Health and Community Services
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
October 28, 2015

Investing in Programs and Services for Communities

Funding Supports Psychological Services for Members of the Deaf Community

The Provincial Government is providing $12,000 to the Newfoundland and Labrador Association for the Deaf to assist with the provision of psychological services to members of the deaf community.

"Our government has worked diligently over the past 10 years to ensure all residents, regardless of region, language, socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity or ability, have access to quality health care programs and services. We understand that many individuals within the Deaf community in this province feel isolated when accessing health services, particularly mental health and addiction services. This $12,000 investment is designed to improve access to these services for members of the community and their families."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

Funding will be used to assist in providing access to psychological services to address mental health and addictions issues for those whose first language is American Sign Language.

"This funding takes another step towards realizing our goal of full inclusion by ensuring that individuals within the Deaf community have the same access to these vital services as others do. Our government respects Deaf culture. We are committed to addressing language barriers and delivering services with dignity, fairness and respect."
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of the Deaf is a non-profit organization that provides consultation and information services to government, businesses, health care agencies, educators and others on the needs and interests of individuals in the deaf community. The association also conducts research and collects data regarding people who are deaf, including demographics, employment and literacy, and promotes and protects the use of American Sign Language.

"The NLAD and members of the Deaf community are very pleased with this recent announcement. It confirms that our silent minority has a voice and it was not only heard but responded to with a step in the direction of inclusion. We express much gratitude to our Provincial Government and look forward to continued support in reducing barriers for our community."
- Myles Murphy, Executive Director, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of the Deaf

In June, the Provincial Government released a three-year action plan to guide further implementation of Access. Inclusion. Equality - A Provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. For more information, see: www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/disabilities/pdf/dpo_isap.pdf .

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is providing $12,000 to the Newfoundland and Labrador Association for the Deaf to assist with the provision of services to individuals within the Deaf community.
• This funding will be used to assist in providing access to psychological services to address mental health and addictions issues for those whose first language is American Sign Language.
• In June, the Provincial Government released a three-year action plan to guide further implementation of Access. Inclusion. Equality - A Provincial Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities. For more information, see: www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/disabilities/pdf/dpo_isap.pdf .

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Media contacts:

Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca	Heather May Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-727-0928, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca
Kathy Hawkins Director at Large Newfoundland and Labrador Association of the Deaf 709-697-3323 kathy@ilrc-nl.ca

2015 10 28                              10:05 a.m.