International Day of Disabled Persons

I rise today to recognize December 3 as International Day of Disabled Persons as proclaimed by the United Nations. Today is a time to celebrate the achievements of individuals, communities and governments as we work together to eliminate barriers faced by persons with disabilities.

The theme of this year�s International Day of Disabled Persons is Independent Living and Sustainable Livelihood . In our province, organizations such as the Independent Living Resource Centre and the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities are committed to enhancing the lives of disabled persons, and helping them to lead independent lives, and I commend them for their work. I want to acknowledge members of these groups in the gallery today: Cecilia Carroll, chairperson, Mary Reid, executive director, and members and volunteers of the Independent Living Resource Centre along with Mary Ennis from the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities.

Our government is pleased to work with these organizations and others to promote and support the independent living of persons with disabilities in this province. In recent years, we have made significant advances in the programs and services offered to disabled persons. For example, the Home Support Program provides services to approximately 1,700 adults with disabilities and 329 children with disabilities. We offer alternate family care homes which provide room and board, supervision, and social support in a family atmosphere for adults with developmental disabilities. The Cooperative Apartment Program focuses on supports and teaching skills to enable more independent living. Employability assistance, also available for people with disabilities, provides training services, and supported employment.

While we have made significant advances in our work, we realize it is important to continue moving forward with programs and policies to assist persons with disabilities. As we implement our Strategic Health Plan, we will examine the effects and roles persons with disabilities will have in the component pieces and strategies. In particular, we will be developing a long-term care and supportive services strategy which will explore more options for care and community-based models, as well as strategies to support and encourage disabled persons to exercise control over their own lives and to fully participate in society.

Disabled persons make significant economical, political and cultural contributions within their communities. International Day of Disabled Persons presents an opportunity for us to recognize these important contributions and achievements, and to reflect on ways to continue moving forward in addressing physical and social barriers that persons with disabilities often face.

2002 12 03                                        1:47 p.m.