I absolutely agree. This was the first time I was treated with respect to do with my "dis" area and my "ability area" I only just, just got accepted to get equipment and I'm so very thankful.
I do want to ask BC Gov't that this EATI be continued!
Please many more deserve to be considered!
2013-12-30
Also, homemakers and caregivers have been cut, then the better at home program was introduced. Not in rural areas, however, and, lord knows, though I need the help, if the program WERE available here, I could not afford the rates.
2013-12-30
Yes, the government needs to make a commitment to fund the continuation of the equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative (EATI). Both the government and independent evaluations determined the program to be a success. Participants are treated with respect and empowered to make their own decisions by peer Navigators who have disabilities themselves. The program is cost effective and is an example of an innovative approach to the delivery of personal supports such as assistive technology, aids and devices. The program is based on the Participation Model which was developed by a network of persons with disabilities, community organizations and government. There is no need to wait for the results of the White Paper; we have a model and program that works.
2014-01-01
EATI - Equipment and Assistive Technology Initiative- how can this government not see how innovative and important this program has been and can be into the future. Designed and developed as a partnership by people with diverse abilities, no dis allowed, with government and follows the UN Convention. We up here far away from the Victoria political bubble are the real people who know what the issues are on the ground and how to get things done to fix them. Why not have open forums and have us present to the Premier and Ministers directly. Have them look us in the eyes and hear us tell them what is really going on. The government does not have to be scared of doing the right thing with us. We are people of this province too. We have proven our ability to suffer and still survive. Its time to hear us and be partners in stopping the suffering and let us thrive. I agree with. Be Strong. Be willing to bring us to the table and be full partners in resolving all the issues that impact us. That is what the UN Convention is all about. You may have started this White Paper without us but you now have a chance to change that around and respectfully have us collaborate on real solutions.
Nothing about us without us!!!!!!
2014-01-01
When people buy eye-glasses, they are never told you can pay for a lens that is not 20/20 which is cheaper than buying one with a 20/20 correction! So why do we hard of hearing folk have to choose between a hearing aid that will help you somewhat vs. one that would help your hearing a lot? That is the decision what the hard of hearing community faces.
Due to the very high price of many hearing aids, I recently had to select one that would not give me the full benefits I need to be able to hear and function well in society (I am not eligible for EATI. I **only** volunteer in my community...I guess I am considered a second class citizen in BC...)
The top of the series hearing aids with several channels would benefit me a whole lot better, but I can't afford them:
Quote: "No provincial funds, says minister...the province has a limited amount of cash to spend and hearing aids are one more thing the government can't afford to cover. I recognize it's difficult, but I also recognize every day in the ministry we have finite resources and many, many pressures on them, including this one."
(If this is the answer to so many of our needs, then what will this "White Paper" actually prove to accomplish in BC? How much is the government spending on this whole "white paper" process, for instance...?)
2014-01-04
I have been working with people with various disabilities for over 10 years and things have changed in that time, but two of the firm realities is that most of the people I support have difficulty reading and writing and focusing on online activities. So while this method of receiving feedback is innovative, it is also exclusive and arbitrary. Instead of discussing what I feel is in their best interest I can say what I have been told by working with them.
Most of them do not like being lumped together with other people on other forms of social assistance. While other people are more willing to move to online and telephone communication with the ministries, the people I support prefer meeting in person with people, but they have a hard time spending hours at the office.
People want to be assessed as to what their needs are, but they need the assistance when they need it as opposed to being placed on a wait-list to receive services. This delay can cause people to wind up homeless or in jail, neither of which is in the best interest of them nor is it cost effective.
I have found that in dealing with people with disabilities is there is a lack of an acceptance to the changes in the needs of people, when the work first started the common disabilities were cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, now days there is a growing population of people with FASD or on the Autism spectrum, both of which require different levels of assistance and desire to be treated in a fashion that differs from the previous standards.
2014-01-05
Two things
Separate expected to work clients from the PWD clients
We don't receive the dignity and time of day from the ministry when we are worrying about the rent being paid on time, trying to figure out ambiguous legislation that we don't understand
Too much stress is very traumatic for people with disabilities, there needs to be a more humane way of dealing with PWD clients then welfare lines. It should be backed up by medical documentation or facts of the disability to qualify for benefits. There shouldn't be so much grey area and hoop jumping to navigate the system.
2014-01-05
I am very upset that the EATI program is due to be discontinued this coming March. I have worked in the health care field in the community in BC since 1987 including participating in the creation of the CSIL program which was developed with the participation of the end users. It has enabled participation in employment, volunteer participation and recreation and health facilities in the community. The EATI program which was also developed with the participation of the end users was a very important component to expand the participation of people in the community in employment which simply is not possible without the various devices to empower them to do this. The EATI program is cutting edge in that the "clients" have been allowed to develop the process to trial devices and themselves access what works works for them, rather than being saddles with cookie cutter devices that cost big time but do not do what is needed. It would be a very big set back if the roll of EATI is eliminated rather that expanded and further diversified.
We need these programs and others like them strengthened.
They are not a cost!! They help our citizens contribute value to the society both in their work and volunteering and also in their roll as parents, spouses, sons and daughters and roll models for society on how to contribute to its overall well being. Please let the people who work on the front in the field and the individuals that directly use the EATI program be heard and do not go backwards to eliminate their full participation as citizens. Thank you.
