internet and knowledge I
would not otherwise have. Put simply, I would have become redundant, faced with a
huge upfront re-training period in order just to contemplate volunteerism or
employment. While I pay for my internet in order to do all this, the financial hardship
of paying for the internet is mitigated by the volunteering, accessing knowledge, and
now the long slog to a wee small employment contract.
A critical component of the assistive technology I received was a chair, which an
occupational therapist help design and choose, and it allows me to sit and work for
sometimes 3 times longer than I normally might because of my disability, and I can
also recline and lay in it.
I came across the EATI program quite by accident in 2011: a scribbled note pinned to
a bulletin board. It was not something I was informed about.
Furthermore, I would not be able to do this wee small contract without the
equipment received because the contract work expects contractors to have all the
equipment I have. And this would not have been possible in my financial disability
circumstance since 2004-2007.
Read the report available at:
I conclude that this EATI program is the single most innovative program for Persons
with Disability.
“EATI affords many participants the opportunity to assess their own needs and
determine what assistive technology, device or equipment would work best for
them.”
“One of EATI’s most notable differences from many other programs that deliver
B.C. Disability White Paper Consultation (December 3, 2013 – March 11, 2014) – Personal Supports, Aids and Devices
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assistive devices to people with disabilities throughout Canada is that EATI has no list
of approved assistive technology,…and instead remains open to funding any new AT
as program participants’ needs direct….working on the Participation Model….and selfassessment.”
“…EATI does not set a price limit on the assistive technology requested.”
“…EATI represents the only non means-tested provincial program for people with all
types of disabilities to access all types of assistive technology for employment
purposes…”
As at January 2012, EATI had over 1,000 participants, and had provided funding for
assistive technology to people with disabilities throughout BC. They are waiting
whether the program will continue.
The report justifies the dollars spent, that the EATI program works as designed, and
that the EATI program continue.
2014-01-28
2014-01-28
The EATI programs spans Personal Supports, Aids and Devices, Innovation, and Social
Networks.
Many parents with children who have various types of disabilities have issues with
finding appropriate respite caregivers. Famililes need this kind of respite support to
allow them to deal with their own household tasks as well as having the odd weekend
or evening away. Finding approved and trained caregivers require many checks. I
believe the government should offer a service of finding caregivers for families.
>> What personal supports, aids or devices would make it easier for people
with disabilities to make contributions to the community? What needs to be in place?
In the same way that you have a supplement for many medical ailments, as well as
for drug/alcohol treatment, a supplement for psychotherapy to assist those with a
mental illness would be highly beneficial for some of us.
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I attend therapy on a weekly basis in order to overcome an anxiety disorder that
makes it difficult and often impossible to leave home; additionally, I've learned many
techniques for coping with depression and recognizing oncoming hypomanic episodes
making it possible for me to better manage my Bipolar I Disorder. I'm not cured, but
without therapy I'd be worse off than I am now, I WAS worse off than I am now, and
without continued therapy there is no chance of me recovering from these illnesses
to a degree that I could function within society on medication alone.
2014-01-28
2014-01-28
2014-01-29
I currently pay $10 per week at an income-adjusted rate through my local university;
another local university charges a minimum of $20 per session. Covering some of
those sessions would make a huge difference not only for myself but for many
individuals whose best chances at getting well are through a combination of both
medication AND therapy, but for whom covering the cost of that therapy may at
times if not always be difficult. Not all of us are connected with the CMHA, and not all
of us have found the CMHA to be helpful in their offerings; for us, a supplement
needs to exist to help with the cost burden.
Oddly enough, the 'technology' does not include simple things, like shoes. I have CP.
one leg is shorter than the other. I face-plant a lot because my body jerks. Two years
ago, I finally got permission for extra depth shoes and a lift, so that my gait is more
even. Great, except I still throw out my leg when I walk, which results in me wearing
out my right shoe faster. Can't get them replaced though-only once every three
years. Never mind that now, because of the wear, I roll over on my ankle. No shoes
for me. If I break my ankle, or a leg, I can get a cast though. I feel special, I can tell
you.
Is there going to be an afternoon session organized for Vernon and Kelowna if both
evening sessions are now "full"? This does not appear to be an adequate way of
enabling public participation. How can a "wait list" work? Is this list for purposes of
allowing another session to be put together?
Thanks for your response to this question.
Two and a half comments that don’t really fit the categories (so I'm posting in a
number of sections):
1
As much as it sounds great to aim for employment and independence for everyone
with disabilities…. that focus seems to be coming at the expense of services and
supports for those whose profound disabilities mean they will never be employed and
will alway be very dependent.
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2
The child-to-adult transition seems to be a need of the government’s two-fundingministry system — not the needs of those youths/young adults with disabilities.
For example, on his 19th birthday my son will no longer be able to spend the odd
weekend in the group home where he knows the staff and they’ve come to
understand his complex medical, communication and other needs. If we can find a
new adult group home with space for occasional respite, staff there will have to be
educated, and my son will have to face all sorts of challenges he’s not equipped for.
In the current system, that’s considered easier or better than having one ministry
transfer funds to another…?
2.5
A large amount of time, effort and money is spent on “transition.” Lots of education,
workshops, social workers, etc.
2014-01-29
2014-01-30
But it’s like a car manufacturer selling vehicles with square wheels, and then offering
workshops on how to build shock absorbers…
Thanks for the reply. I am hoping that BC can move from a place where there is
overwhelming alienation and despair among those who are living with
marginalization, to the level where BC can be at the top of the social development
heap in North America.
I would like to be able to have a chance to speak with the committee before the
regional meeting on the subject of IDAs and getting this topic fully understood and
accepted in principle. This would be much more of a focused process that starting
cold in a consultation meeting.
One of the challenges people face when accessing personal supports is the timeline
involved. We as clients have a responsibility to submit requests for supports, such as
non-local medical transportation with a reasonable head time to allow staff to
process and approve the support request. Fair enough. However, recently, I
submitted a letter from my doctor saying I needed to travel to Vancouver to see a
specialist. I dropped the letter in the ministry office document drop box, and gave
them a week to get back to me and let me know they were starting the ball rolling,
and then that still gave them time to approve the request, print up a cheque for
meals and transit, and then give me a couple of days to go down and pick it up. After
waiting five business days and not hearing from the ministry and not being able to get
through to somebody on the phone, I went to MLA's office. By the end of the day, I
had a phone call that everything was approved, and my hotel was booked and the
cheque would be ready for me to pick up the next day. That is good, but why did it
take me having to go to my MLA's office to get things happening?
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2014-01-30
2014-01-30
The last time I didn't go to my MLA's office and they had everything done Friday and I
had to catch the Northern Health bus on Sunday. I had to drop what I was doing and
wait in line at the office to get the cheque before I left. I'm doing my job and getting
the information to the workers in advance, now they need to do their job and get
things processed in a timely fashion. If this means that the government needs to hire
more staff, then please do so as this is very frustrating. I really don't want to become
a regular fixture at my MLA's office because pretty soon, they'll get sick of seeing me
too.
As with any service you request from any government, there is always paperwork to
fill out. Now, I understand that by filling out a form, the Ministry can ensure they
have all the necessary information to process and decide on the request. Also, it
gaves then a paper record, so that if/when the Ministry is audited, they have
documentation justifying the disbursement of tax funds to meet client requests. Now,
I' am a well educated person, and as much as I hate filling out paperwork, I can
usually figure it out (most of the time). There are people out there that can barely
read/write or can't read/write at all, let alone comprehend and fill out complicated
forms. A worker would simply tell you to find a friend or relative or advocate to help
you. I think a great way to provide better personal supports to clients in this situation
is to be able to schedule a one on one time with a worker or navigator, who can
verbally collect the information and then do the written part themselves. It's great to
have a friend or relative to help you, but sometimes they don't always understand the
forms either. You probably could get help right now, but you'd have to wait in line for
30 minutes or more to see the receptionist, and then another 30 minutes or more to
see a worker who can take the time to help you. Prince George and Victoria each had
a Personal Support Centre for an 18 month pilot project. The people who worked
there knew the system and could help you navigate it. Plus, there was always a
worker that would go there once a week to help clients in person. It was a wonderful
idea, that with a little tweaking could have easily been implemented across BC. Yet,
instead they discontinued the funding at the end of the pilot project and closed the
centres down. This government has come up with some good ideas from time to
time, but they don't keep them going. I realize it's a cost, but they were being run by
non-profits, so it was cheaper to do it that way, then run it directly by the
government, and was probably more acccessible and more casual too. For smaller
communities, you might not need an entirely separate centre, but it could be
combined with an existing non-profit social service agency in the community. I know
the government wants to be fiscally responsible and keep the budget balanced, but
how cost effective is it to start something up and then shut it down 18 months later?
Also, people with disabilities are among the most vulnerable members of our
population, and if costs a little extra in the short term to see that they're being looked
after, I think it's worth it. If someone's needs are getting met, it usually puts an
increased strain on another part of the system down the road, such as the healthcare
system. Research shows it's cheaper to look after and properly support people with
disabilities than it is to not look after them.
how do i get a new afo splint and oversize shoes (15eee) i have been wearing these
for years and shoe is held together by a screw, and splint doesnot fit, to tight casing
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bruizing and numeness. i am diabetic and my memory is not good. i am on cpp
disability and social services. i need someone to help me so i can walk.thank you in
advance
TIME MATTERS: An Investigation into the BC Employment and Assistance
Reconsideration Process – The Office Of The Ombudsperson Special Report No 35
dated January 2014
Finding 1 The Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation does not track
reconsiderations by date of request which limits its ability to effectively plan and
apply resources to address changes in volume.
Recommendation 1 The Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation take
the necessary steps to ensure that its systems are able to accurately track
reconsideration requests and compliance with time limits based on the date of
submission.
Finding 2 A disproportionately high percentage of decisions to deny Persons with
Disabilities (PWD) applications are overturned at reconsideration.
Recommendation 2 The Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation review
its Persons with Disabilities (PWD) application process and make the necessary
changes to improve the accuracy of decisions about PWD status made at the first
level of decision making and track and report publicly the results of those changes.
Finding 3 When delay in reconsideration approvals beyond legislated time limits
results in a later effective date of eligibility, Ministry of Social Development and Social
Innovation clients are unfairly denied assistance they should have received.
Recommendation 3 The Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation identify
reconsideration approvals since June 2009 where delay beyond legislated time limits
resulted in a later effective date of eligibility, and compensate the affected individuals
for the amount of benefits they would have been entitled to if their request had been
approved within time limits.
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Recommendation 4 The Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
minimize the impacts of delayed reconsiderations on clients’ assistance by taking the
steps necessary to make the effective date of an approval at reconsideration or a
subsequent appeal no later than the date the reconsideration is required to have
been made under the Regulations.
2014-01-31
I would love to actually see what it was you had to say ( the unedited, uncensored
version). I agree with you fully that now matter what we have to say or how we have
to say it is valid. Disability and the issues surrounding disabilities is person and needs
to be shared fully without prejudice.
2014-02-01
I would also like to add that B.C. can and needs to increase our PWD benefits. If B.C.
wants to be the most progressive place in Canada for people and families living with
disabilities then they need to lead by example. Poverty is a national problem but
each government of each province have the responsibility to ensure that the issues of
poverty are addressed in each and every province and to the federal government.
Hands up, those of you on PWD who are secretly millionaires just wanting to milk the
government cash cow dry.
Hands up those of you who wanted to be born/ become disabled.
Hand up those of you who wanted the same thing for your children.
Hands up those of you who would rather be living below subsistence level than
engaged in meaningful, doable employment.
Hands up those of you who shower/bathe every second or third day ( when you can
get help with the task) .
Hands up those of you who don't shower or bathe daily because soap and shampoo
must be used sparingly.
Ditto for brushing your teeth and using the toilet.
Hands up those of you whose houses are not quite clean because you cannot handle
a vacuum, wield a broom or get down on your hands and knees to scrub in the
corners.
Hands up, those of you who only eat one meal a day, mostly starchy stuff, and do it
because this is your idea of weight control.
