PEI Government Responds to Human Rights Autism Decision

Breaking News..

For Immediate Release

The following is distributed by Island Information Service at the
request of the Department of Social Services and Seniors.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION DECISION ON
DISABILITY SUPPORT PROGRAM

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, July 5, 2007 - The Government of
Prince Edward Island has made the decision to eliminate income testing
of parents of minor children, 18 years of age and younger, who receive
benefits from the Disability Support Program retroactive to July 1,
2007

"Cabinet made this decision in the wake of the decision of the
Human
Rights Commission with respect to the Disability Support Program," said
Hon. Doug Currie, Minister of Social Services and Seniors. "Beyond
this
program change, Government is committed to a comprehensive review of
programs and services available to individuals with disabilities and
their families, including and beyond the Disability Support Program."
Minister Currie said that the Department of Social Services and
Seniors has been directed to develop details for cabinet consideration
with review work expected to begin by fall 2007.
The Disability Support Program is designed to assist Islanders who
have a qualifying disability to overcome barriers, to attain a
satisfactory quality of life, and to strive to achieve financial
independence.
The Minister indicated that Government will seek permission to
continue to use the assessment tool known as the functional
independence
measurement (FIM) questionnaire until a replacement tool can be
developed for the program.

The findings of the PEI Human Rights Commission were that the
assessment tool known as the functional independence measurement (FIM)
questionnaire used by the program does discriminate against persons
with intellectual disabilities; income testing of parents of disabled minors
is discriminatory; and that monthly maximums on disability supports or
lifetime ceilings on home and vehicle modifications are not
discriminatory.

For Broadcast Use
The Government of Prince Edward Island has made the decision to
eliminate income testing of parents of minor children, 18 years of age
and younger, who receive benefits from the Disability Support Program
retroactive to July 1, 2007. Government will seek permission to
continue to use the assessment tool known as the FIM questionnaire
until a replacement tool can be developed for the program. The Department of
Social Services and Seniors is to develop details for a comprehensive
review of programs and services available to individuals with
disabilities and their families, including and beyond the Disability
Support Program, for cabinet consideration with work to begin by this
fall.

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For more information contact:

Verna Lynne Weeks
Department of Social Services and Seniors
PH: (902) 620-3409
Cell: (902) 314-1370