It is obvious that Social Assistance rates must be increased, and by a very substantial amount. Why is it that some new comers to this country are given $2,500 per month, but disabled residents of BC are limited to $900 per month. A disabled individual who requires any kind of assistive devices to enable them to live with even a modicum of independence, cannot even begin to afford such a device, on the amount that they receive in Social Assistance.
As a blind person, I require some rather expensive equipment if I am to have access to information, in other words, to be able to read. Despite the availability of radio and TV, a person must be able to read, in order to exist in our current society. Cooking insructions, instructions on medications, news papers and magazines,textbooks, utility bills, strata corperation notices, the list is endless. The equipment to access this information exists, and relatively speaking, is not all that expensive. But, it is certainly off limits to anyone relying on Social Assistance, or LTD bennifits. the idea of employment is almost unthinkable without some sort of adaptive device that will give a person access to print. British Columbia has a very very very long way to go before it can think of itself as number 1 in Canada, with respect to services for disabled people.
2013-12-13
It would be nice if the moderator would stop cherrypicking posts and actually publish all the comments made.
2013-12-14
When we talk about persons with disabilities, are we also including seniors? There are many seniors with "disabilities" perhaps resulting from factors such as chronic disease or stroke. As a Occupational Therapist, I see seniors in the community who are on pensions that allow them to pay rent, buy food, etc; however, they may not be able to afford the extras that they require to age safely and independently in the community. In particular, I deal with a lot of equipment for bathroom safety and mobility. If a senior does not have supportive family, extended medical, Veteran's affairs funding, or some other source, they will not necessarily be able to afford what they need. Furthermore, what happens when some of these seniors have complex needs (disabilities) that require them to move into complex care homes? Well, if they don't have the money, they are not able to afford the equipment that they require to live a comfortable life. Instead of getting a proper fitting wheelchair with an appropriate cushion, which would help prevent skin breakdown and optimize function, they are left with substandard facility loaner equipment.
I feel that these questions about how people with disabilities can "contribute" imply an ageist, productivity bias. Yes, persons with disabilities should be able to contribute and work without being discriminated against. However, we also need to value those who perhaps do not function at this level (e.g., being able to work and access the community), and so need to consider seniors who live in the community and in complex care situations. Good health care has enabled many of us to live longer; perhaps a related natural consequence of good health care is that those with chronic disease (e.g., dementia, Parkinson, post-stroke, etc) who may operate on a lower level of function are also living longer. Please consider seniors and people in complex care in these consultations; the lack of funding for them is disgraceful. Perhaps consider a program such as Alberta Aides to Daily Living (AADL) in BC for seniors with limited funds so that they can have appropriate equipment for their changing needs in their last years of life. Their dignity and quality of life should not be forgotten simply because they do not have the ability to be productive and contribute anymore to society.
2013-12-17
I have seen an incredible difference in the participation of people with disabilities due to the funding from the EATI [Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative]. The ability to choose the solution based on the participation model versus the medical model has made a significant difference to individuals in British Columbia. Without having voice recognition Dragon or JAWS to be able to type into the computer, without having an electric wheelchair, scooter or vehicle conversion to be able to get around, without having hearing aids or amplified telephones to be able to hear, without a tablet or assistive apps to be able to help with learning as these are only a small example of what people with disabilities need to be able to fully participate. To be able to join the workforce, volunteering, engage in the community, be involved in recreational activities and access all of what makes British Columbia so wonderful.
British Columbia must recognize the overwhelming success of the EATI program and ensure that it does not come to an end on March 31, 2014. This is the program that is talked about in the UN convention and British Columbia should be celebrating the major contributions people with disabilities are able to make when provided the tools. I would like to see the government commit to ensuring that this program continues into the future.
2013-12-17
I work for a service provider and deal with all types of clients, disabled,seniors, mentally disabled and children. As a provider I would like to see the process to get approval to help these clients improve. Waiting weeks or months is unacceptable and puts pressure on me and my colleagues who with authorization from msd or mcfd we are stuck in the middle unable to help. Everyday is a challenge and juggling act to help those I can those that must wait. Their is not one policy followed each office or region does things differently local level in one region does it one way which is different from another. Their needs to be better communication between all parties and discussions on an annual basis so we as providers can better serve the people of this province.
Thank you
2013-12-18
Does anyone out there remember cuts to Technology for Independent Living a couple of years ago. I was wondering how the program is doing. Does anyone remember the name of the program?
2013-12-18
Does anyone out there know of a program that was cut and re-instated by the government with regards to Personal supports, aids and devices about 2 years ago?
2013-12-18
First of all I have to point out that the current amount we get on Disabillity 2 is totally unrealistic and is a cause for more health problems. Once you pay rent and bills we are not left with much to buy food, extra supplements or dietary needs. The quality of life at this level of poverty is unhealthy, demeaning and very disheartening. I have multiple health issues that prevent my working even part time. I don't drink, smoke ( anything) or do drugs. I feel I am being punished for not being able to work. Accessing mobility aids is a long drawn out process and even though those same aids don't have a long life span I have to wait up to 4 years to get replacements. Example my wrist braces barely last 1 year let along 3 or 4.
