It is my experience that as a child, under 18, services were pointed out to my parents and assistance how to go through the system was provided as well as there are several agency that offer assistance to kids. when you turn 19 its like we dont exist any more. everything has to be reevalidated , services are cut, no info is easy to get. if a PWD does not have a good advocate then they just go into the system and become another number. Make information easier to get
EATI os a great program and it may take a while to get through but was faster then the home program was. The health care system is a nightmare to navigate. before 19 I went to Sunnyhill for equipment needs and had the same OT and PT for years who knew mw well and understood my needs. After that I went to GF strong. Great hospital but the staff readily admitted they did not understand my need fully and I was suffled through three differant OTs and it took two years to get a wheel chair that in the end did not fit my needs at all.GF strong is a great hospital for rehabilitation but they really dont have staf trained for CP. Then I went through Fraser health, same thing continuosly changing OT And PT who have to keep relearnig my history and needs, even though I have support staff and family that can inform them, they are not trained proffessionals! What is the cost of these people having to re invent the wheel all the time? This slowes down the process of having my seating ajusted and in the long run has created more health needs. Why do we not have a hospital or departments in hospitals like Sunnyhill? instead we are contracted out to private supplyers and technicians who work on the wheelchairs and seating systems, taking directions from OT or PTS who dont fully understand the needs of thier clients because they dont know themselves half the time!
CAYA is a great orginization for communication assistance technology but they are constently struggling to stay alive due to the government threatening to withdraw from the program. Hundreds of youth and adults would be left without a voice if this was to happen. This orginization has it right, easy to access, easy to communicate with, and has SLP who follow through with a person and understand thier needs! Should be a blue print for all service providers!
2014-02-24
There was a Volunteer Supplement of $100. per month, but that was canceled, have a nice day!
2014-02-24
Here a link to the Designated Worker Program, Date Sept 2009.
This is wonderful program for PWD clients that need that extra help.
Have a nice day!
2014-02-25
The biggest problem facing blind individuals is a lack of information. Nearly all the information a person takes in throughout the day, is via vision. For the most part, this relates to reading; directions on pill bottles, cooking instructions on packaged goods, keeping up with local, national and international news, and reading books, magazines etc., for information and relacsation. There is a plethora of equipment available to the blind, for reading virtually anything, but it is expensive. Most of this equipment is expensive even to those working full-time, and it is prohibitively expensive to those in receipt of disability benefits. Programs like the EATI, soon to be ended, should in sted, be continued, and expanded to include those who need equipment for more than just employment readiness. Prrovinces like Ontario and Alberta have managed to accomidate this service, and there is no reason why BC can't also.
2014-02-26
First off, let's start by increasing disability rates! Vancouver is the MOST EXPENSIVE CITY TO LIVE, IN ALL OF NORTH AMERICA!
I live in a bachelor apartment and pay $700 plus bills ( gas & hydro) I just got a rent raise too, It will be $715, come May 01, 2014
DO THE MATH people! That leaves about $70, for food, cable, phone, clothes, toiletries, etc.
Both hydro and gas have gone up as well, but our DISABILITY rates stay the same! Disability rates should go up, as does, the cost, of living!
I never asked to be born disabled, yet I am! I don't particularily like it, either thank you!
The allotment of $375.00 for shelter, is a complete and utter joke!
$375 gets you a SRO, and junkies out side your door~! That's not only the down town East Side, anymore. Where, you are constantly asked for money and or cigarettes! People sleeping in the doorways, and having to step over them, is very sad. Provide proper inpatient treatment.
I don't like seeing used rigs, with blood in them, all over the place!
Which brings me to the subject of the dreaded BEDBUG!
Little did I know, the building that I moved into, had bedbugs. GROSS! I was given a "BED BUG" protector, by the ministry. It, was a thin plastic encasing, that wasn't worth the money spent on it. My hand went through it, as I was putting it on the bed.
First off, there is no point giving just one bed bug cover. Bedbugs are in both the matress and the box spring. That is 2 covers. But the quality of the product you give, is extremely important! The zipper didn't do up and split the opposite way, once I had it around the matress. By this point it had a big hole in it anyways. I now have 2 bedbug covers, ( they were very expensive, yet effective) one on my matress, & one on my box spring. Fix it right the first time! That's how the professional exterminators will tell you how it has to be done! I don't have bed bugs anymore. Vancouver is infested with them!
