• Supports for Islanders and Families
• Child Protection
• Social Assistance
• Family Violence Prevention
• Foster Families
• Adoption Services
• Community Partners
• Housing
• Child Care Subsidy
• Supports for People with Disabilities
• Supports for Seniors
• About the Department
• Department Directory
• Interministerial Women's Secretariat
• Legislation
• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy
• Forms
• Publications

    

HOME / SUPPORTS FOR ISLANDERS AND FAMILIES / SOCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY MANUAL /

3-11 Medical Assessments - Disabled Applicants

PURPOSE

1.    To verify the extent, duration, and nature of an illness or disability and its effect on the applicant’s employability.

PRINCIPLE

2.    A “person with a disability” is defined in regulation as a person in need “who has an ongoing intellectual, mental or physical impairment”.

3.    Judgements as to the nature and extent of illness or disability shall be left to medical and other health care  professionals, although workers may need to question such professionals where information is unclear or unavailable on medical reports.

POLICY

4.    Where an applicant is unable to seek employment due to either a temporary or a permanent disability, the applicant shall provide documentation verifying the nature, duration and extent of the disability.

5.    It is necessary for the worker to make a judgement in relation to any applicant’s employability as per Instruction 3-6, regardless of whether or not the disability is of a temporary or permanent nature.       

6.    Where the medical information provided is of little value in assessing present or future employability, it may be necessary to seek a second opinion.

7.    Applicants with a disability are required to accept reasonable employment opportunities or training opportunities that  may improve or restore his/her capacity to support him/herself and his/her dependants.

PROCEDURE

8.    The Medical Report form may be used in applicable cases and, when necessary, supplemented by additional documentation from the medical professionals.

9.    Generally, the Medical Report form will be completed by the physician at the request of the applicant.  Any fees charged for documentation of a disability by health care professionals may be paid, by the Department, if the applicant is able to establish eligibility.

CROSS REFERENCE
   
    3-1    Eligibility - General
    3-6    Employable Persons
    3-7    Repudiation of Employment