Hand up those of you who LIKE always wearing other people's CASTOFFS, ESPECIALLY
UNDERWEAR AND SOCKS.
Hands up, those of you who want to sit in-20 degrees wrapped in blankets with socks
on your hands and the hydro turned as low as it can go without the pipes freezing.
Hands up those of you who often eat your one meal a day cold. These last two
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because the cost of hydro is exorbitantm.
Hands up those of you who like standing in line for hours to request something that
you NEED, only to be turned down.
Hands up those of you who like to beg.
Hands up those of you who are living high on the governments largesse.
Hands up those of you who think the government would live this way.
WHOA ,Minister McCrae, not one hand is up! See, premier Clark, not one hand!
2014-02-01
2014-02-01
What does that tell you?
What would B.C. look like as the most progressive place in Canada for people and
families living with disabilities?
I would be able to travel to Vancouver for life saving or specialty medical
appointments without the worry of falling short financially with the expenses
required to make that trip. We are now given $12.00 a day for food and 20 cents a
kilometer for gas allowance. You can hardly find one meal a day for $12.00 in the
most expensive city in this country and 20cents a km does not even cover the cost of
the gas let alone the wear and tear on a vehicle. There are tax paying citizens who
out of the goodness of their hearts give their time and energy and even in some cases
taking time off work so they can help me get to these appointments. Stop treating
them like second or third class citizens by only compensating expenses by 1/2 to a 1/3
of the actual expense of gas and wear and tear on their vehicle compared to what a
government employee would compensate. I would like to see how government
workers or even private sector persons would manage to go to appointments
requiring travel when they would only be compensated the same allowance I am
allotted by the ministry to reach vital medical appointments that are not available in
the city I live in. In addition it is cheaper for the person transporting me to be
compensated for mileage at a reasonable rate than it is to use high cost taxi cabs
which the ministry will willingly pay for. Seems to me that this is costing them a lot
more just in cab fares than it would by paying the person assisting me 45 to 55 cents
a km or at least a reasonable travel allowance to cover transportation as most people
are allowed at any job. The ministry at one time did pay for a room and board
expense with family or friends but no longer supports this option. Instead they now
choose to spend a lot more money on hotel rooms.
What would B.C. look like as the most progressive place in Canada for people and
families living with disabilities?
I would be able to go to a physiotherapist, a chiropractor or a massage therapist, as
needed without asking myself “Do I alleviate the pain that I have to endure because
of my disability or do I endure the pain so that I can eat?” I would be able to count on
services that actually help me instead of watching these services continuously being
cut or number of visits being restricted. How are cutting these saving any money if
more medical, hospital and mental health services visits are required due to the cuts?
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2014-02-01
2014-02-01
2014-02-03
We have a Society for brain injured persons in our city. They no longer have funding
to employ a registered trauma counselor that is desperately needed by the majority
of persons with acquired brain injury. All of us who have suffered from a brain injury
of any kind have suffered trauma which in most cases going untreated increases the
chances of mental health issues as well as PTSD. These societies spend the majority
of their money they receive from government grants on administration and very little
on programs and activities for their clients.
These societies need to stop taking supports away and continuously making cuts to
programs that work to cover administration. We are constantly hearing about them
no longer being available to us due to lack of funding.
I just want to state that I found out about this white paper from someone who found
out about it from someone else who happened on it by accident. How come?
For those of you who are not aware, people on PWD status receive a paystub every
month. This is an 8 ½ X 11 sheet of paper divided into thirds. The top third has our
address on it that peeks through the plastic window on the envelope. The middle
third is our paystub. The bottom third is blank and it is used to send messages like
“don’t forget to do your taxes”. It would not cost them anything to write one
sentence about the white paper in this spot as well. I do realize that PWD people are
a fraction of people with disabilities in this province but the government would have
at least reached over 83,000 people with this form of notification.
The ministry needs to start up the CVS (Community Volunteer Supplement) again.
It is a program that allows a PWD person to volunteer at a non-profit and collect an
extra $100. towards the expenses generated by attending that position.
What has happened is the ministry has stopped any new openings but as time passes
people move or get sick or even die and those spots just just down, it will be just a
matter of time that the CVS is 100% gone.
I know a number of PWD clients that have been hired after volunteering, without that
$100. the cost of leaving your house stops. People need transportation, food and
clothing.
The ending of the CVS is just another brick wall for PWD's.
Society benifits by all the volunteer work being done at non-union rates.
2014-02-03
2014-02-03
Do the right thing and bring back the CVS.
It would be nice to be able to afford food let alone have money to do anything else.
Welfare rates haven't been raised for years. The least the government could do is
give people a raise since everything else has gone up but the rates. I know I can't go
on living like this because I am already a couple grand in the hole!!!
The Canadian Deafblind Association - BC Chapter believes that individuals with
deafblindness have a unique disability and therefore must have Deafblind Intervenor
Services in order to participate to their full potential within their environment, using a
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Total Communication Approach. A Deafblind Intervenor acts as the eyes and ears for
individuals who are deafblind and supports them in gathering information from their
environment, as they are not able to do so independently due to their dual-sensory
impairment.
I just found the ministry has now deleted all the info on the Designated Worker
Program. Way to go, LOL.
The designated worker program is all about those PWD clients that still need a one on
one worker.
Just so you all know the 1-866 welfare phone system has changed it is now based on
you having a code number and a PIN number, these numbers where mailed out 5
years ago and are being mailed out again. So till then good luck using the phone
system!
Funny because if you can get into talking with a human, they will ask you for your
social insurance number!
2014-02-04
2014-02-04
You are not alone in this nightmare!!!
When looking for work PWD need psychological support aswell. Being on disability for
a long period of time can cause some problems when dealing with people you do not
know, low self esteem, anxiety, communicating properly.
Its horrendous that people with plantar faciitis have to wait 3 months for
authorization from the government to get shoe insoles (orthotics). Do you know how
painful plantar faciitis is? It has very horribly painful to try and walk for the past 3
months.
And you expect me to pay $75 for the appointment. Where is this money suppose to
come from ... out of a magic hat??? Am I suppose to starve so I can go to the foot
doctor? I was turned down for travel assistance the entire time I have been on this
disability, I have to thumb to get there cause there is no bus service where I live.
2014-02-04
2014-02-04
I am getting more and more depressed the longer I am disabled. There really isn't
much fun in my life because there is just no money!!!
In order to receive help with the Fair Pharmacare you need to apply before you need
the benefits. If you don't do your income tax each year you can't apply for fair
Pharmacare. I had an itchy skin condition and ended up having to pay for all the
creams and treatments that were not prescriptions. It totalled $500 that I couldn't
afford. One cream was $85 that I got from the pharmacist and it wasn't covered
under our healthcare system. I had to pay for it myself out of my disability benefit. I
believe that you shouldn't have to do your income tax every year to be eligible for
help under Fair Pharmacare.
I am shocked at every stage of my daughters life to find there are no supports for her
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2014-02-05
to become all she can be. Without being able to rely on family she would be like
most of disabled individuals, poor & isolated. The transportation subsidy is not
enough, her hearing aids and orthotics and splints aren't fully covered, there is hardly
any money for support & food never mind for physical aid and physio or
counseling, and even though she would love to participate in meaningful
employment, there is no program available to support her through job training (she
has been on the wait list for over two years). Of course even if she did have support
at a place of employment she would have terrible difficultyto participate because she
can not hear well and has gout as well as plantar faciitis, so way too much pain to
stand for long periods - With proper physical support, money for the food and
medicine, as well as hearing aids, orthotics and proper support she would be ecstatic
to work as many hours as she could tolerate! But alas at 23 years of age she is forced
to stay at home and rely on others for a meager allowance and to take her around to
her appointments and meetings. There is no support given to her at all unless we
show that she is in immediate physical danger. Ridiculous!
I figure that, if some kind person in Princeton would give me a job that I can do, it
would only take me four months to pay for the crowns I needed on my teeth last
year. It would take me another ten months to work myself out of the debt I accrued
paying for car insurance and firewood before the government decided that, yes, I was
allowed that money. Just not retroactive to when THEY had erred! Then, maybe, I
could work on house repairs and things like grab bars for the bath! Life's little
luxuries, like healthy food, would come sometime after that.
1) My concerns are many. One of my concerns regards children in school and their
supports. I witnessed a class swimming the other day at the pool and there was one
child singled out because of his ability. The rest of the class, his school mates, went
off with the instructor to do their lessons while the young man went off with his aide.
He was not included at all with the class, this just breeds seperation. I do understand
that at times there are circumstances that there may be a call for this, but I knew the
young man and he could have been included in some capacity or another. This
scenario has happened many times before. How is he to be accpeted into his class
group if he is not included in the activities in one way or another?
2) The other concern is regarding the funding agency. It has been very difficult to
support people with the limited amount of money available, we are constantly being
told about how there is a shortfall of cash and connot help. It is difficult to support
people with differing abilities when there is no support available. It seems like the
powers that be don't trust the front line works out there to know what an individual
needs. The powers that be do not, for the most part, know those individuals that are
on their case load. This needs to change, the front line workers know these people
and their needs. They are also an integral part of the whole team yet are made to feel
much less that that!
3) There needs to be more funding made available and supports available to people
who want to buy their own home and still receive supports that are needed. There
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are individuals that are working hard on attempting to buy their own place, a small
place, yet cannot due to the cost of a home, the cost of setting it up financially so you
can do that. There needs to be something done about the amount of cash a person
can have before it is taken off their cheque. It is almost impossible to save for
something without it being taken away.
2014-02-07
4) The amount of money individuals recieve is criminal! The rental market is a difficult
market with ski high rentals and no pets allowed. The amount of rent charged leaves
an individual or couple or family with alomst nothing to spend on food etc.
Families of children with disabilities are forgotten in this system. The financial burden
is outrageous and that caused the destruction of our family. Now a single
mom,recovering from cancer too and raising a child in a wheelchair, I'm hit with
obstacle after obstacle.
1. My child gets bare minimum therapy support on school. Has not had occupational
therapy in 7 months. All real therapy for her must be privately hired and at over
$100hr, that's not doable.
2. I can't get back to work as there are few upgrade courses or return to work
programs that apply to me -the mom who hasn't been on EI cause she wasn't able to
work on the first place and is not on IA as she gets some child support and
spousal.
3. Our biggest frustration is the school districts. They all function differently and make
up their own rules for children with disabilities. Our last school wouldn't allow our
child to go on a school bus without picking her up late and dropping her off early. This
meant she missed over an hour of school every day. Her new school will give her a
bus but not an aid so essentially she isn't safe to go on the bus alone and can't get to
school. It's not like her wheelchair will fit in just any car, or a neighbor can take her, or
she can wheel uphill to school. She has to depend on me to drive- the tired mom
recoverying from cancer with no family help plus a funded vehicle that is a lemon that
can't
be replaced as there is no other
funding. A school bus and aid should be mandatory for children with disabilities that
require this personal support. They will never meet their potential if they can't get to
school and their families are forced into financial hardship. Pretty hard to support
your family when the only hours you can work is in between the times you have to
pick and drop your child off at school.
4. Cost of childcare for a child with disabilities averages $20hr. How do I pay that? We
get some funding but at that rate, it's gone quick.
5. Make all schools accessible. My child can't attend the school she's supposed to
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because it's not accessible. They put her in a different school and that school is overcrowded so she might be moved to another school next fall. A huge set back for her
since it takes months to train all new staff.
2014-02-08
2014-02-08
She's smart. If only she could be given the support to meet her potential instead of
red-tape bureaucracy wherever we go.
I propose we get some solid support in place for parents who have intellectual
disabilities. Parenting is such a wonderful opportunity that needs to be supported. If I,
as a neuro-typical person, am parenting a child with a disability, I am eligible to
receive respite, so my child and I can get a break and recharge. If I am a parent with
an intellectual disability and I am parenting a child who is neuro-typical, there is no
respite for me. There is only foster care, with it's negative connotations. I would like
to see co-parenting, or family share or at least respite as options for these parents. A
solid continuing system of support for the parents and the child will have long term
gain for us all, not a desperation, last minute panic with the child heading to foster
care.