I live in a housing Co-op in an accessible unit. Stairs are a bane in my life. But in 2 years the subsidy for my unit is over. Finding an affordable living space that is safe, healthy, suitable is very difficult. Rents here are expensive but the housing allowance we are given doesn't reflect that at all.
I feel more and more the disdain some government officials throw at the disabled. Their lack of knowledge of our issues is shameful. I have to pay for over the counter pain killers and other aids, that adds to stress which adds to illness. I really want to be involved in this white paper so I can help educate officials so they learn the hardships we as disabled face daily. I spend a lot of time lying down due to pain and exhaustion. That is stressful on its own, why add to it by forcing us to live hand to mouth. I never wanted to be on disability but it became necessary through no fault of my own.
The ability to afford better food, and relieve some of the stress of poverty would make our quality of life incredibly better. Yes I know that costs money, but look at it this way. It would cost BC a lot more to have me in hospital then it would if we had a decent income. Being treated as a valued member of the community instead of a burden. That's how I feel I am being treated - a burden!
The whole process of applying for and then receiving disability is degrading, shaming, sick making putting it mildly. Then trying to keep my head slightly above water even when really ill is exhausting on its own. I deal with lots of pain daily, this makes it worse. Try putting yourself in our shoes, it's not comfortable, healthy or acceptable.
2013-12-19
Why does the government force PWD's to apply for early retirement, then take the money off our cheques? If we are allowed to EARN$800,00/ month, and the pension is earned income, why is it not considered part of our money earned? This strikes me as two faced. Suggest government repay all this money to senior PWD'S without penalty.
2013-12-19
Why can we not get mileage money bless the long distance medical or orthotics appointment takes place in a hospital?
2013-12-19
I dont know if im in the right place, frankly i dont really care at this moment.
As a person with a few disabilities it is hard to find work, every dime has to count twice to support and feed my family, more so because my wife and stepdaughter are americans immigrating into Canada, so they dont count as dependants to the provincial government, but the federal does. makes perfect sense.
as a person with disabilities im allowed to earn $800 per month if i have a job, but $475 in child support for my step child doesnt count so it is deducted from me, thats my rent money thats being deducted, with the child tax and the support thats the rest of our bills and FOOD going out the window and i believe that is bull shit.
that defies logic, you can make 800 as long as its not child support?
how many people are disabled or have some other kind of a disability and get child support only to have it deducted from their check?
2013-12-20
The government's focus on aids so people can be employed, fully participate in life in the community, etc" is pretending that there are not people who are disabled who cannot and may never be able to work. The government needs to develop a more inclusive view - that includes those of us who can not work and will not be able to work.
The focus SHOULD BE on providing support and aid to help people to increase the quality of their lives, so those who are disabled can live as well and as independently as they can, whether they are able to work or not.
In addition, one of the key aids which is consistently not addressed, is the need for better home health care. Right now, home health care is somewhat available for medical needs like injections, changing catheters, bathing... However, there are many of us who can't do things like vaccum, wash floors, carry laundry, or even consistently do dishes. And having even just a little help in these areas can enable us to live independently.
I am lucky enough to get 2 hours a week of home help on a subsidized basis by a charitable organization - it has made an enormous difference in my life. To know that someone is coming to help every week - and that when my condition flares up so badly that I can't even make toast or wash a spoon... well that makes a huge difference.
All people who are disabled should have access to this type of support if they need it. it would make a huge difference people's quality of life.
2013-12-23
I have a friend of mine who uses an electric wheelchair to get around received funding for a computer with a voice recognition system so that she could type from EATI. She is now doing some work on a part-time basis and this one in the been possible without the funding from EATI. I heard that they are thinking about discontinuing this amazing program and I would like to encourage you to keep this kind of funding available for equipment for people with disabilities.
2013-12-23
I was a member of Provincial Equipment Aids and Devices committee (PEADC). The goal of PEADC was to create a consumer based model for acquiring aids and equipment. The goal was to have the consumer state what their equipment needs were and what goals they wanted to achieve with their aids and equipment. This model was supposed to be implemented province wide. This model is a major shift from the present system whereby people are assessed and told what equipment they need. In addition to a consumer centered model, People who require aids and equipment should receive funding directly to purchase their aids and equipment. A consumer based model that is directly funded gives the people direct say into what aids and equpment they acquire and forces the providers of the aids and equipment to meet their needs.
I currently am on Choice in Supports for Independant Living (CSIL) Program. CSIL is a form of direct funding whereby I receive funding from the Ministry of Health based on the hours of care I require to hire my own home support staff. The CSIL program enables me to fully participate in the community because I can determine my own care schedule to meet my lifesyle. I believe that everyone who receives care should receive direct funding. They could then decide whether to hire their own staff or hire an agency. If they chose an agency, it would then have to meet theirs needs or it would lose its funding from the person involved. CSIL is a great program. However, to make it a truly province wide program the province must create universal eligibility requirements and make it portable so that people moving within BC do not have to be reassessed.
