BETTER SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH COGNITIVE DISABILITIES

The Saskatchewan government has released its strategy entitled, Communities Working Together: Saskatchewan's Action Plan for Citizens with Cognitive Disabilities. This comprehensive set of initiatives is aimed at helping children and youth with cognitive disabilities, including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), live more independently.

"One key focus of the strategy is understanding how cognitive disabilities impact individuals in their daily lives and how we can tailor services to people based on individual needs," Health Minister John Nilson said. "This strategy supports our government's vision of building a quality of life that supports healthy people, families, neighbourhoods and communities."

"The strategy puts the needs of individuals with cognitive disabilities and their families first," Minister responsible for Disability Issues Joanne Crofford said. "Services and supports will be flexible and determined, based on need, providing the greatest benefit to those who need it most. If we are successful, individuals with cognitive disabilities will experience full participation and inclusion in their families and communities."

Today's announcement targets children and youth primarily between the ages of six and 24 years and builds on existing government initiatives such as Building Independence, KidsFirst and SchoolPLUS.

"The provincial government recognizes that cognitive disabilities are life long conditions with wide variations in severity," Executive Director of Mental Health and Addictions Services with the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region Dave Hedlund said. "These initiatives will help to ensure the needs of individuals with cognitive disabilities are identified, and the supports required for them to lead healthy, productive lives are provided."

The province has committed more than $1.65 million in new funding in 2005-06 to support this goal. The annual budget of $4.15 million in 2006-07 will allow further enhancements to the initiatives resulting in more timely provincial access to assessments, supports, and prevention programs.

As a result of the new funding, there will be:

· Improvements to the knowledge and skills of organizations providing services, with the hiring of cognitive disability consultants;

· A flexible funding pool, which will provide funding for family support and supportive independent living services based on the impact of a disability and unmet need;

· Improvements to access of assessment and diagnostic services; and

· Stronger FASD prevention and intervention initiatives, through education and training programs for practitioners and the general public.

The government's strategy is outlined in Communities Working Together: Saskatchewan's Action Plan for Citizens with Cognitive Disabilities. The strategy is available online at www.health.gov.sk.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083

Janet Miller Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-0531