Answer:
1. Equality to services: To give those who cannot go on to post-secondary education
to have somewhere to go, something to do, access to services, and equipment as if
enrolled in an Adult Special Education Program. What is the livelihood for those who
do not go on to post – secondary education and employment? What is the label or
acronym for adults with this dilemma so I may find services for them?
2. Open door policy: Given an array of different disabilities, be open to all cases.
Create a charted goal for functioning disabled to less functioning disabled.
(Some people need more some less but if their main needs are met all will be
satisfied.)
3. Listen to the disabled and caregivers: Do not put spectrum of disabled under one
umbrella. Create for the all a place to build character, contribute, educate, exercise,
& socialize.
4. Conveying patience: Mentor or appoint someone, keep an open mind, allow new
ideas, notice trouble or bumps in the road and smooth them out with the individual
to both get satisfaction, and keep goals realistic.
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5. Give them the resources: Open up new avenues…everyone is unique. Agencies and
non-for-profit organizations collaborate with each other to fulfill the needs of all
individuals. Create a media for advertise for employers, employment, caregivers,
programs, inclusion, equipment reusing, and communication equipment.
6. Grant government funding: More money is needed for supporting the disabled.
The ministry has outlined in “Facts & Stats”, how disabled people compare to
the general public in population. Grant full funding between the ages of 18 to 19
where transition from Children with Special Needs gets funded by Community Living
British Columbia. Funding from 18 to 19 years old should be as inclusive as 19 years
old and thereafter. Raise the amount allowed for the disabled from $900.00 per
month. Have government contributions incentives for fundraising 50/50. Give
excellent tax incentives to those contributing to “The Registered Disability Savings
Plan,” and excellent tax incentives for individuals or families contributing to children
in permanent Foster Care or charitable not-for-profit agencies. Why should RRSP be
given the most tax incentive over other registered charitable issues? People or
corporations who may contribute to such a wonderful human issue should be praised.
They could choose to contribute to themselves instead.
2014-02-08
Lastly, provide families with full funding for the opportunity to stay together and not
split up families and rely on Foster Home. As the present system sits families do not
receive the funding that a Foster Home would receive.
Answer:
1. Technology: my individual needs to be given the means of communication. Ie
“Emotiv”
Funding and training of such a device will greatly increase the livelihood of this
individual and have less choices made for him. Disabled individuals are here to give us
a message.
2014-02-10
2. Adult Special Education: services available for the disabled who are not going on to
post-secondary education. My individual could use a personal education mentor and
access to special equipment and resources. Fund these exceptionally disabled
individuals.
Support network can be made up of people or organizations:
My individual needs to be given the means of communication. Ie “Emotiv”
Funding and training (SLP or equivalent) of such a device will greatly increase the
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livelihood of this individual and have less choices made for him. Disabled individuals
are here to give us a message. Transportation funding so PWD can get to their
destination.
A place to go to do activities, educate themselves, practice daily living functions,
practice communication, workshops, exercise on specialized equipment, drop in gym,
, swimming, “smart fit”, singing, bike riding, bible study, Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, fishing ,
art classes, and socialize at a friendship center. A support network can be made up of
people or organizations that you can turn to for help with favors, assistance during
challenging times, or for just having fun.
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Inclusive to a central database volunteers can match up with the PWD for outings and
much more.
Give PWD the resources: Open up new avenues…everyone is unique. Agencies and
non-for-profit organizations collaborate with each other to fulfill the needs of all
individuals. Create a “central media” for products, processes, services, technologies,
or ideas that are readily available to markets, governments and society.
Endorse universities to have high technology projects to help disabled with
communication, mobility, function, and exercise. Make technology affordable for
families. Create a place for all to build character, contribute, educate, exercise, &
socialize.
The EATI program provided our adult son with a beautiful MacBook Pro laptop
computer for his business. As a result, our son is in the process of becoming more
self-determined and professional. 'Owning' the responsibility of operating the laptop
and ultimately becoming more professional gave him the opportunity to explore his
abilities and expand his business. He now can check his own website and emails as
well as network with others and create interest and 'fans' by engaging them on social
media. He is having fun, he is growing as a person and in general, he is so proud (so
are we) of his accomplishments. This would not have been possible without the
supportive team and equipment provided by the EATI program. In the spirit of using
technology and using it in the individualized ways EATI has successfully delivered,
people who have barriers are provided with the opportunity to bring their talents
'too' creating a more whole community.
I just turned 19 and as most of you know the funding that disabled people get when
they turn 19 disappears. Does the government think that once you turn 19 all your
medical challenges vanish? It would lovely if they did but sadly they do not!
Most places that disabled adults can apply for funding either require you to have a
LOW IQ or some other thing. What about those of us who don't have a low IQ and
don't fit the other conditions they company has? Just because I don't fit those
conditions does not mean I do not need support from companies/charities!
As a health care provider my primary concerns centre around providing the necessary
adaptive aids and equipment for my clients. Over the past 8 years I have watched
funding for equipment deteriorate and take much longer to be approved. In the past,
I have had power wheelchairs receiving ministry funding approval in as little as 3
days. The norm now, after increased justification for my clinical reasoning - which
hasn't changed over the years - is more than 3 months. Smaller items such as bathing
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equipment would be funded in 24 hours, and now take up to 1 month. This is putting
people at increased risk and reducing their opportunities for community involvement,
vocational opportunities, etc. Also, unlike Alberta, we do not have a good equipment
provision program for our elderly population which is also increasing their risk.
Here is one for the government: NO taxes on ANY second-hand or thrift store, which
is where the majority of us get our clothes, linens etc. hospital auxiliaries would win,
too! Easy to implement-just remove the tax!
How about a remote to signal crosswalks? I use an electric wheelchair and with the
base on the post I can't reach the button, some buttons are rounded and rigid making
a reacher difficult to push it right in the middle. With a remote I wouldn't need help
to cross the street, I think this would benefit a wide range of people with different
needs.
I tend to get cold very easily, I would love to see electric wheelchair and/or scooter
batteries with a plug in for a heater pad or blanket so I could get away from the wall
and even participate more in outdoor activities. I can only add so many layers before
my mobility is hindered by bulky garments.
(Is a portable/detachable battery possible for non-electric wheelchair or walker
users?)
I am 49 year old First Nation female who was born with HSN II - Hyper Sensory
Neuropathy Level Two. I wasn't properly diagnosed until I was an adult. I have
experienced racial prejudice, and discriminated against for being female, a handicap
and Indian. I had no counseling in elementary school when I was bullied for being a
"Cripple" was the kids favorite description of me. I had a handful of teachers who
went out of their way to target me with verbal abuse. I lived on the Okanagan Indian
Band Reserve where there was no recreation center or a safe area to hang out like
the "Vernon Boys and Girls Club". Suicide is a great concern, because our Band
members have been committing suicide for years. Mostly males, my youngest brother
shot himself when his girlfriend broke up with him. The winter before that my
brother's best friend killed himself. One summer day I heard one gunshot echo in the
field. I told my husband that didn't sound right, something's wrong then I learned
through the grapevine my cousin shot himself laying inside the box of a truck. He left
behind a baby girl. Up the road from my house my cousin hung himself on my Dad's
property across from his house. He left behind a wife with kids. There is not enough
support for children, youth and adults who have to live with the loss of a family
member by suicide. We need to have Life Skills workshops, Personal Development
Programs, full-time therapists / counselors who want to make a positive difference in
individual lives. We need empowerment, encouragement, acknowledgement and
funding is the key. We have Band members who suffer from Schizophrenia,
depression ect. who are at a loss since there isn't enough funding to be properly
treated. Band members who have to rely on Social Assistance are living in poverty the
Provincial Ministry of Social Development has to raise the Shelter and Basic Living
Allowance to match the real cost of living. Increase allowable visits to receive
treatment on the BC Healthcare Card. Stop ignoring People with Disabilities.
Hi,
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Are you on PWD now? When I first applied, I was told I was not eligible, that mine
was a Federal DIAND case. Why? Because my friend, a native court worker, had filled
out part of the forms for me! The assumption was that I must be native!
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But, is there anything you are eligible for Federally? And why don't both
governments work together to help the disabled?
For the past month I have been looking into the possibilities of going back to college.
I am 55 years old. I have seen 2 people at the college so far only to be given a pile of
papers that need to be filled out by a doctor proving my disability and deficits I suffer
from my disability. It seems every time I try to do something to better my life I have
to spend weeks on useless paperwork over and over again proving your disability.
What a waste of time and money. I am designated disabled federally and
provincially. I know what my deficits and challenges are and I am fully capable of
working with an disability worker to evaluate my abilities without having to go
through this endless stream of paperwork, stress, anxiety, and doctors notes on
forms in order to apply for grants and tools in place so that I can attend school. As far
as I know the ministry of health and the ministry of education are run by the same
provincial government but they don't share information or disability history. I am
tired and frustrated and very angry that once again I have go through all this once
again and all I am going to get out of it is the opportunity to upgrade my grade 12
english. What a waste of time and money!!! This is why we need disability separate
from the welfare system and having a central one stop shop for disability. At least
then it is only a matter of signing a consent form for the school to access information
that has already been compiled in order for us to be designated disabled to begin
with.
There were designated workers for PWD clients but that info was removed from the
ministry website in just the past few weeks.
You can request a designated worker, but very few PWD clients get this type of
worker.
Could you imagine phoning a worker that knows your name, knows your disablility,
and is happy to help you.
Well kiss that program goodbye!!! Put this program back, please!
BC The Best Supports in canada for the disabled, now that is just plain old
brainwashing.
Alberta PWD rates are $1588. per month compared to $906. in BC.
In other Provinces you can walkin to an office and talk to a worker, just like what it
was like in BC not that long ago.
(This is my opinion)
I think the real plan for welfare in the furture is to get every service done via the
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phone and computer, then the ministry will follow most canadian companies by
outsourcing the entire welfare system to India. (in my opinion) based on reality.
It is important for the government to allocate more money towards equal funding to
all families with children with disabilities not just ones with a specific diagnosis. Also
it is important that there be more funding available to be able to hire qualified respite
workers for the needs of our complex children. Getting paid under $12 an hour is not
enough to hire respite workers that need to perform medical care for our children.
Great that Mr. McRae wants to make this the best Province for people with
disabilities. So, a woman with spastic cerebral palsy, who depends on her electric
wheelchair applies for a new one FOUR WHOLE MONTHS before she is eligible,
because hers broke. The Ministry turned her down. She went public, the story aired
onCBC, and now she gets her wheelchair! For shame she had to go through that. I
am also spastic CP. I go through shoes faster than the average person, but cannot get
them replaced. Ditto the inserts. I don't, can't walk like other people. I have one pair
of shoes that I must wear for everything. Of course they wear out! AND it costs me
between $25.00-38.00 to have a Doctor fill out yet another form so I can beg the
Ministry for something I need.
These are easy fixes, Minister. You know this.
Sadly, you are not alone, but part of a troubling pattern. Imagine what it would be
like, if you woke up one morning and this was not a problem, not a reality. How
would you know? What would be different?
Although social and financial transformation in the world will not rid us of pain and
fatigue, changes would certainly make our lives more liveable.
First off, I'd like to see a universal building code for BC that is fully accessible. Raise
the PWD rates from $900. Keep EATI funding in place. Give us personal disability
agents at the Ministry offices. Increase the number of hours each person get for
homecare, and keep the CSIL program in place. Increase coverage for wellness and
preventative health maintenance. Provide full coverage for alternative visits like
physiotherapists, massage therapist, etc and pay the full hourly rate. Decrease wait
times for applications to the Ministry for funding for things like shoes, wheelchairs,
etc.
The dental fee schedules need to be updated as they are falling too far behind and it
is hard to get any dental work done at the fees set right now, as well as raising the
rates to meet the cost of living in bc.