I broke my ankle, and was told I couldn't get my crutches covered. I appealed this decision, and the ministry ended up covering them. However, The amount of red tape and paperwork to appeal this decision was RIDICULOUS! I don't like getting hurt, nor do I like crutches, nor do I appreciate having to go through such a process, with a broken ankle. I didn't do it on PURPOSE! Yet the ministry made me feel as though I did~! It HURT! It was fractured, I saw the X-ray.
Yet, the paperwork to get my $31.00 crutches was pages & pages long! Quite frankly, it was over $31.00 worth of paperwork red tape!
The emergency room, at the hospital, said I can't walk, and that I needed the crutches! It took over three months, and I continued to get bills from the hospital during this time. I even had a note from my GP, yet still got the run around, about my crutches. Cover supports like air casts! They aren't cheap! I was fortunate to have received a used one.
Include alternative treatments, in health care coverage. Like reflexology, naturopaths and acupuncture. Medical doctors are quick to write prescriptions, with frightening side effects, that could be solved by alternative methods.
EDUCATE people on FASD. Make public service announcements NOT to drink while pregnant, as it's not getting through to people!
I have FASD. It's not fun! Bring in more supports for people affected with FASD!
Simplize forms! The way you have worded the forms, are confusing and non sensicle to the FASD brain!
2014-02-26
$375 a month for shelter costs is insufficient. Disabled people who are incapable of working cannot find shelter for only $375. The only way that this is possible, is via shared accommodation.
In pursuing shared accommodation (which still costs more than $375 per month), Ministry workers often demand a copy of the lease, which is an irrational request as it is out of a disabled person's control. In almost every instance, a person with PWD status in a shared living situation will be renting from a lease holder, not the owner. As a result, disabled people are at the mercy of the lease holder and the Ministry, regarding compliance.
Worst of all, disabled people are often falsely accused of having a common law relationship, if living with members of the opposite sex. This is unethical. Giving people with PWD status $375 a month for shelter forces them into shared living. Subjugating us further by speculating as to whether we have a "conjugal relationship" with our housemates is not only degrading, but poses as a deterrent preventing us from living with friends of the opposite sex. This practice is heterosexist, in addition to alienating disabled people socially.
A person with PWD status should only be considered to have a common law relationship, if either member within the household declare that they are in a relationship (ie. on their taxes). Otherwise, it isn't a common law relationship. Non-disabled people are not coerced into common-law status (ie. when paying their taxes) the moment they live with others, irrespective of the context. The government needs to stop contributing to the isolation of disabled people. Our lives are difficult enough.
2014-02-27
hi with health coverage tax get from bc and feds on disability benifit you connot claim tax on medical expenses and gluten free idems needs to be something done about that with disability benifits i have tryed no tax back
2014-02-28
i agree with everything this person stated so all i can say is ditto !!!!!
i hate being on disability but what can i say, the people that work in the office of disability are so ignorant as far as serving people, they need an adjustyment as far as how they treat people on disability. As for me I will never for any reason ever go down to their office. If they don't like working there tell them to quit !!! simple as that. Its is so degrading being on Disability I hate it. wish i could work.
2014-02-28
When government funding cuts are made people with disabilities are hit the hardest. The cost of living is a lot higher for someone with disabilities than someone without. Furthermore, equipment is expensive yet there is no government rebates or assistance for life necessities once a person becomes 18; Yet as people age their needs become higher.
We need to find more innovative ways to use technology to advance the end result of a harm free community which in turn would create more independence for people with disabilities.
Furthermore, there should be consistency in support and day programs. People caring for people with disabilities should be encouraged to make this their career rather than a filler position in between until something better comes along. Therefore, we should offer more support, education and courses, and of course a wage that entices people to stay. This would also reduce the anxiety of people who have workers as the turn over would not be as fast!
Moreover, renovating a home to make it accessible and safe for persons with disabilities is very costly and there is no government assistance. In addition, elderly parents and caregivers of people with disabilities need relief care more frequently or other health care issues will increase.
