Close large N.S. facilities, provide services to people with disabilities: report
CTV
An expert report released Wednesday moves people with disabilities in Nova Scotia a step closer to the end of an era when many had to live in large institutions.
An expert report released Wednesday moves people with disabilities in Nova Scotia a step closer to the end of an era when many had to live in large institutions.
The report by Eddie Bartnik, an Australian consultant on disability services, and Tim Stainton, a University of British Columbia professor of social work, recommends the province move 652 of the 870 people in institutions -- three quarters of the total -- into housing in communities by 2025. It says the large facilities should be entirely closed by 2028.
The 131-page report envisions ending new admissions to the facilities, known as adult residential centres and regional rehabilitation centres, in the first year of the reforms, which it recommends begin this summer.
"It's a move toward getting rid of the discriminatory treatment of people with disabilities and their access to social assistance," said Claire McNeil, the lawyer for the Disability Rights Coalition -- whose human rights case led to the proposed changes.
In an interview Wednesday, Karla MacFarlane, the minister of community services, said, "we agree on the report," which now goes to a human rights board of inquiry to be finalized.
"I'm hoping the board of inquiry will be delivering a ruling and approval as soon as possible, and we will be following their direction," she said.
In a news release, the Community Services Department said the cost "will depend on factors such as program design, staffing levels, the availability of specialized supports and a regional approach to delivering services."