Well it's almost time to get our checks, I wonder how many of us are having to
choose between food or shelter, medication (not all is covered) or food. I wonder
how many of us feel like we're being denied what we need for self respect. I wonder
how many of us who are honest, declare everything, try to work or do work feel like
they are wearing themselves out health wise just to get the basics. I'd like to see
how many of those who have stipulated were only going to get $856 live like us. We
need help, not hindrance. We need to have more bc housing or raise the amount we
get for rent. You want us to healthier, then initiate a program or increase our living
expenses to do so. It cost more to be healthy and I'm not just talking about organics.
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Inflation affects everyone, why can't they see this?
I agree with the comment about EATI but my experience with it is that it took a long
time to process the request; shorter wait times and more office in BC would help.
Follow up to a comment about ?BC211. The phone number is 1 y604 857 6431. The
website is www.bc211.
I totally agree with the last person's comment !
Today I would like to write about BCITS (formerly TIL). This is a great program - it's
free to anyone who is eligible for this program. They are based in Vancouver. I would
like to see this program stay.
Most disabled people are still hungry due to extreme poverty prevents them from
having anything near a full life - anyone who thinks the disabled of BC are well
treated or have enough for food every month anyone who hasn't known a disabled
person may believe the stories - Rent + food money must be increased to keep the
disabled out of hospital Only a blind person would think the present amount is
reasonable.
It can' be said enough the disabled are still hungry due to extreme poverty prevents
them from having anything near a full life - anyone who thinks the disabled of BC are
well treated or have enough for food every month anyone who hasn't known a
disabled person may believe the stories - Rent + food money must be increased to
keep the disabled out of hospital Only a blind person would think the present
amount is reasonable. Why not say it again
Since people with disability have less access to financial resources and income due to
their illness, it would be appropriate to let them have a home of their own. They are
paying high amounts of rent to private section that does nothing for their well-being.
If government can provide some homes that they can pay their rent as a mortgage
and own it after 20-25 years, this action can end the big body of poverty due to
disability. Their family could live better and be in more positive situation, mentally
and financially. Why always disable people should be at the bottom of our society?
This is a shame for our society and country.
Notes:
Cut down cost/overhead of operation:
There are several umbrella organizations and agencies work towards health concern
under donations or government grants. Bring them under one roof, renovate &
implement overhead cost cutting measures and look how it’s possible to $ goes direct
to consumers development rather than operational expense with chain of
commands.
Discuss with families or consumer: direct one on one since each case may be
different or unique @ age, mobility, kind of disability whether it’s physical, visual or
brain disorder, income asset level, cultural difference, geographical area,
transportation existence, ability, education level. Trust family and care-givers, cut
down privacy barriers, and treat with dignity and sympathetically.
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Use of mentorship: One on one mentorship would be help full and trustworthy with
consumer & family and easy to navigate regarding education, employment,
volunteering, independent living, homecare & hygiene, and day to day
requirements.
Use of spirituality, exercise, sports, arts, discipline, yoga, mind control: This will help
focus to achieve establish short and long term goals through concentration.
Study & Research: How different approach and ideas may help to encourage
PWD into main stream with positive outlook. Explore other countries development
and successful integration.
Local Government: has a big role to play since there is close face to face ties with
family & consumers. All other government, agencies and organizations need to
work one direction to improve living standard of PWD and to reduce the gap of rich
& poor.
Stigma: Some governmental rules and red tapes with stigma attached and keep PWD
and family with distance. The “not in my backyard” still norm in many places and
community.
The accommodation needs (no jail): are different with PWD with brain disorder
(bipolar, depression, schizophrenia) than physical or visual PWD and are yet to be
establish and recognized into community. The many counter staff including VCH,
condo managers, strata members, custodians, inspectors, some police force, store
keepers, license holders dealing with public are not properly train to deal with PWD
with psychiatric situation and effective communication to handle the situation.
Mentally ill PWD often oppose family, caregivers, friends while experiencing
symptoms of paranoia and delusions and therefore become isolated and helpless.
The call for help from mentally ill are often treated as disturbance, aggression,
misbehavior and usually results in police intervention and criminalization of an illness.
These situations may filled with many police interventions, criminal files, court cases
and stress may adversely affect health condition of PWD and family for long term and
make rehabilitation impossible.
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Policy change: In involuntary mental illness cases impose medication is not only
requirement when certified but involuntary day program, talk therapy, continuous
symptoms observation, family involvement without as much privacy retractions and
outreach intervention to legislate & follow up is as much needed.
River view hospital area: Modify this area into mental health research, residential
treatment & vocational training centre:
All in one umbrella with focus toward independent living, personal development,
employment or self employment same time it’s much easier research on individual
cases & causes with treatment.
Mental health, drug addicted or anxiety patient may not fit into regular hospital or
emergency or reception area, or general public ward or educational institutions.
These people need secure observation, monitor treatment with reality check, ongoing
training with discipline and counseling etc.
Mental health, drug addicted or similar patient can be admitted as many years until
they are qualified to live independently with confidence.
The training facility would include & encourage individual interested field
focusing toward independent living. These people comfortable working with:
1)
Computers & electronic components build & repairs.
2) Work with all sort of animals (since animals are most trustworthy) &
product: breeding, dog training, bird sanctuaries etc.
3)
Farming, gardening, landscaping, flower & fish farming.
4)
Various artistic developments.
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5)
Entrepreneurship.
6)
Fitness.
7)
Cooking.
8)
Auto repair.
9)
Construction & building renovation.
10) Janitorial.
11) Land-scapping and development.
12) Toy, jewelry making.
13) Office administration
14) Seamstress
15) Food industry.
Etc.
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This facility will save repeated hospital intake, homelessness, criminal behavior, drug
addiction, police involvement, court cases, family care & guidance ( family will
be more productive & would happily volunteer with the facility).
Understand the barriers case by case, age, gender and match employer, position,
geographical area and requirement.
The PWD have lack of confidence, low self esteem and need lot of encouragement
and one-on-one mentorship.
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Entrepreneurship training & start up fund where possible. Encourage home base
business.
I have been on disability since 1997. Since then I have applied for the "Special Diet
supplement" more than 5 times. Due to the limited amount of money we all receive
or have left after rent and bills to buy food, I am unable to purchase the types of
foods my Doctor says I need. I am morbidly obese and am at risk for heart attack or
stroke. It is not a matter of if but when one of these will happen. My Doctor wants me
on a low fat, low protein, low salt, low sugar, low carb. diet. Unfortunately,
everything that is low fat, low sodium, sugar free etc. are far more expensive than the
full fat, full salt and sugar items at the grocery store. Every time I have applied for the
"diet supplement allowance" I have been denied due to the fact that I am not
suffering from a "wasting disease ". This makes no sense to me at all. The extra
$40.00 per month I am applying for is much less than a prolonged stay in the
Intensive Care Unit at the hospital after I have my first heart attack or stroke, or the
cost associated with becoming a diabetic. Of course once I have a heart attack, stroke
or develop diabetes, I believe at that point provided I am still living I will then qualify
for the "diet supplement". My Doctor tells me to eat more so my body is not always
in a constant state of famine so I can start to loose weight, but I cannot afford to do
that after I pay my rent and bills. I am left to buy the cheapest possible items at the
grocers. Of course we all know what those are. The fact that the Government would
rather I have a heart attack or stroke or develop diabetes than to allow me an extra
$40.00 a month for food is absurd to say the least. I believe that the Government is
hoping that I die from a stroke or heart attack so they wont have to pay out anything
to me at all. This of course does nothing for me. This kind of thinking by the powers
that be must change. It is not fare that the government requires me to have a heart
attack or stroke before giving me the diet supplement my Doctor believes I need in
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order to avoid said heart attack or stroke. I have friends in this same situation so I
know I am not alone in this. It is very sad that our Government would rather we die
than look after us and help us live a healthier life. To end my comments on this I
would like whoever reads this to think about the cost to the Government that will be
incurred when I have a stroke or heart attack that does not kill me but leaves me in
the ICU or hospital or care home for the rest of my life.
Now when you phone even once a year or two times a year for the $20 food
allowance they give a difficult time...whereas before you could apply for this a few
times a year. Gradually the govt. has been cutting everything. Need the monthly
allowance increased not just for food, but so that we get medicine.
When we have something that is not in the norm medically (so a rare genetic
situation) hardly any medicines are covered. How does one pay bills, buy groceries
and medicines? Not being able to get pain treatments, medicines, etc. causes us to
go downhill. With medicines and pain treatments etc. I would have been a greatly
contributing person to society (cos I was, in spite of my severe health things)...but
when memory, mobility restricted because of pain etc. happens and us not able to
get the help we need, we become more of a burden to society. No one wants to be in
that situation. Some of us have come to a point where we are near suicide because of
govt. cuts and no family or people helping. How does this Premier except us to
survive? [Usually when it is genetic disorders more than one person in the family is
suffering...most often many of them. How are they supposed to help others when
they themselves are going through fiery trials?]. How are we to buy medicines, food,
pay bills....and survive only on eight, nine hundred dollars a month?
If government keeps cutting funds slowly to disability things like they have (taking
away people's dignity), I would rather see them institute Euthenasia. At least that
would give some dignity.
Even personal supports such as personal care help is denied when there is something
out of the norm. Where/Who do we turn to?
What is the White Paper?
I have a number of health conditions, but am having trouble getting the nutritional
supplement. Criteria needs to be widened, but, of course, the government will not
do that, because, then, more PWD's would be eligible.
I need this because I am morbidly obese. Why? Because I cannot afford to eat the
way I should. I also have increasing neurological difficulties and am losing muscle
tone.
I am quickly discovering that there are no resources available for people who are
disabled, but who, for a variety of reasons, are not on PWD.
Why have governments gutted almost every program that was working?
In addition, I'm wondering what BC's contribution to the Olympic games was. Since
when is sport so much more important than treating people right? In five years time,
will anybody even remember who won what? Why not take that money, plus training
allowances, plus travel costs and put that towards our living costs?
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I go to a First Nations Dental Clinic in ******, ( I am white) but 80% of their clients are
non First Nations I am told. They takes the welfare rates at par. They are funded by
the Federal Gov. and the Dentists work on salary, fantastic service and they offer
things that a normal dentist would charge extra for like white fillings etc. Of course
most Dental items are not covered at all like crowns.
I am diabetic and need teeth to eat food, like everyone else, again our living rates are
so low that a $1,500. crown may as well be a million dollars!!
The fact is extractions is the real dental plan. I have been with an anti poverty for 10
years now, the group is based all over BC I know that about 95% plus of Dentists do
not accept the welfare Dental plan even in the case of pain, I know a few people that
have ended up in the Hospital ER begging for pain meds because a local Dentist will
not see them without putting all cash up before even looking at what is wrong.
Cash...what is that?
I had 4 wisdom teeth out in the Hospital a few years back, under general anistics
(spelling)
that program has been 100% canceled, not even Down Sydrome people in total fear
can not get general anistics anymore.
We need the Dental plan that welfare workers get and why not???
Yes why not!!!
They want us to find work with a mouth full of rotting teeth caused by poor diet
(unaffordable diet)!
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End of todays comment, thanks.
Need better services/medical coverage for people with rare genetic disorders and
situations that are yet undiagnosed. No medicines, or personal supports are
approved when your situation is not in the norm. At every turn to be told that your
medicines are not covered, or that you cannot get oxygen easily, or that the extra
pain treatment things you need are not covered (only 10 visits that you have to pay
$55 out of pocket first time, and $30 each time after is discouraging. But when the 10
visits are done.....how do we get more visits?). Need better diagnostics covered such
as genetic testing (which I had to get in the US...and had to get into debt greatly). And
when we phone to ask for a food voucher or emergency help they make it very
difficult now...because there have been major further cuts. What little there was is
now taken away. How do we get medicines, food, pay for shelter etc when we are
having to pay for medical things??
It is not so much about reducing barriers as it is about the government TOTALLY
REMOVNG ALL THE BARRIERS THAT THEY HAVE ERECTED, and putting back into place
the services they have stripped over the years. It is about enough money to live like
human beings. It is about not living in fear of authority. It is about being as healthy
as possible regardless of our personal disability. It is about WANTING to include
PWD's as equal members of society, which means finding out how each individual can
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best make a contribution to society. It is about honesty and dignity.