2014-02-28
I have worked all my life and am considerated educated. At work six years ago I suffered a mild stroke. and have needed assistance with my daily living activities. I thought and thought about it and came up with the idea of helping someone while helping myself so I advertised for a caregiver. I deliberately A win win turned into looked for a person who was homeless and on welfare.. I offered that the person did not have to pay rent and could live in my home. If he or she cooked meals I would provide groceries etc. and they could keep their welfare money as pay. I tried to get a tax break as a disabled person for the rent they were saving as a tax deduction as a service to me. My thinking was I had the help I needed and my person had a place to live. at first rev Can said I could claim but then sent me a assessment for the amt. that I had claimed with interest. So my win win situation turned to a total disaster. The person I hired is now homeless again trying to find a place to live the $'s saved by that person is now having to be picked up by the welfare system. the 350. is not enough for a person to live on. I know because I bought all the food. Please look outside of box and see if this could be incorporated into the welfare system. Most people I met do not enjoy being on welfare. To my knowledge there is no drug use except for cigarettes and smoke is not allowed in my house. They can smoke in the back yard or anyplace outside.
2014-02-28
I am using a power wheelchair. This was thankfully purchased for me by the Ministry. However, now that I've had it a few years, about four years, things are starting to break down. I'm in a wheelchair because I need to be. The warranty was only two years, and the company that sold it and was paid by the Ministry claims that after two years they do not have to provide a "Loaner" wheelchair. During several test drives with the wheelchair provider and the Occupational Therapist, there had been several conversations about "extended warrantees" which I had assumed were put in place. Not so, and now the wheelchair provider claims there has never been anything of the like of an "extended warranty", therefore, No "loaner" wheelchair will be made available? The Ministry paid nearly $10,000.00 for this wheelchair to this company, and now that it's broken and in the shop for repairs for who knows how long, I am feeling very "trapped" and insecure. How is it that I qualify to have a wheelchair, but when it need repair I am somehow miraculously supposed to do without it? I just don't understand this, And I doubt if I'm the only one with this issue. I feel strongly that the warranties on wheelchairs should be extended to include "Loaner" wheelchairs when servicing and repairs are being done. The Ministry pays out a lot of money to these wheelchair providers, and I feel these companies should be more accountable and responsible to their disabled clients. If I had a choice, I certainly would not be in a wheelchair. Please, help.
2014-02-28
As a person with a disability I am fortunate enough to still be able to work part time and make my 800/month, but it's still not enough. I have advised both my special needs children not to have their own children as they would most likely be disabled, they agree with me. The rates for disability are well below the poverty level, without any increases since back before 2007, yet the cost of living has substantially increased. We keep hearing about these politicians trying to live for one month on our income level/unsuccessfully I might add, yet nothing is ever done about it. I have raised 2 special needs children while on assistance and now on disability as I myself was born with chronic health issues which are only getting worse as I put the needs of my children above my own. My son graduates next year I hope I am there to see it.
2014-02-28
The government has announced that they will now fund insulin pumps up to age 25. This is rediculous. They should be funded for all people that cannot afford them. I rely on one to survive and the $7000 price tag is just not feasible for me on PWD assistance. I also had many people on my "team" say that I required glucose sensors as my blood sugars fluctuate very rapidly and I do not feel when my blood sugar is changing. The ministry said that while it acknowleged that this was a "life or death" thing, it would not fund them as they didn't fall into the 6 areas of things they would cover. None of those 6 things were life saving or kept people from being unhealthy. I was told my life isn't worth the $250/mth for these medical supplies. Again, where do they think I'm going to be able to afford this. Because I live alone, this is really very dangerous as my disability (that is not diabetes related) also impacts my ability to manage my type one (autoimmune) diabetes. So, I live in fear and with anxiety of becoming incapacitated or death because the supports are not there to help me live a healthy and manageable life.
2014-03-01
yes, there is no way any individual lives on $906. per month. it forces you to beg, borrow or steal. Or all of those. If a person is able to work and make the allowed $800. per month, yes , it helps, but finding work is difficult , for the people that cannot do the job due to their disability. whether it be mental health disability, or physical disability. Raise the amount for starters ,it is demeaning and degrading , trying to scrape through. Most months, I don't. BEG, BORROW, STEAL.................thats what I do.
2014-03-01
Ontario covers adult insulin pumps.
My sugars where getting out of control and I was granted Special Authority for Lantus insulin (6 boxes $700. I use 2 boxes per month) it is 1 shot per day but with every meal I need rapid insulin which is only 1/2 covered. That is $90. per month my share.
