Reject Saskatchewan Disability Inclusion Policy Framework

IDEA Regina...

Rejects the recently announced Saskatchewan Disability Inclusion Policy Framework because it is not a vision or plan to meet the needs of people with disabilities in Saskatchewan. The Policy Framework fails to open the future for people with disabilities.

Challenges the Saskatchewan Government to revise the policy framework to meet the needs and interests of people with disabilities; and move ahead with a comprehensive disability income and supports programs.

IDEA Regina Analysis: Disability Inclusion Policy Framework

Ø      The Framework Vision statement "Saskatchewan people with disabilities participate fully in the economic and social life of their communities and the province" fails to open the future for people with disabilities.  A vision statement should talk about fulfilling needs and aspirations: and about supporting people with disabilities to achieve citizenship.

Ø      Framework Goals talk only about reducing barriers and not eliminating barriers. 

Ø      Framework Principles are meaningless.  Each Framework principle talks about 'should' instead of 'will'.  There is no reference to independence, self-determination, citizenship principles or universal design.

Ø      Disability Inclusion Lens is fallaciously described as the vision, values and principles of the Policy Framework.  A well-designed disability inclusion lens is a government process and mechanism designed to assess the impact of policies, programs and legislation on individuals with disabilities.  

The Framework proposes programs and services based on "measured responses based on need" instead of individual needs.  Framework proposals are designed to avoid government responsibility.  The needs of people with disabilities will be ignored in favour of the system.

Disability Programs and Supports questions:

• Is it the Government's intention to eliminate extended health care programs like the Paraplegic Program?
• What disability programs and supports will be subject to user fees and co-payments?

• Will there be compounded user fees and co-payments?
  Will the Government simply ignore the extra cost of disability?
  
  Call for Comprehensive Disability Support and Income Programs

The Saskatchewan Government should demonstrate courage and disavow, ignore or otherwise put aside this grievously flawed Policy Framework.  The government would be much better served by initiating a consultation process on disability supports and income.

Comprehensive Disability Strategy Key Elements

• Income support program outside of the welfare system.
• Prescription drugs and related health needs (such as special diets). 
• Personal support services of all kinds (such as self-directed attendant care, home support services, sign language interpretation, communication supports, and support workers).
• Assistive devices and supplies (such as mobility aids, hearing aids and other communication aids, incontinence supplies, home oxygen).

Disability Supports...

• Must be developed in consultation with the community of persons with disabilities.
• Available to all Saskatchewan citizens regardless of type of disability, age or geographic location. 
• Provided on an equal basis to all regardless of their residential or living arrangements.
• Portable across jurisdictions.
• "De-linked" from eligibility for income programs.
• Funded or provided based on need. 
• Access to disability supports is not restricted by user fees or co-payments.
• Publicly funded and administered universal disability supports program. 

Individual with Disabilities Equity Alliance of Regina (IDEA Regina) is a grassroots alliance made up of people with disabilities, our families, our friends and our supporters dedicated to full citizenship for individuals with disabilities.

We embrace the vision and principal statements presented in the 2001 Saskatchewan Disability Action Plan. 

Vision

A society that recognizes the needs and aspirations of all citizens, respects the rights of individuals to self-determination, and provides the resources and supports necessary for full Citizenship.

-- Regina Disability Manifesto, June 2006