Hello, I am a PWD recipient ($907.=/mo) and an OAP recipient (about $300.=/mo.).
My OAP gets promptly deducted from my PWD and I also had to cash in all my savings
before I even qualified for PWD. In other words I am stuck with a fixed income of
$907.=/mo. for the rest of my life. I am allowed to earn $800.=/mo., but this is not
easy as I wore out my back with vefy hard work previously. I keep busy and benefit
the community with lots of volunteer work, but I do not get paid for that. I do not
understand why my OAP should be deducted from my PWD. I believe I earned that
and that it should not be considered different from any other income.
It is my experience that as a child, under 18, services were pointed out to my parents
and assistance how to go through the system was provided as well as there are
several agency that offer assistance to kids. when you turn 19 its like we dont exist
any more. everything has to be reevalidated , services are cut, no info is easy to get. if
a PWD does not have a good advocate then they just go into the system and become
another number. Make information easier to get
EATI os a great program and it may take a while to get through but was faster then
the home program was. The health care system is a nightmare to navigate. before 19
I went to Sunnyhill for equipment needs and had the same OT and PT for years who
knew mw well and understood my needs. After that I went to GF strong. Great
hospital but the staff readily admitted they did not understand my need fully and I
was suffled through three differant OTs and it took two years to get a wheel chair
that in the end did not fit my needs at all.GF strong is a great hospital for
rehabilitation but they really dont have staf trained for CP. Then I went through
Fraser health, same thing continuosly changing OT And PT who have to keep relearnig
my history and needs, even though I have support staff and family that can inform
them, they are not trained proffessionals! What is the cost of these people having to
re invent the wheel all the time? This slowes down the process of having my seating
ajusted and in the long run has created more health needs. Why do we not have a
hospital or departments in hospitals like Sunnyhill? instead we are contracted out to
private supplyers and technicians who work on the wheelchairs and seating systems,
taking directions from OT or PTS who dont fully understand the needs of thier clients
because they dont know themselves half the time!
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CAYA is a great orginization for communication assistance technology but they are
constently struggling to stay alive due to the government threatening to withdraw
from the program. Hundreds of youth and adults would be left without a voice if this
was to happen. This orginization has it right, easy to access, easy to communicate
with, and has SLP who follow through with a person and understand thier needs!
Should be a blue print for all service providers!
There was a Volunteer Supplement of $100. per month, but that was canceled, have a
nice day!
Here a link to the Designated Worker Program, Date Sept 2009.
This is wonderful program for PWD clients that need that extra help.
Have a nice day!
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2014-02-26
The biggest problem facing blind individuals is a lack of information. Nearly all the
information a person takes in throughout the day, is via vision. For the most part, this
relates to reading; directions on pill bottles, cooking instructions on packaged goods,
keeping up with local, national and international news, and reading books, magazines
etc., for information and relacsation. There is a plethora of equipment available to
the blind, for reading virtually anything, but it is expensive. Most of this equipment is
expensive even to those working full-time, and it is prohibitively expensive to those in
receipt of disability benefits. Programs like the EATI, soon to be ended, should in
sted, be continued, and expanded to include those who need equipment for more
than just employment readiness. Prrovinces like Ontario and Alberta have managed
to accomidate this service, and there is no reason why BC can't also.
First off, let's start by increasing disability rates! Vancouver is the MOST EXPENSIVE
CITY TO LIVE, IN ALL OF NORTH AMERICA!
I live in a bachelor apartment and pay $700 plus bills ( gas & hydro) I just got a
rent raise too, It will be $715, come May 01, 2014
DO THE MATH people! That leaves about $70, for food, cable, phone, clothes,
toiletries, etc.
Both hydro and gas have gone up as well, but our DISABILITY rates stay the same!
Disability rates should go up, as does, the cost, of living!
I never asked to be born disabled, yet I am! I don't particularily like it, either thank
you!
The allotment of $375.00 for shelter, is a complete and utter joke!
$375 gets you a SRO, and junkies out side your door~! That's not only the down town
East Side, anymore. Where, you are constantly asked for money and or cigarettes!
People sleeping in the doorways, and having to step over them, is very sad. Provide
proper inpatient treatment.
I don't like seeing used rigs, with blood in them, all over the place!
Which brings me to the subject of the dreaded BEDBUG!
B.C. Disability White Paper Consultation (December 3, 2013 – March 11, 2014) – Personal Supports, Aids and Devices
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Little did I know, the building that I moved into, had bedbugs. GROSS! I was given a
"BED BUG" protector, by the ministry. It, was a thin plastic encasing, that wasn't
worth the money spent on it. My hand went through it, as I was putting it on the bed.
First off, there is no point giving just one bed bug cover. Bedbugs are in both the
matress and the box spring. That is 2 covers. But the quality of the product you give,
is extremely important! The zipper didn't do up and split the opposite way, once I had
it around the matress. By this point it had a big hole in it anyways. I now have 2
bedbug covers, ( they were very expensive, yet effective) one on my matress, &
one on my box spring. Fix it right the first time! That's how the professional
exterminators will tell you how it has to be done! I don't have bed bugs anymore.
Vancouver is infested with them!
I broke my ankle, and was told I couldn't get my crutches covered. I appealed this
decision, and the ministry ended up covering them. However, The amount of red tape
and paperwork to appeal this decision was RIDICULOUS! I don't like getting hurt, nor
do I like crutches, nor do I appreciate having to go through such a process, with a
broken ankle. I didn't do it on PURPOSE! Yet the ministry made me feel as though I
did~! It HURT! It was fractured, I saw the X-ray.
Yet, the paperwork to get my $31.00 crutches was pages & pages long! Quite
frankly, it was over $31.00 worth of paperwork red tape!
The emergency room, at the hospital, said I can't walk, and that I needed the
crutches! It took over three months, and I continued to get bills from the hospital
during this time. I even had a note from my GP, yet still got the run around, about my
crutches. Cover supports like air casts! They aren't cheap! I was fortunate to have
received a used one.
Include alternative treatments, in health care coverage. Like reflexology, naturopaths
and acupuncture. Medical doctors are quick to write prescriptions, with frightening
side effects, that could be solved by alternative methods.
EDUCATE people on FASD. Make public service announcements NOT to drink while
pregnant, as it's not getting through to people!
I have FASD. It's not fun! Bring in more supports for people affected with FASD!
2014-02-26
Simplize forms! The way you have worded the forms, are confusing and non sensicle
to the FASD brain!
$375 a month for shelter costs is insufficient. Disabled people who are incapable of
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working cannot find shelter for only $375. The only way that this is possible, is via
shared accommodation.
In pursuing shared accommodation (which still costs more than $375 per month),
Ministry workers often demand a copy of the lease, which is an irrational request as it
is out of a disabled person's control. In almost every instance, a person with PWD
status in a shared living situation will be renting from a lease holder, not the owner.
As a result, disabled people are at the mercy of the lease holder and the Ministry,
regarding compliance.
Worst of all, disabled people are often falsely accused of having a common law
relationship, if living with members of the opposite sex. This is unethical. Giving
people with PWD status $375 a month for shelter forces them into shared living.
Subjugating us further by speculating as to whether we have a "conjugal relationship"
with our housemates is not only degrading, but poses as a deterrent preventing us
from living with friends of the opposite sex. This practice is heterosexist, in addition
to alienating disabled people socially.
2014-02-27
2014-02-28
2014-02-28
A person with PWD status should only be considered to have a common law
relationship, if either member within the household declare that they are in a
relationship (ie. on their taxes). Otherwise, it isn't a common law relationship. Nondisabled people are not coerced into common-law status (ie. when paying their taxes)
the moment they live with others, irrespective of the context. The government needs
to stop contributing to the isolation of disabled people. Our lives are difficult enough.
hi with health coverage tax get from bc and feds on disability benifit you connot claim
tax on medical expenses and gluten free idems needs to be something done about
that with disability benifits i have tryed no tax back
i agree with everything this person stated so all i can say is ditto !!!!!
i hate being on disability but what can i say, the people that work in the office of
disability are so ignorant as far as serving people, they need an adjustyment as far as
how they treat people on disability. As for me I will never for any reason ever go
down to their office. If they don't like working there tell them to quit !!! simple as
that. Its is so degrading being on Disability I hate it. wish i could work.
When government funding cuts are made people with disabilities are hit the hardest.
The cost of living is a lot higher for someone with disabilities than someone without.
Furthermore, equipment is expensive yet there is no government rebates or
assistance for life necessities once a person becomes 18; Yet as people age their
needs become higher.
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We need to find more innovative ways to use technology to advance the end result of
a harm free community which in turn would create more independence for people
with disabilities.
Furthermore, there should be consistency in support and day programs. People caring
for people with disabilities should be encouraged to make this their career rather
than a filler position in between until something better comes along. Therefore, we
should offer more support, education and courses, and of course a wage that entices
people to stay. This would also reduce the anxiety of people who have workers as the
turn over would not be as fast!
2014-02-28
2014-02-28
Moreover, renovating a home to make it accessible and safe for persons with
disabilities is very costly and there is no government assistance. In addition, elderly
parents and caregivers of people with disabilities need relief care more frequently or
other health care issues will increase.
I have worked all my life and am considerated educated. At work six years ago I
suffered a mild stroke. and have needed assistance with my daily living activities. I
thought and thought about it and came up with the idea of helping someone while
helping myself so I advertised for a caregiver. I deliberately A win win turned into
looked for a person who was homeless and on welfare.. I offered that the person did
not have to pay rent and could live in my home. If he or she cooked meals I would
provide groceries etc. and they could keep their welfare money as pay. I tried to get a
tax break as a disabled person for the rent they were saving as a tax deduction as a
service to me. My thinking was I had the help I needed and my person had a place to
live. at first rev Can said I could claim but then sent me a assessment for the amt. that
I had claimed with interest. So my win win situation turned to a total disaster. The
person I hired is now homeless again trying to find a place to live the $'s saved by that
person is now having to be picked up by the welfare system. the 350. is not enough
for a person to live on. I know because I bought all the food. Please look outside of
box and see if this could be incorporated into the welfare system. Most people I met
do not enjoy being on welfare. To my knowledge there is no drug use except for
cigarettes and smoke is not allowed in my house. They can smoke in the back yard or
anyplace outside.
I am using a power wheelchair. This was thankfully purchased for me by the Ministry.
However, now that I've had it a few years, about four years, things are starting to
break down. I'm in a wheelchair because I need to be. The warranty was only two
years, and the company that sold it and was paid by the Ministry claims that after
two years they do not have to provide a "Loaner" wheelchair. During several test
drives with the wheelchair provider and the Occupational Therapist, there had been
several conversations about "extended warrantees" which I had assumed were put in
place. Not so, and now the wheelchair provider claims there has never been anything
of the like of an "extended warranty", therefore, No "loaner" wheelchair will be made
available? The Ministry paid nearly $10,000.00 for this wheelchair to this company,
and now that it's broken and in the shop for repairs for who knows how long, I am
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2014-03-01
feeling very "trapped" and insecure. How is it that I qualify to have a wheelchair, but
when it need repair I am somehow miraculously supposed to do without it? I just
don't understand this, And I doubt if I'm the only one with this issue. I feel strongly
that the warranties on wheelchairs should be extended to include "Loaner"
wheelchairs when servicing and repairs are being done. The Ministry pays out a lot of
money to these wheelchair providers, and I feel these companies should be more
accountable and responsible to their disabled clients. If I had a choice, I certainly
would not be in a wheelchair. Please, help.
As a person with a disability I am fortunate enough to still be able to work part time
and make my 800/month, but it's still not enough. I have advised both my special
needs children not to have their own children as they would most likely be disabled,
they agree with me. The rates for disability are well below the poverty level, without
any increases since back before 2007, yet the cost of living has substantially
increased. We keep hearing about these politicians trying to live for one month on
our income level/unsuccessfully I might add, yet nothing is ever done about it. I have
raised 2 special needs children while on assistance and now on disability as I myself
was born with chronic health issues which are only getting worse as I put the needs of
my children above my own. My son graduates next year I hope I am there to see it.