Being Diabetic should not mean a choice between food or insulin.
I take 18 other R/X per day and some of that is not covered.
PS: As you know Metformin causes the runs and R/X Amodieum (spelling) is covered under Special Authority.
Find an advocate, go to the news and make your case public, this whitepaper is a good start, never give up!
2014-03-01
I have been on disability (Hep C)for over 10 yrs.While working at a Hospital.I feel like I'm living close to welfare status.It's time for the Government to stand up for all people with disability's.Never mind 3rd World Countries,We are a 3rd World Country.I collect just over $800 and my husband is 68 still working at minniem wage.Because of the cost of medicine,tests and treatments not to mention dental coverage,eye exams and glasses,as well as eye surgery,(which I cannot afford)the cost of living we lost our home.Took a loss on that as well.Now we owe a mortage on a 27 ft.travel trailer.This BC Government must really enjoy their bonus's and holidays while we will probably look for a tent next
All of us with disability's ,we sure didn't ask for this kind of survival.Have a heart and open the coffers.
2014-03-01
Some REAL support for my disability would be nice, rather than just giving me a TINY BIT of extra money. I have memory issues, HUGE memory issues caused by my disability, but I get NO help with ANYTHNG, I am treated the EXACT same as some welfare bum. This is NOT right, some consideration of my disability is TOTALLY necessary for me, but I do NOT get it. ALSO, the disability I suffer from, caused by a micro-stroke, screwed up my memory. ANY device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, ereader, ANYTHING) would enable me to live a MUCH more normal life, I could probably get a job and live a REAL life If I had some sort of external brain to keep track of appointments/names/stuff. QUALITY of LIFE is important, too. but is NOT addressed in any way shape or form by current legislation. AGAIN, no consideration for an individual's special needs. Isn't that the reason im ON disability, because I have special needs that aren't addressed/covered by welfare? Isn't MOST of the Government's stance that getting individuals OFF the system, and back into the workforce is a good THING? THE WAY THE RULES ARE STRUCTURED now, THIS IS impossible!! I COULD work, I WANNA work, but I MUST be given some REAL support to enable this. $1700(max DISABILITY+ALLOWABLE WORK)*12 Months a year = $20000, STILL below Canada's poverty line, and I'd do ANYTHING to make that much!!! I pay $5-600/month, just for FOOD, and I ALWAYS go hungry the last cpl days of the month, is just NOT enough to live on, let alone to have a REAL LIFE on. I post in supportive devices, cuz that would help ME live a REAL LIFE the MOST, like I said, ANY device, paper's too easy to lose, and since my stroke, I CANNOT write anyway.
2014-03-02
I think that handicapped people have a lot to give to society if given the proper support and not worrying about mundane things like money.
The health care system needs more compassion or people with compassion not just people who want a job. Community care definitely needs more proactive people .
I have my whole RRSP on medical supplies ,and the government wants their taxes every time I have to cash more RRSP,can handicapped people not get nailed to the wall financially by those who are supposed to help them. Last time I checked being handicapped isn't cheap ,WE DEFINITELY NEED HELP in all areas!
2014-03-02
I am with you here. My family and I often are tempted to move into the woods and live in the wild, only then they would take most of our income for shelter, and probably our child too, as well as harass us for nomadic living on crown land.
2014-03-02
Ministry forms are confusing for non-FASD brains too... Even very literate people need help from good advocates.
Make user friendly application processes not just for IA but for medical requests, and tutorials. Create simple guides to your complicated system please.
2014-03-03
Having access to psychologists or other mental health clinicians covered by disability.
I have a number of mental illnesses (anxiety, depression, eating disorder). I use the public health system which is plagued by long waiting lists, large case loads, and lack of specialists for my illnesses.
Give people on disability access to the proper mental health supports needed; income is a major social determinant of health and I simply cannot afford to pay for a private clinician. Consequently, my health care is impacted, and I do not receive adequate care for my health, the very reason for which I am on disability!! It is a Catch-22 situation ~ I'm on disability because of my mental health, and yet, I cannot access appropriate help for my mental health because I cannot afford to pay for it! It seems like a two-tiered health care system in which we live where if you cannot afford to pay, you are left with inadequate care.
