OCTOBER IS COMMUNITY LIVING MONTH IN SASKATCHEWAN

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed October 2010 as Community Living Month - a time to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of people with intellectual disabilities, as well as recognize the efforts of the volunteers and staff of the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL) to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities across the province live in inclusive communities.

"We are pleased to designate October 2010 as Community Living Month in Saskatchewan as part of our ongoing commitment to people with intellectual disabilities, their families and their caregivers," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "Our government continues to make tremendous progress on our promise to eliminate the waitlist of 440 Saskatchewan people with intellectual disabilities who require residential, day and specialized programs that meet their assessed needs. To date, 36 new group homes for people with intellectual disabilities have been approved as part of the waitlist initiative, and services for 308 individuals - or 70 per cent of the waitlist - are underway or are in development with community-based organizations across Saskatchewan."

"The Saskatchewan Association for Community Living is pleased the government has proclaimed October as Community Living Month," SACL President Gloria Mahussier said. "Community Living Month is a time to recognize the many contributions made by individuals with intellectual disabilities in our province. Community Living means that individuals with intellectual disabilities are included in all aspects of life in the community. The Saskatchewan Association for Community Living is a provincial non-profit organization that offers support to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. For 55 years, the SACL has worked to ensure that individuals with intellectual disabilities are fully included and valued citizens. We are passionate about inclusion, and we invite all Saskatchewan citizens to celebrate Community Living Month with us. We know that with inclusion, the possibilities are endless."

The province-wide, $76.9 million waitlist initiative, announced in October 2008, is being phased in over four years and includes $27.8 million in funding for capital projects. The $76.9 million investment is the largest in Saskatchewan history to support people with intellectual disabilities.

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For more information, contact:

Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brian.miller3@gov.sk.ca