The government has announced that they will now fund insulin pumps up to age 25.
This is rediculous. They should be funded for all people that cannot afford them. I rely
on one to survive and the $7000 price tag is just not feasible for me on PWD
assistance. I also had many people on my "team" say that I required glucose sensors
as my blood sugars fluctuate very rapidly and I do not feel when my blood sugar is
changing. The ministry said that while it acknowleged that this was a "life or death"
thing, it would not fund them as they didn't fall into the 6 areas of things they would
cover. None of those 6 things were life saving or kept people from being unhealthy. I
was told my life isn't worth the $250/mth for these medical supplies. Again, where do
they think I'm going to be able to afford this. Because I live alone, this is really very
dangerous as my disability (that is not diabetes related) also impacts my ability to
manage my type one (autoimmune) diabetes. So, I live in fear and with anxiety of
becoming incapacitated or death because the supports are not there to help me live a
healthy and manageable life.
yes, there is no way any individual lives on $906. per month. it forces you to beg,
borrow or steal. Or all of those. If a person is able to work and make the allowed
$800. per month, yes , it helps, but finding work is difficult , for the people that
cannot do the job due to their disability. whether it be mental health disability, or
physical disability. Raise the amount for starters ,it is demeaning and degrading ,
trying to scrape through. Most months, I don't. BEG, BORROW, STEAL.................thats
what I do.
Ontario covers adult insulin pumps.
My sugars where getting out of control and I was granted Special Authority for Lantus
insulin (6 boxes $700. I use 2 boxes per month) it is 1 shot per day but with every
meal I need rapid insulin which is only 1/2 covered. That is $90. per month my share.
Being Diabetic should not mean a choice between food or insulin.
I take 18 other R/X per day and some of that is not covered.
B.C. Disability White Paper Consultation (December 3, 2013 – March 11, 2014) – Personal Supports, Aids and Devices
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PS: As you know Metformin causes the runs and R/X Amodieum (spelling) is covered
under Special Authority.
2014-03-01
2014-03-01
2014-03-02
Find an advocate, go to the news and make your case public, this whitepaper is a
good start, never give up!
I have been on disability (Hep C)for over 10 yrs.While working at a Hospital.I feel like
I'm living close to welfare status.It's time for the Government to stand up for all
people with disability's.Never mind 3rd World Countries,We are a 3rd World
Country.I collect just over $800 and my husband is 68 still working at minniem
wage.Because of the cost of medicine,tests and treatments not to mention dental
coverage,eye exams and glasses,as well as eye surgery,(which I cannot afford)the cost
of living we lost our home.Took a loss on that as well.Now we owe a mortage on a 27
ft.travel trailer.This BC Government must really enjoy their bonus's and holidays while
we will probably look for a tent next
All of us with disability's ,we sure didn't ask for this kind of survival.Have a heart and
open the coffers.
Some REAL support for my disability would be nice, rather than just giving me a TINY
BIT of extra money. I have memory issues, HUGE memory issues caused by my
disability, but I get NO help with ANYTHNG, I am treated the EXACT same as some
welfare bum. This is NOT right, some consideration of my disability is TOTALLY
necessary for me, but I do NOT get it. ALSO, the disability I suffer from, caused by a
micro-stroke, screwed up my memory. ANY device (smartphone, tablet, laptop,
ereader, ANYTHING) would enable me to live a MUCH more normal life, I could
probably get a job and live a REAL life If I had some sort of external brain to keep
track of appointments/names/stuff. QUALITY of LIFE is important, too. but is NOT
addressed in any way shape or form by current legislation. AGAIN, no consideration
for an individual's special needs. Isn't that the reason im ON disability, because I have
special needs that aren't addressed/covered by welfare? Isn't MOST of the
Government's stance that getting individuals OFF the system, and back into the
workforce is a good THING? THE WAY THE RULES ARE STRUCTURED now, THIS IS
impossible!! I COULD work, I WANNA work, but I MUST be given some REAL support
to enable this. $1700(max DISABILITY+ALLOWABLE WORK)*12 Months a year =
$20000, STILL below Canada's poverty line, and I'd do ANYTHING to make that
much!!! I pay $5-600/month, just for FOOD, and I ALWAYS go hungry the last cpl days
of the month, is just NOT enough to live on, let alone to have a REAL LIFE on. I post in
supportive devices, cuz that would help ME live a REAL LIFE the MOST, like I said, ANY
device, paper's too easy to lose, and since my stroke, I CANNOT write anyway.
I think that handicapped people have a lot to give to society if given the proper
support and not worrying about mundane things like money.
The health care system needs more compassion or people with compassion not just
people who want a job. Community care definitely needs more proactive people .
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2014-03-02
2014-03-02
2014-03-03
I have my whole RRSP on medical supplies ,and the government wants their taxes
every time I have to cash more RRSP,can handicapped people not get nailed to the
wall financially by those who are supposed to help them. Last time I checked being
handicapped isn't cheap ,WE DEFINITELY NEED HELP in all areas!
I am with you here. My family and I often are tempted to move into the woods and
live in the wild, only then they would take most of our income for shelter, and
probably our child too, as well as harass us for nomadic living on crown land.
Ministry forms are confusing for non-FASD brains too... Even very literate people
need help from good advocates.
Make user friendly application processes not just for IA but for medical requests, and
tutorials. Create simple guides to your complicated system please.
Having access to psychologists or other mental health clinicians covered by disability.
I have a number of mental illnesses (anxiety, depression, eating disorder). I use the
public health system which is plagued by long waiting lists, large case loads, and lack
of specialists for my illnesses.
Give people on disability access to the proper mental health supports needed;
income is a major social determinant of health and I simply cannot afford to pay for a
private clinician. Consequently, my health care is impacted, and I do not receive
adequate care for my health, the very reason for which I am on disability!! It is a
Catch-22 situation ~ I'm on disability because of my mental health, and yet, I cannot
access appropriate help for my mental health because I cannot afford to pay for it! It
seems like a two-tiered health care system in which we live where if you cannot
afford to pay, you are left with inadequate care.
2014-03-03
2014-03-03
2014-03-03
The public health care system is maxed out ~ we need to think of other solutions so
that people receive adequate and timely care, and that access to treatment is
provided.
I had previously been okay'd for the $40.00/month vitamin and mineral supplement.
So I recently applied for the MNS. Told me they would get back to me in five days.
They did-they cut the $40.00 from my cheque! Sweet caring government! Now I am
even more in the hole.
By the way, Minster mcRae, if you REALLY wanted to make this the best Province for
PWD's, you might start by having people in your office reply to emails and phone
calls. You are all supposed to be there to serve the people!
Simple Request
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Raise the Rates
By doing so all the problems of struggles on this website can be alleviated by a simple
increase to at least 1200, even if that increase has to be done over a few years to
afford it! Say one hundred dollars extra a month per year over a three years span
Example, year one 1006.42, year 2 1106.42, year 3 1206.42, year 4 1306.42
With our modest surplus, It is the right thing to do
Personally I think raising the support to 800, and rent to 500 for a total of 1300 is
actually more reasonable with the climate of rising cost in this Province, the most
expensive place to live
Even at 1300, it is almost three hundred less than Alberta and could be done over a 4
year period at one hundred more per month, per year
After that, indexing for inflation over the long-term
Hopefully, this can be afforded if our economy improves This may be my last
comment for this forum and I have made a lot of posts even under alias names to
remain anonymous!
Please consider this plan
2014-03-03
2014-03-03
2014-03-03
Last thing, I think a psychologist should be made available to mental health team
clients to talk about their symptoms, their view of reality, how to make life changes,
to receive feedback from an expert that is not about more drugs (ie Psychiatrists!)
The fact that the amount of time between cheques that are issued vary greatly from
28-36 days is a real problem, especially since we are not given enough to live on as it
is, a whole extra week or more when it is not a 28 day wait is very difficult to live on
and i find myself not eating for a few days when that happens as that is at least 42
dollars more i need for food that is just not available on those really long months, this
is violence against disabled people as we do not have a choice but to wait and starve!
This is ridiculous when you think about all the money that is wasted on things such as
a fancy new spy palace worth billions when your own people are starving to death.
It's important to reduce barriers for people in BC living with disabilities because then
there is more ability and possibility to do what one is wanting to try, like taking care
of one's finances, having secure housing, healthcare, working, going to the gym,
socializing, riding the bus, et al.
Well said and agreed. I would also like to see assistance/funding in place for those of
us who must travel to doctors/labs/hospitals not on a bus route, where we must
drive. I am on my own, and the travel costs are not within my budget.
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2014-03-04
It is time to raise the rates. Have a look at this report from the Disability without
Poverty Network:
The current amount offered to put forward toward shelter allowance is not
consistent with actual rates of today.
Out of curiosity, I tried the "Cost of Living Calculator" in BC: and the amount of
support currently offered by disability does not even show up on the calculator!!
Income is a major social determinant of health. With the low amount of support
offered by disability, it is extremely challenging to access appropriate housing and
other supports.
2014-03-04
2014-03-04
2014-03-04
2014-03-05
2014-03-05
We are living in poverty in BC because the rates are so low and this is ultimately
affecting our health.
How about having adequate dental coverage? Current dental coverage doesn't cover
Crowns and at a cost of around $1250 for one Crown, that is more than my entire
disability cheque!
The government is ignoring the one measure most people on disability and most of
their care givers are telling them. They are not even allowing the matter to be
discussed, and are not providing an option for stating hit here.
The one measure is: Raise the rates to a liveable sum. Stop making the most
challenged people in this province live in poverty!
Increase dental support to cover greater costs so we can go to most dentists instead
of being forced to go to the "poor people" dentist who does a horrible job and is
mean and judgemental. Most dentists refuse people with disability and it's another
layer of stigma. Why can't it be anonymous, so we don't have to disclose our status?
Funding was cut for an employment center in Vancouver for people with disabilities.
All that is left is BCWorks. I can't go there because the kids who work there have less
skills that I. I need a real resume writer, not yet another workshop in how to write a
resume. Why can't we get a professional service instead of a course? I'd really like to
be a taxpayer and wage earner but so many stupid barriers.
Hello,
I’m writing on behalf of a number of clients and individuals who have discussed and
shared their ideas with me.
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First, many have exclaimed that they need more money.
Second, the idea of addressing nutrition more closely was suggested. A caregiver who
has an amazing story about how improved diet changed her client’s life, wonders why
there is no training on how to provide a healthy, well-balanced diet. While in some
contexts diet may be difficult to modify, there should be a basic level of caregiver
education and responsibility to ensure best nutrition. This caregiver thought that
keeping a daily diary of food, and starting with some case studies could be a powerful
way to bring the research into practice. What an inspiring initiative!
Third, homeshares versus group homes: many individuals are pleading to keep group
home situations, as this is the best thing for CERTAIN people. For example, a team of
caregivers and a small group of residents creates a family of support foreverybody.
There are more staff to help problem solve, to provide fresh energy and to introduce
diverse opportunities.
Many have expressed concern that the idea of ‘Keeping people in their homes’ is an
unrealistic ideal that the province is striving for. So far, this has come with
inadequate support to carry out this situation, resulting in limiting the individual’s
opportunities and removing them from the community. But since they are ‘living
more independently’ it looks good on paper and this ideal is perpetuated. Please note
that 'keeping people in their homes' is an ideal that makes sense for certain
individuals, so should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
2014-03-05
Thank you.
Living in your own home is wonderful, yet without real world shelter rates and no
money for repairs it is just a matter of time before PWD people become wards of the
state!!!
My roof started leaking, replacement cost $7,500. I got the roof done in sections.
Next time???
The RRAP program once covered low interest loans for repairs but was canceled by
Harper and BC housing does not cover repairs and $375. a month covers the heat and
taxes, nothing more.
You need to have a system in place for house repairs because a roof is $7,000. and
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supportive housing cost $400,000. per unit or in Abbottford for those 20 men $2.5
million each, be smart and help repair the roof!!!
