$2 MILLION FOR PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN BATTLEFORDS

The Government of Saskatchewan has committed $2 million in capital funding for the development of a new day program facility for people with intellectual disabilities in the Battlefords. The project is being led by the Battlefords Trade and Education Centre, Inc. (BTEC), a community-based organization, in partnership with the Ministry of Social Services.

"Community-based organizations such as the Battlefords Trade and Education Centre play a valuable role in supporting people with intellectual disabilities to be included in their communities," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "This significant new investment will enable BTEC to deliver enhanced day program services to existing participants, as well as expand services to more people with intellectual disabilities who are currently on a waitlist."

The Battlefords Trade and Education Centre has a goal of contributing an additional $1.25 million to the capital cost of the project through fundraising.

"We currently operate our day program out of three buildings that are not ideally suited to meet the needs of participants," Battlefords Trade and Education Centre Executive Director Don Amos said. "This project will result in a single 18,000-square-foot building, adjacent to downtown North Battleford, that will be designed to accommodate people with intellectual disabilities who have a wide range of support needs."

The $2 million in provincial funding is part of the four-year, $76.9 million commitment to eliminate the waitlist of 440 Saskatchewan people with intellectual disabilities who require programs and services.

The Battlefords Trade and Education Centre's day program currently serves approximately 75 participants, with annual operational funding provided by the Ministry of Social Services of nearly $1 million. Once completed, the new day program facility will serve eight new people from the waitlist, as well as current day program participants and other future applicants. The new facility will also provide space for a day program that is operated by Battlefords Residential Services, Inc. which serves eight participants.

First announced in October 2008, the $76.9 million waitlist initiative includes $27.8 million in funding for capital projects. It is the largest investment in Saskatchewan history to support people with intellectual disabilities. By the end of 2011-12, services for 373 people - or 85 per cent of the waitlist - will be in place or in development with CBOs across Saskatchewan.

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For more information, contact:

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