Nova Scotia unveils new community living option for people with disabilities
CBC
The provincial government unveiled Tuesday the latest step intended to help people with disabilities find supportive living in communities as part of the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy.
The new home share program will match participants in the province’s disability support program with a provider in their community. The participant can either move in with the provider or vice versa.
“Home share offers a customized option for an individual where they have autonomy and say in their living arrangement in community,” Maria Medioli, executive director of the disability support program, told reporters during a news conference in Halifax.
The program falls under one of the six key directions of the remedy, the response to a 2021 court ruling that found systemic discrimination against people with disabilities seeking housing and supports in the community. Among other things, it’s intended to move everyone living in large institutions into the community by March 31, 2028.
“Traditionally, we’ve had limited residential options,” said Medioli.
“This is a new option that in other jurisdictions has really met the needs of some individuals. It’s not for everybody, but for the people that it works for, it works very well.”
The provincial government is finalizing service agreements with 10 co-ordinating agencies. Applications are now open for potential providers who would be subject to thorough background checks, which would include two home visits and training before approval.
Participants pay a rate for room and board and the provider is also paid $26,000 to $98,600 per year based on the support needs of the participant. Medioli said the target based on the remedy is for about 500 participants over time, but ultimately the level of demand will be based on the desire of participants.
Home share co-ordinators will conduct quarterly in-person check-ins and monthly virtual checks, along with a requirement to meet privately with the participant at least once a year.
Regular respite support is guaranteed for providers and there will be 24/7 on-call support from co-ordinating organizations for urgent or unexpected situations for both the participant and provider.
Medioli said the preference is for one participant per provider, although the program will allow for up to two participants based on certain circumstances.
As of Dec. 31, there were 588 people living in institutional settings, down from 870 at the time of the ruling.
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