2014-03-06
Doubled shelter rates like Alberta and we can afford to make our own repairs...
Why can't more jobs be created that people with disabilities can do from home?
Surely there are trained dieticians out there who could help via computer with
nutrition plans, one's with PWD status themselves. Of course that changes little if
rates are not raised to cover proper nutrition.
Why doesn't the government wake up and cover the medical surcharges for eye
glasses, podiatrists, physical therapy, etc ? If we cannot afford shelter or food, how
can we afford proper medical?
2014-03-06
Group homes are good for some, but what about creating homes for people with
small pets, this is the only companionship many have and it is medically proven to aid
health.
Hi, I have a dietician that talks to me via email, tell your Dr you need to see a Dietician
and once you meet tell them you would like to talk via email. My dietician sends me
recipes and links to cooking ideas.
We did have a homemaker come to our home but it was a little nuts that they paid
her about $26. hour plus, 5 hours per week, to cook our out of date food bank scraps,
we gave up, I said to them how about let us have one hour of funding at $26. just
once a week and we can go out and have a nice meal with fresh foods and no dishes
to clean and society could save $400. a month, well of course not! Can you relate?
Precription for glasses can be free if you see an eye specialist, you must have a reason
to see an specialist, I am diabetic.
Glasses could be 100% covered by shopping around my glasses cost $150 localy but I
go to the next town and it is covered 100%
Podiatrists my spouse just had a $400. pair of orthotics made 100% covered.
Physical therapy, Pysio in 100% covered if done in a Hospital only.
I get my dental done at a First Nations clinic, cleaning fillings 100% covered, crowns
forget about it. First Nations dental is funded by Ottawa and the dentists work on
salary, much better for poor people, PS I'm not First nations 80% of their clients are
not First Nations where I go.
2014-03-06
2014-03-06
Shop around ask questions most things are covered, I spell NO....KNOW!
I have shopped around, and I am aware of what is out there. Still have to fight for
every little thing, as do most of us on PWD.
Clearly, a society that chooses to expect persons with disabilities to exist on rates well
below the poverty level is not a just or caring society. The PWD rates need to be
raised. The first thing that this government did on assuming power was to slash
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2014-03-06
corporate tax rates. This has led to persistent claims that there are no funds available
to do the right thing on so many fronts. That has to change to be able to do the right
thing for those with disabilities, by raising the PWD rates. Having status as a
compassionate society demands this.
Personally, I am PWMB, person with multiple barriers. I live with a cat who keeps me
grounded. My income is my biggest barrier right now. I can not get a job because I
suffer pain constantly due to Osteoarthritis and Polymyalgia and I do not have the
patients to works with stupid or ignorant persons. I can not find housing that is less
than $600 a month that allows me comfort of body and mind. (something that is not
falling apart, leaky, moldy or basement suites under a busy and noisy family that is
not mine) 2/3 of my income and that does not allow for fresh foods. I purchase fresh
vegetables once a month, sometimes I can freeze a portion of them to last out the
month. I am also a smoker, before you judge listen, I have been able to cut my intake
down to less than 10 a day. I have tried to quit many times and many different ways. I
am a person who has lived with PTSD for more than 50 years. I have an intolerance
for stupid people and I find it impossible to trust people who are in control of policies
that affect my life.
"I am a 5 year old stuck in an aging body. " "I also know more than I should about a lot
of things." I would love to be blissfully ignorant again.
I can not share accommodations due to the fact that if things are not done my way
the person or persons who are sharing with me end up suffering my wrath. I have lost
friends because I have to be in charge.
2014-03-06
2014-03-06
2014-03-06
It would be really be nice to have an income that matched inflation. $900 is not
enough to live a comfortable life with food that is not processed because it is cheaper
than fresh.
Just heard from BCCPD (BC coalition of people with Disabilities) they have just lost
their Federal Funding for 2 of their advocates that help some 500 PWD clients each
year, regarding homelessness, that was 1/3 of their staff.
This another big hit to the Disabled. I know what the real cost is going to be, but we
can not say things out loud, anyone think that BC will cover those 2 advocates?
Treat us like everyone else. Above statement (What can British Columbians do to
welcome the contributions of people with disabilities, what barriers can be removed)
this statement makes us sound like we are from a other country therefore not all
ready included. We should have the same respect, dignity and opportunities has
everyone else. SEE MY ABILITIES NOT MY DISABILITY. Better coverage for wheelchairs,
walkers etc. better access to CSW'S and programs that are connected to community
I love that feedback is requested and the website address sent with the last
assistance cheque. The site, however, is very difficult to navigate. It took me a long
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time to figure out how to leave a comment, and I am reasonably computer literate.
Assistance rates must increase. Some people can survive on these rates - but not
thrive. After 10 years, all the things I have owned pre-disability are breaking down.
How does one replace a washer and dryer, when I don't have enough to buy
groceries? How can I get better when I cannot afford counselling, physiotherapy and
other beneficial treatments?
2014-03-06
My other concern is that applications to access to Provincial and Federal programs
and supports are geared towards people with easily identifiable physical or mental
disabilities. They are not geared towards people with (often invisible) multiple
disabilities that, together, create the same challenges.
Personal supports we would need :
Technological support - computer and access to internet and computer support.
Without a computer PWD are isolated and left out of the loop in regards to work skills
and social connections.
Cell phone - I've been struggling to keep mine. It allows me more freedom, if I can call
someone if I cannot make it home or need help.
Years ago these things were considered luxuries, but without them, we become outdated, isolated and are less able to access opportunities.
Connecting with Social Services through phone or internet.
Other aids - for example I'd like to start walking, but I don't have any decent walking
shoes. This is a barrier to me improving my health.
2014-03-07
A chair high enough so I can sit at my kitchen counter.
I agree with the other posters the rates "NEED" to be increased. Food has went up @
least 30% over the last few years. How the h*ll do I live on $900/mo.
Over the past few months I've had to come up with some inventive ways of getting
food (wink) (wink).
In Alberta they get $1400/mo. and it's cheaper to live in Alberta than BC.
2014-03-07
This Gov'ment really needs to get it's act together and realize it's impossible to live on
the rates we get.
It seems to me that the PWD amounts are punative and the ultimate cost, not only to
individuals, is society. If people can't afford to eat healthy food and have appropriate
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housing, they get sick and need to rely on the medical system (cost). The rates seem
short-sighted and I understand that Ministries need to stay in budget but if the
Province took a broader view they would undoubtedly identify cost-savings by
increasing PWD rates.
2014-03-07
On a positive note, for those who are able to work, the $800 earnings exemption is
much better than the $500 amount previously.
Clearly, a society that chooses to expect persons with disabilities to exist on rates well
below the poverty level is not a just or caring society. The PWD rates need to be
raised. It would be really be nice to have an income that matched inflation. $900 is
not enough to live a comfortable life with food that is not processed, processed is
cheaper than fresh. The idea of addressing nutrition more closely is suggested. I have
a double whammy due to chronic depression, bi-polar and hepatitis. The medication
I take is not able to alleviate any symptoms because it is supposed to be taken with
FOOD, which I do not have, thus putting me deeper into illness. When I can’t stand it
anymore I go to the local FAW, and for the cost of humiliation, degrading myself and
begging, you get a whopping $20 being considered a crisis grant to help for the
month, and if you ask too many times your monthly cheque is not deposited and give
out your money so they can monitor your spending. We with disabilities are in CRISIS
and no matter what we say, what we ask, how we beg, we cannot even get our most
basic needs taken care of. I volunteer in my community once a week, try to do
gardening and grow my food as best I can, and the fact that I am a senior and have
contributed for a very long time, does not sit well at all. This province not only treats
its people with disabilities with distain, they ignore their senior’s needs as well. I
never thought I would be witness to this kind treatment as a human being in this
supposed enlightened society. I have been on a disability for 10 years; I have $900 to
cover rent, electric, phone and the cost of transportation. What is left is frightening,
because it has to last the entire month, and that does not include aspirin, toothpaste,
milk for the month, bread (fyi: is now $3 a loaf for healthy bread or $2 and what you
get is white bread that when you squeeze it between your fingers, is like glue) for the
month, fruit or vegetables, a movie, cold medicine, etc.etc. I visit the Food Bank
weekly and try to access the services of the community, but without funding there is
little else we can do to help ourselves. The Food Bank tries as hard as they can, but
suffice to say it only gives enough food for 2 days and most of it is outdated, sugary,
and impossible to eat if you are struggling with medication. I am so disappointed that
this government chooses to ignore this problem, and to have me STARVE. Having
these discussions is as ridiculous as it comes. You, the government can at least put
out a paper and say anything you like about disabled persons on a really fixed income.
At least you can justify that. I did not wake up in the morning and say, gee, I want to
be on disability. I do not have family or large amounts of friends that can help
support me, I do not drink, party, do drugs, I can’t afford cable tv. It would be an
incredible help if someone could figure out a way to provide basic needs (feeding us)
for the disabled and seniors in need. No one is listening and no one is trying to
provide a solution to this problem, just sweeping us under the carpet and keeping us
quiet and being a statistic. I appreciate this particular forum to express my
frustration and disgust with the current provincial government and the mp who
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2014-03-08
oversees distribution of funds to us. To be truthful, I am tired of being treated like a
criminal that is trying to cheat or rob the government when I’m in need.
I'd like to direct my comments directly to the Minister of Social Development.
Firstly, I am a woman with disabilties (yes more than one) I was already on PWD and
all of a sudden the Ministry is now taking it away; I just found out via letter received
last night at 9pm, March 7th, 2014.
I have always done whatever the Ministry Worker in the local office told me given I
have been trying to do AVON, REGAL Sales and never having earnings over $200 in
any one month. I still have the same disabilities in fact more as my brain injury is
worse, my fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue are worse and none of these are ever
going to go away and I'm getting older and weaker every day. I am still a woman with
disabilities.
Yet, now the Ministry won' t recognize me, after 5 months of undue harassment from
the Ministry, due to some worker who doesn't know me and is arbirarily take away
my PWD Status. Now I'm a disabled person with no income and no money to live on
at all ! By the way, due to the stress of all of this I had a heart attack !
Hello?! My doctor will still declare me as unfit for work and permanently disabled.
And yet this worker will not allow me to collect my benefits.
What is this again, BC wants to be the BEST place in Canada for the disabled to live.
2014-03-09
2014-03-09
2014-03-09
I want answers to my case from the Minister and the Premier, because this is wrong.
This is a clear example of the Ministry mistreating people with disabilities period !
Get on board...In case some of you have not heard this month the province granted
$100,000 to CLBC candidates.
Thank you for the funding from the province of $100,000 to CLBC candidates.
Although, split between 3 region and $2500 maximum per person it works out to
helping about 13 people per region. My best wishes to all those who will get chosen
to better their lives. My lad has been on the waiting list for CLBC since October 2013.
Turning 18 years old this September he sits still for a whole year due to no funding.
What is the solution for him?
I wonder why it is that people who smoke and are on assistance can get a choice of
two stop smoking med/drugs paid for completely by the government as long as they
sign up for the government's stop-smoking program, but those of us who don't smoke
cannot get the MNS in order to get healthy. Smoking is a choice, eating is not. That
is, if we want to live!
I am both a person with a disability and a service provider (social worker).
Here are my main suggestions for personal supports:
B.C. Disability White Paper Consultation (December 3, 2013 – March 11, 2014) – Personal Supports, Aids and Devices
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1. Raise the PWD rates.
2. Don't deduct CPPd from PWD cheques.
3. Base access to the provincial bus pass on income, not where it comes from. People
on CPPd are also low income and have other expenses not covered for those on PWD.
4. Ensure that everyone in society has access to basic dental, eye glasses, medical
equipment, prescriptions, etc. Although there would be a higher cost up front, the
savings in hospital visits and stays, major illnesses and quality of life enhancements
would more than pay for the program over time.
5. Improve home support services to include basics like laundry and housekeeping.
Having a clean home is essential for health, and someone who needs assistance with
getting out of bed or getting dressed probably also needs help with housekeeping.
