September 24, 1997
(Human Resources and Employment)

Steering committee established

Human Resources and Employment Minister Julie Bettney today announced the formation of a committee comprised of government and community partners to carry out the recommendations of the Goss Gilroy report. The report presents the findings of an independent study commissioned by government to review and assess training and employment services in the St. John's area for people with developmental disabilities.

"The Goss Gilroy report reviewed the range of services available to people with developmental disabilities, with a particular emphasis on vocational training and employment programs," said Ms. Bettney. "We want to ensure we have effective services in place that meet the needs of all individuals who require supports to live and work in the community. I am pleased today that we have the commitment from all community partners to come together and work towards better coordination of services in order to address the needs identified in the report."

The report recommends increased emphasis on the supported employment model. This program funds organizations to identify meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. As well, the report suggests the establishment of a multi-modal approach to service delivery. "This means we need to make all of our programs and services accessible to all of our clients," said the minister. "We have to increase the reach and accessibility of all aspects of programs and services so that clients have more choices available to them. The report recommends the establishment of a planning committee of stakeholders and government to review supported employment programs, respite care and day programs. It also recommends that the committee develop new service delivery models which would allow clients to access all, or a specific component of a given program.

At this time, the planning committee is comprised of representatives of the Department of Human Resources and Employment, the Department of Education, Human Resources Development Canada, the Vera Perlin Society, Visions Employment Plus, Avalon Employment Corporation, the Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Community Living, Community Health and consumer representatives. Other stakeholders representing labour, employers groups as well as the business community will also be invited to participate on the committee. A series of working groups will be established to report to the planning committee. These six working groups will focus on supported employment, day programs, respite and home support, service delivery, education and training and transition planning.

Chris Bonnell, chairperson for Avalon Employment Inc., said: "As an employment service for persons with developmental disabilities, Avalon Employment is pleased with the findings of the Goss Gilroy report. We feel that government is committed to the support of our clients, and look forward to working with them to implement the recommendations set forth in the report."

Tom Gosine, president of the Vera Perlin Society welcomes any review, provided persons with developmental delays get better service and a choice in that process. "It is also important to have a clear understanding of the needs of the people we serve and how different and challenging those needs can be," said Mr. Gosine. "The changes in the new system have to be sensitive to all those needs if this process is to be successful. We have to learn to listen to these individuals and their families."

Mel Bursey, President, Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Community Living, applauds the review of training and employment services. "The report challenges all stakeholders to work together to explore and secure various options and solutions. We feel that caution and good planning practices will need to be established before embarking on any immediate changes."

Visions Employment Plus Chairperson John Morris said he was pleased with the review. "This is a positive starting point in improving existing services and developing an effective plan of action for the future."

HRDC welcomes the report and the formation of the planning committee. This report is consistent with the department's efforts to integrate, wherever possible, persons with disabilities into the workforce.

Minister Bettney thanked all community representatives for their commitment to be a part of the planning committee. "I also want to invite anyone who has a special interest in this area, perhaps a parent of a person with a developmental disability, to come forward, contact my department and participate in the planning process. I welcome any consumer input in developing new models of service delivery."

Contact: Jill Sooley, (709) 729-4062.

NOTE - Copies of the Goss Gilroy report are available through the Department of Human Resources. Call (709) 729-5153