Nova Scotians with disabilities will have expanded opportunities for community living and day programs.

As part of Budget 2016-2017, the province is investing $3 million for new initiatives in the Disabilities Support Program. Community Services Minister Joanne Bernard announced the funding at the Dartmouth Adult Service Centre today, May 16.

“Nova Scotians with disabilities have told us they want new opportunities to live as independently as possible,” said Ms. Bernard. “We’re committed to offering people with disabilities more opportunities for support and inclusion in the community.”

New funding of $2.2 million will support moving 25 residents out of larger adult residential or regional rehabilitation centres and into smaller community settings. This will include having existing residential program clients move into independent living or alternative family support programs. These programs are growing to increase community living opportunities.

Another investment of $800,000 will go to the province’s adult service centres that promote the abilities and inclusion of people with disabilities in daily community activities. It will help them identify and create opportunities to increase their revenues and capacity. They will also benefit from expanded opportunities for coaching and skills development.

“This is so welcome to the hundreds of Nova Scotians with disabilities across the province waiting for services appropriate for their needs,” said Cathy Deagle Gammon, president of DIRECTIONS Council of Nova Scotia, representing 29 adult service centres. “We welcome the opportunity to work with government to enhance services so that choice, equality and good lives in inclusive communities is a reality in Nova Scotia.”

This additional investment supports the roadmap for transforming Nova Scotia Services to Persons with Disabilities.

Source: Release