YORKTON PILOT PROJECT AIMS TO ENHANCE SERVICES TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

People with intellectual disabilities who live in approved private-service homes in southeast Saskatchewan will soon have access to enhanced services thanks to a new pilot project announced today.

The goal of the $171,000 project - a partnership of the Yorkton branch of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council and the Ministry of Social Services - is to strengthen the services provided to people with intellectual disabilities by approved private-service homes.

"Approved private-service homes play a valuable role in supporting people with intellectual disabilities in communities across Saskatchewan," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "We are pleased to partner with the Yorkton branch of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council on a unique project that links that organization and its volunteers and staff with approved private-service home operators in the Yorkton area. Through this initiative, we hope to develop more and better services that respond to the needs of people with disabilities in their communities."

The pilot project will provide approved private-service home operators in the Yorkton area with respite, training and education, behavioural and after-hour crisis supports and networking opportunities.

"With the generous financial support of the province, we are pleased to spearhead this exciting new pilot project on behalf of people with intellectual disabilities in the Yorkton area," Saskatchewan Abilities Council Regional Director of Yorkton John Denysek said. "The Yorkton branch of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council currently provides services to 150 people with intellectual disabilities in the Yorkton area, and we look forward to sharing our knowledge and expertise with private-service home operators in our community."

"This initiative is an opportunity for both approved home operators and community based organizations to work collaboratively," Saskatchewan Approved Private Homes Association Provincial President Debbie Mickleborough said. "This will help provide ongoing assistance to individuals with disabilities in their communities, such as respite and after-hour crisis supports."

The pilot project will conclude in September 2010. It includes an evaluation component, as well as a strategy to address recruitment and retention of approved private-service homes in the Yorkton area. There are currently 15 approved private-service operators in the southeast region, supporting 37 people with intellectual disabilities.

The pilot project is part of the province's four-year, $76.9 million commitment to eliminate the waitlist of 440 people with intellectual disabilities across Saskatchewan who require residential, day and specialized programs that meet their assessed needs. The waitlist initiative, announced by Harpauer in October 2008, is the largest investment in Saskatchewan history in support of people with intellectual disabilities.

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For more information, contact:

Trish Alcorn
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0916