2014-03-09
2014-03-10
2014-03-10
6. Reinstate the EATI program but don't tie it to employment.
Agreed
I met a PWD person that applied 3 times for the MNS before getting it, never give up.
The MNS is either $165. or $0. so even if you can prove you need $150. extra per
month then you should get the full amount.
Increasing the substandard $906 monthly income amount would be an important first
step in supporting PWD's to live a life worth living.
Home care should be provided, including housekeeping and meal preparation, not
just for personal hygiene.
2014-03-10
2014-03-10
Please renew EATI so more people can benefit from it.
Medical supplements should be expanded. Instead things have been cut over the
years.
Reading this I think, so did the doctor not fill out the form efficiently and effectively?
Did MSDSI over-ride the doctors prescription?
How can it be that someone with the same condition I have, but lives in Vancouver,
receives a benefit I cannot.
I have looked at others medical records, how doctors fill out these forms. Some do a
sterling job. Others not so much.
Then, there is the layer of MSDSI processing these requests!
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Then, there is the layer of appeal, and then the layer of tribunal review!
I prefer to do paid work doing such administrative tasks, not spend my time trying to
navigate a medical profession and an income assistance service sector. However, I
don't have a lot of choice.
2014-03-11
This speaks to uneven and unequal access.
I am writing this both as a person with a mental health disability and an advocate for
people with disabilities.
In terms of physical disabilities, I am surprised and concerned everyday when I see
how many physician-recommended medications or devices are not covered by MSP,
PharmaCare, or MSDSI. Seniors in particular, who require multiple medications, and
those who are not on MSO, are left managing the cost of medications themselves and
if they can't afford them - too bad. This is unacceptable.
For people with mental health disabilities, the problem is even more severe as
services required by them are simply not seen in the same light as devices for people
with physical disabilities. Counselling, outreach services, and accommodation in
government offices for people who have difficulties using electronic devices are not
seen as "personal supports", despite the fact that they will save a lot in medical fees
and incarcerations and policing fees.
2014-03-11
Suggestions: expand para-medical services such as outreach, life skills, peer support,
counselling. These cost much less than medical services but have the option of saving
much more.
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
PLEASE OBSERVE THAT MANY HERE ARE EXPRESSING A NEED FOR FOOD AND PROPER
SHELTER. NON OF THESE PROGRAMS WILL WORK IF PWD ARE SICK. I AM AMAZED SO
MANY ARE TALKING ABOUT HIS ISSUE AND NOT LISTENING OR CHANGING
ANYTHING.
I am writing this post because the government asked all that are on a disability to
have a say in a forum : whitepaper for people with disabilities:
Welcome to the Conversation
Whether living independently, landing that dream job, mastering life skills or
competing in the Paralympics, people with disabilities are living independent, full lives
– but there is more that can be done to reduce barriers and increase accessibility.
Whether you’re someone living with a disability, or a friend, family member,
B.C. Disability White Paper Consultation (December 3, 2013 – March 11, 2014) – Personal Supports, Aids and Devices
Page 88
neighbour, employer or co-worker, you’re invited to share your thoughts about how
government, businesses and communities can better support people with disabilities
to fully participate in our communities.
• In-person community consultations began January 20th; you can sign up for a
session in a location near you.
• If you are unable to attend an in-person community consultation session please visit
the participation page to discover the other options for having your say.
The consultation will close at 4 pm on March 11, 2014.
Your comments and ideas will inform the development of a White Paper – a
document that will reflect the voice of British Columbians. This White Paper will form
the foundation of a Summit to be held in June 2014 on the issues facing people with
disabilities in British Columbia.
On all the forums, there were comments regarding food, housing, accessibility. I have
only one chance to comment on my circumstances and more than likely many more
who were not able to be heard.
Clearly, a society that chooses to expect persons with disabilities to exist on rates well
below the poverty level is not a just or caring society. The PWD rates need to be
raised. It would be really be nice to have an income that matched inflation. $900 is
not enough to live a comfortable life with food that is not processed, processed is
cheaper than fresh. The idea of addressing nutrition more closely is suggested. I have
a double whammy due to chronic depression, bi-polar and hepatitis. The medication I
take is not able to alleviate any symptoms because it is supposed to be taken with
FOOD, which I do not have, thus putting me deeper into illness. When I can’t stand it
anymore I go to the local FAW, and for the cost of humiliation, degrading myself and
begging, you get a whopping $20 being considered a crisis grant to help for the
month, and if you ask too many times your monthly cheque is not deposited and give
out your money so they can monitor your spending. We with disabilities are in CRISIS
and no matter what we say, what we ask, how we beg, we cannot even get our most
basic needs taken care of. I volunteer in my community once a week, try to do
gardening and grow my food as best I can, and the fact that I am a senior and have
contributed for a very long time, does not sit well at all. This province not only treats
its people with disabilities with distain, they ignore their senior’s needs as well. I
never thought I would be witness to this kind treatment as a human being in this
supposed enlightened society. I have been on a disability for 10 years; I have $900 to
cover rent, electric, phone and the cost of transportation. What is left is frightening,
because it has to last the entire month, and that does not include aspirin, toothpaste,
milk for the month, bread (fyi: is now $3 a loaf for healthy bread or $2 and what you
get is white bread that when you squeeze it between your fingers, is like glue) for the
month, fruit or vegetables, a movie, cold medicine, etc.etc. I visit the Food Bank
weekly and try to access the services of the community, but without funding there is
B.C. Disability White Paper Consultation (December 3, 2013 – March 11, 2014) – Personal Supports, Aids and Devices
Page 89
little else we can do to help ourselves. The Food Bank tries as hard as they can, but
suffice to say it only gives enough food for 2 days and most of it is outdated, sugary,
and impossible to eat if you are struggling with medication. I am so disappointed that
this government chooses to ignore this problem, and to have me STARVE. I have
requested a provincial food supplement to have more nutritious food, when I took it
to clerk at the FAW I asked her long they would take to get an answer when could I
receive it. She told me it takes THREE MONTHS to process the form, check things over
and decide if your eligible or not. If you disagree, you may have an ombudsman that
will fight for your right, but the quirk is you will still wait for food during the months
its in appeal. Having these discussions is as ridiculous as it comes. You, the
government can at least put out a paper and say anything you like about disabled
persons on a really fixed income. At least you can justify that. I did not wake up in the
morning and say, gee, I want to be on disability. I do not have family or large amounts
of friends that can help support me, I do not drink, party, do drugs, I can’t afford
cable tv. It would be an incredible help if someone could figure out a way to provide
basic needs (feeding us) for the disabled and seniors in need. No one is listening and
no one is trying to provide a solution to this problem, just sweeping us under the
carpet and keeping us quiet and being a statistic. I appreciate this particular forum to
express my frustration and disgust with the current provincial government and the
mp who oversees distribution of funds to us. To be truthful, I am tired of being
treated like a criminal that is trying to cheat or rob the government when I’m in need.
I AM IN NEED NOW!!
2014-03-11
2014-03-11
Reply ↓
I am in full agreement with the comments of the previous participants regarding
these abysmally inferior income support rates, they are an Achilles heel on all of us as
persons with disabilities. As a sixty four year old senior person with a disability who
has been on a mandatory pension since 2010, I have lost 12,550.82 in extra pension
benefits because it was deducted dollar for dollar from the above mentioned
supports every month. Welcome to British Columbia, "The Best Place on Earth". It
would be nice if I could have all that money returned with interest and penalties for
cruel and unusual punishment, this government could take it out of the forty percent
pay raises they gave themselves out of taxpayers money. I would invite them to
dinner to discuss this matter personally, but I only have bread and water.
One thing I saw on the Yukon Government's social assistance website was that they
issue a laundry supplement for people who have to pay to wash their clothes (e.g.
people living in apartment buildings or people who rely on laundromats). I forget off
the top of my head what the amounts are for the different family unit sizes, but I
think this is something that should be implemented in BC as well. I spend $20.00 to
$25.00 a month washing and drying my clothes, and that's just for one person. Yet,
my support amount on my PWD cheque is the same as it was when I didn't have to
pay for laundry. In other words, my cost of living goes up, but my support cheque
remains the same. If BC wants to break down barriers for people with disabilities and
wants to make them feel more welcome, than this is something that can easily be
done. In fact, it should be done for Income Assistance clients as well. If a person lives
in an apartment, they can have the landlord write a note saying how much the
machines charge the tenant for each load of wash or dry, and then figure out whether
the person has a job that would require more loads of laundry than average. Based
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2014-03-11
on that information, a worker could calculate what a client should receive in a laundry
supplement each month. If their situation changes and they no longer need to use
coin operated washers and dryers, then they would no longer receive the laundry
supplement. Little things like this can go a long way to helping people with disabilities
feel more indpendent, as they're less likely to have borrow money from friends and
family members. As someone who has had to do that many times, I assure you it
doesn't make me feel good inside knowing that I can't always support myself
financially, despite being grown up and mentally and physically able to do so.
CIVIL RIGHTS NOW PROPOSAL
What’s the problem?
Disabled residents of British Columbia are vulnerable to a provision of community or
institutional care that falls below a generally acceptable standard, a situation that
does not allow them to live with confidence in safety, with freedom and dignity. The
main reason for this is the excessive amount of discretion available to government
and contractors respecting the services provided to disabled people.
Our proposed remedy:
Two statutes: the Community Care (Direct Payments) Act, and the Civil Rights of
Persons in Community Care Act.
The Community Care (Direct Payments) Act will provide access to portable,
individualized funding for all disabled people, at their discretion, to use for their own
personal care. Once eligibility is confirmed, payments will be made directly to the
disabled person or their representative from the Ministry of Finance.
The Civil Rights of Persons in Community Care Act, which is to be administered by the
Ministry of Attorney General, is designed to enable investigations and possible civil
action resulting from a breach of Charter rights of disabled persons by government or
contractors.
Rationale:
B.C. Disability White Paper Consultation (December 3, 2013 – March 11, 2014) – Personal Supports, Aids and Devices
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In British Columbia, people with disabilities living in community or institutional care
are one of the most over-regulated and poorly served groups. The main reason for
this situation is a long history of over-bearing bureaucracy which operates arbitrarily
and without effective control and direction from our elected representatives.
Ultimately this trend will only be reversed by “root and branch” reform of the
administrative delivery model respecting the provision of services to persons with
disabilities. Central to this issue is the determination of eligibility and entitlement. It’s
here that excessive bureaucratic discretion can lead to arbitrary and undesired
outcomes.
Our proposed Community Care (Direct Payments) Act is a necessary first step in that
it introduces an element of market discipline to the provision of these services. Our
intent is that the person with a disability or their representative will be able to
exercise effective control and direction over service providers through the power of
consumer choice.
The original concept of the Ministry of Health’s CSIL (Choices in Supported
Independent Living) points in the right direction. However, since delivery was made
the responsibility of unaccountable regional health authorities this program appears
to have been undermined.
Another example of bureaucratic over-reach can be seen in the decision, made in
November, 2009, by the Ministry of Children and Families to cancel direct payments
to parents of autistic children respecting the provision of treatment funding.
Community Care (Direct Payments) Act implementation:
One of the major hurdles to implementing any individualized funding in British
Columbia has been bureaucratic resistance. Therefore the success of implementing
the Community Care (Direct Payments) Act will be in the details.
B.C. Disability White Paper Consultation (December 3, 2013 – March 11, 2014) – Personal Supports, Aids and Devices
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In order to encourage up-take we recommend the following:
the program must be promoted, made understandable and easy to use
the application process must be straight-forward there must be financial incentives to
encourage use.
Our proposed Civil Rights of Persons in Community Care Act is intended to meet the
challenge of there being “no right without a remedy”. We believe it will provide the
provincial government with a citizen-initiated legal tool to enforce and uphold an
appropriate standard of care for all people with disabilities living in British Columbia.
We believe these complementary statutes will provide an effective legal foundation
for persons with disabilities to gain access to some of the same rights as currently
enjoyed by other British Columbians.
For more information contact:
Civil Rights Now!
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