Health and Community Services
October 27, 2015

Strengthening Health Care Services for Families and Communities

Efforts Underway to Change Eligibility Criteria for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

The Provincial Government is eliminating the IQ 70 eligibility criteria in order to enhance access to services for individuals with developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.

"We have heard the concerns raised by individuals and advocacy groups, and we are responding by working to change the eligibility criteria for services that we provide to those with intellectual disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador. We are considering several options in a modernized approach to the provision of supports to persons with disabilities and anticipate that this policy change will be implemented within six months."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

Currently, in order for individuals with an intellectual disability in Newfoundland and Labrador to access supports under Community Support Services, they are required to meet the diagnostic criteria from the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disability. These criteria require that a person have an IQ of approximately 70 or below, as well as a determination of deficits in adaptive functioning and origins of the disability prior to age 18.

In advance of developing and implementing a new policy that will eliminate the IQ 70 eligibility criteria, the Provincial Government has been engaged in a number of steps:

• Reviewing best practices;
• Gathering information to inform policy development and assessment tools; and
• Reviewing the suitability of programs for individuals who access services through the Community Support Services Program.

"Our government has committed to instituting changes that will provide access to quality health care supports and services to those with disabilities, such as individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. By making these changes, we will enable individuals to receive in-depth assessments of their needs and ultimately obtain improved services as a result."
- Minister Kent

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to enhancing access to services for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disorders. Approximately $14.8 million is being invested in 2015-16 in intervention services for individuals with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is eliminating the IQ 70 eligibility criteria in order to enhance access to services for individuals with developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• In advance of developing and implementing this new policy, the Provincial Government has been engaged in reviewing best practices and in gathering information to inform policy development and assessment tools, as well as the suitability of programs for individuals who access services through the Community Support Services Program.
• The Provincial Government is investing approximately $14.8 million in 2015-16 in intervention services for individuals with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder.

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Media contact:

Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca

2015 10 27                              11:25 a.m.