2013-12-23
I feel that EATI is a solution for this province. I like that it uses the participation model and looked at my goals not just my disability. I received funding from EATI for some very important assistive technology. This must remain available for everyone in this province so that they can be involved in work and recreational activities. Please consider renewing EATI.
2013-12-23
I have a friend who has a disability and they were in need of some equipment they could not afford that would allow them to work and volunteer in the community. Thank god for EATI they provided the help to get the equipment they needed and they are now an active member of the community. We need to keep funding EATI so that many more people with disabilities can be active members in our communities as well. I have experienced first hand how this program has enhanced my friends life.
2013-12-23
I have a friend who has a disability who was in need of equipment to be able to work and volunteer in the community but was unable to afford it. Thanks to EATI they provided the help to get the equipment she needed and she is now an active member of the community which has greatly enriched her life. We need to keep the funding going for this important program if not people like my friend would not be able to flourish in our community. She is now also able to make her own income which leads to independance which opens so many other doors for people with disabilities. I've seen first hand how EATI makes a difference lets continue to allow them to.
2013-12-24
a simple change in how personal care services are delivered in the province will make the single largest impact on the lives of people living with disabilities. its called individualized funding. it works like this.
1.your local health authority assesses your care needs and allocates a dollar amount.
2.you are provided a list of agencies who have been selected through a proposal call by the health authorities and meet their criteria.
3.you interview these agencies and choose the one that meets your needs. if they fail you terminate their services and slect another ageny.
i tried to make it sound complicated but unfortunatey its just too simple.
here are the benefits.
1.huge cost savings to the system.
2.agencies are responsive to client needs in order to keep them as customers.
3.agencies will enhance services to attract customers, such as offering housing.
4 clients/customers empowerment through purchasing power.
here are the disadvantages
1.job loss for health authority staff because the system runs itself.
2.less control by the system as decision making is passed on to the client. so maybe some potential for poor decisions.
this needs to happen
2013-12-24
I received funding from EATI for a Van conversion. If it wasn't for this program I wouldn't have been able to have access to transportation. I am now starting to develop a client base and working in my community. This program must continue for people like me.
2013-12-24
my post was deleted, truth (which i can prove) hurts..these ppl just want to look good..talk is cheap
Thank you for submitting your comment to the Increasing Accessibility for People with Disabilities blog. We would like to post your comment but, unfortunately, it does not meet our Moderation Policy. Please refer to item number 2 regarding unsupported accusations against individuals, groups or organizations.
2013-12-24
2 years ago i filed a "consumer proposal" because of the same issue..not enough income to maintain my debt, mostly because a large "tax refund" (a lift) for medical devices was turned down by BC Govt..google MNP in Kelwona..they r great!
2013-12-24
of course!
2013-12-24
ive been lucky i have gotten a lawyer as advocacy groups are govt controlled..except the bc coalition for the disabled..hit them up..they are awsome!..but over worked as a result of Govt red tape..keep fighting!!
2013-12-24
The funding I have received from the EATI [Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative) for mobility and assistive technology devices has made a significant difference in my life. Without having the funding for a power wheelchair to get around, assistive technology such as a laptop or tablet and assistive apps I would be unable to return to the workforce and embark on a new career path, volunteer, take advantage of recreational activities, stay healthy and engage with friends and the community and be a productive member of society. Without this program, I along with many other would face insurmountable barriers to success and would become marginalized members of society dependent dwindling government handouts just to survive.
The Government of British Columbia must recognize the overwhelming success that the EATI program has had in the great many lives of people with disabilities that it has assisted. This is the program referred to in the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities and the Government must commit to ensuring that it is not only extended beyond end of March 31, 2014 but also expanded, thereby enabling a greater number of people with disabilities to take advantage of it. All British Columbians should celebrate the major contributions that people with disabilities are able to make when provided with the proper tools for success and the government must commit to ensuring that this program continues into the future.
2013-12-24
Yes,
The infrastructure created to help the disabled is worth billions
The money is NOT going DIRECTLY to the CLIENT
Want to save MONEY?
Give the client a choice in how to spend their benefits
By having choice, we can get rid of people whose job it is to ensure we continue to be sick so they can have a pay cheque
People are being taking advantage of by the health industry
If there only concern is their survival, then what about us, whom is looking out for our interests? THE HEALTH AUTHORITY SURE ISN'T
2013-12-28
It is so crazy that we finally have a few programs in BC that were designed by the people with disabilities and built from the ground up like the Respitory Program and EATI -Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative. The EATI was built based on the participation model which respects an individual to define their own challenges and the way to over come them and the equipment or technology they decide on. This great and successful program needs to keep going and help so many more people. It meets the standards of the UN Convention. The first time anyone ever asked me what I think I need and believed in me. The first time I felt respected and capable. The staff and community staff and volunteers are the best. So why ask us what we want and then not listen? You need to commit to keep funding the EATI and use the participation model for all the Goivernment programs. Not rocket science. Even I know that. That is the way to build success for the disability community. Let us lead the way based on the UN Convention. Be brave. Be willing to forget the politics and truely trust us to do something that works and support us. Otherwise its just another show to say you have done something.
