Service waitlist for intellectually disabled cleared
Brad Wall says 620 people requiring homes and programs that meet their special needs have been helped since 2008.
The provincial government said Monday it has cleared the waitlist of intellectually disabled people requiring homes and programs that meet their special needs.
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said that the 440 people on the list in 2008— as well as 215 more since then — have been provided the services they require.
"This is a milestone day for every one of the 440 people on the original wait list, and the rest of our province as well," he said.
"I am very pleased to announce that services are now in place or in development, for every one of the people on the list."
The Community Living Waitlist Initiative was launched to fund new, expanded or existing services in 41 communities across the province. Funding was also directed at 500 new staff positions in community-based organizations (CBOs).
The government has spent $62.5 million towards new services and 75 new group homes.
In 2012 the province invested $17 million in support of agencies who provide critical service to the intellectually disabled as well as children at risk.
"When the government announced the 440 wait initiative, I was given hope for my son’s future," said Rosemary Fenrich, a parent.
"The fact that the government built group homes for rural CBOs like Prairie Branches, has allowed my son to move out into his own home within a short distance from our town."
The 2013-2014 provincial budget dedicated $4.2 million to finalize the waitlist commitments. Also, the government will provide $2.2 million to services for those with emerging needs over the course of the fiscal year.
"It is our government’s goal to make Saskatchewan the best place to live for people with disabilities, and this is another step toward this goal," said Wall.