“I am pleased to receive this report which captures the discussion, ideas and concerns of Islanders regarding supports and services for people with disabilities,” said Doug Currie, Minister of Social Services and Seniors. “I would like to thank all participants and members of the review committee for the commitment, time and energy it took to get this important work done.”

From February 24 to April 10, the Disability Services Review Committee hosted six community consultations, two stakeholder meetings across Prince Edward Island and invited the public to provide input through written submissions or an online questionnaire. In total, there were 300 participants and more than 100 presentations and submissions were made.

“The Committee heard many heart-felt stories from individuals and family members who use disability services and supports in Prince Edward Island,” said Co-Chairperson, Bridget Cairns from the Association for Community Living. “I want to thank those people for their input, it was an extremely valuable part of this process. I would also like to reassure them that their voices and stories were heard and are reflected in this report.”

The Disability Services Review Committee is mandated to advise Government on public policy, identify gaps in services or legislation, advise on approaches to services and help develop a long-term plan of action to respond to issues. These issues deal with housing, employment, income, transportation, recreation as well as the role of individuals, families, community, business and government.

Phase two of the Disability Services Review is underway and includes a jurisdictional review into best practices across Canada in terms of programs and services and service models for individuals with disabilities and their families. Government and community representatives are working together to analyze how some of these best practice models can be adapted to existing services on PEI.

The Disability Services Review committee will provide a final report and recommendations to Government by late 2008. Phase one of the report is now available on line at www.gov.pe.ca/disability or by calling Island Information Service at 368-4000 or 1-800-236-5196.