2014-01-06
My biggest concern/ pet peeve is with handicap parking. It seems that the majority of people believe these spots are for elderly people not handicapped people. The dirty looks I get before I get out of my vehicle can sometimes be quite stressful. Then they realize and just look away. But that's only the beginning . It seems that an awful lot of people have these" convenient" passes and use them all the time. It clearly states on the pass, if your having a good day, please leave this spot for someone that really needs it. I watch people pull into a designated spot, jump out and practically run into a store! One time, at a Costco a man parked besides us, hopped out, started heading in at a quick pace then noticed me hobble out. He then started to limp! I can't tell you how many times I've had to leave and go home because i couldn't get a close enough spot that I was comfortable with. It seems to me, Doctors hand these out to anyone with grey hair these days and they make full use of them.
2014-01-06
As a blind person, the biggest barrier I face every day, is a lack of access to information. Whether it's reading a morning paper, reading emails, checking physical mail, reading a menu in a restaurant, job applications, or any of the million other examples a day, in which a lack of sight, prevents me from living independently. Other provinces throughout Canada, have programs whereby disabled individuals, that includes the blind, are entitled to an amount of money every three years or so, to purchase adaptive equipment. The money still must have to be applied for, and some justification must be made, but it is at least possible to have some of the adaptive devices that make it possible to live independently. There is obviously a cost to such a program, but there is a cost to all aspects of civilization. ,
2014-01-07
BC needs a law to give them the following:
BC’s disabled citizens need these options:
A) The tax-payers money goes directly to the disabled citizen and they recruit, hire, train and so on the workers they need for personal care services.
Or:
B) The power to choose which government contractor (commonly known as “service providers”) gets the contract to provide personal care services the disabled citizens need.
This law should mandate that BC’s Individualized Funding system be administered by the Ministry of Finance (not by the Health Authorities, CLBC or the Ministry of Children and Family Development). This law should also mandate that Individualized Funding be genuinely portable (if the disabled citizen is assessed in Vancouver as needing X amount of hours of personal care every month, that will be the amount of personal care the citizen gets if they move anywhere in BC).
Option A would preserve the best of the CSIL program; a law mandating real portability will bring out the best of the CSIL model, which was intended to enable the independence of disabled citizens.
Option B would give disabled citizens the power to punish bad government contractors (service providers) and the power to reward innovative ones. All the government contractors would know at the beginning of their relationship with the client (the disabled citizen) that the client has the power to give the contract to another organization. Disabled voters would have real leverage over those history proves are most likely to abuse or neglect them. This leverage is what disabled citizen need in the real world to protect their freedom and dignity.
Disabled voters need the Golden Rule: those who control the gold, make the rules.
2014-01-07
FYI everyone, "CIVIL" is Civil Rights Now!, a BC-based not-for-profit society.
2014-01-07
Here's a situation that may affect many. My brother is my primary caregiver. He has a torn rotator cuff and needs surgery. Has been WAITING 4 years now; was told wait list is another 4 YEARS! His injury affects the things he can do for me, so we are both suffering. We live rurally. I cannot afford to hire somebody to do the things he does for me. When our caregivers health fails, who can we turn to? Bet your life that no government official would have to wait 8 years for surgery, or be told that their situation was not urgent!
2014-01-07
I believe that a counselor that is there to listen would be beneficial. I know that the more interaction that occurs, the better that the counselor would be able to advocate for the person experiencing difficulty. Therefore, the more financial assistance earmarked for people with disabilities - the better.
2014-01-08
When calculating the Choice in Supports for Independent Living Program's client contribution the spouses income should not be included. Yes, there is a cap of $300 for people employed but it is still far too expensive.
2014-01-08
Exactly. Being designated a Person With Disabilities is little help if you still face denial after denial of benefits. Getting approved is easy, compared to actually receiving benefits, and getting approved only happens if you have a lawyer or advocate and go through the reconsideration and appeal process. Thousands of persons with disabilities are denied benefits because they don't appeal the "automatic" denial of benefits. Workers believe it is their job to deny benefits, rather than follow policy or legislation. That's how they're trained. These directives come from the top.
2014-01-08
That's not the kind of "innovation" the govt wants to hear!
2014-01-08
A couple things on COUPLES, get it !
Don't reduce their cheque because they live together. The rates are already low enough for singles AND then are reduced further per person when couples live together.
We are now able to earn 1600 per household since Oct 2012. The rates for support for couples per person haven't been changed to go along side the new earnings potential
And don't tell me we save a bunch because we live together. We are not harboring 10 people and saving immensely on toilet paper by going to a big box company with a membership, (avoiding actually company names but get my drift)
My spouse still needs female specific products, like say every 28 days?, as I male counter parts.
Reducing couples rate is just wrong, let us each have the same support per person
Thank you for considering this suggestion
2014-01-08
PWD clients should not have to rely on employment to get them out of poverty
The rates should go up enough so a little employment makes a difference for those that can work
Having to rely on employment to double your income is unfair to the disabled community and is not the solution. Yes, employment exceptions are good but not when you have to rely on almost 50 percent of your monthly earnings to be from employment not disability assistance
I cant get a job because I lack the social skills required to be an accepted employee
I cant get employed through social networks which are small
In other words, I wont get work unless I have someone qualified to get me into a position. The agency I was using no longer serves me.
We need employment advocates that are skilled at getting clients work
People whom get out and meet employers and build relationships
We need people who walk the walk
I am very angry that I cant find a decent job. And have given up as the mental health center is not helping, I need better employment support
I hope a new agency is the answer but I am doubtful
2014-01-10
I THINK WE NEED TO LOOK AFTER OUR OWN BEFORE WE CAN BE A PROSPEROUS BC
The economy is fragile, and we have a lot of social problems
Too much income inequality in the world
The hole in the dam is going to get bigger unless we start caring about the different social welfare levels of our society
We need to implode inward and create prosperous societies where everyone is included. The cycle of economics will return as consumers spend, businesses are opened, and we are not dependent so much on foreign interests in order to succeed
The only people whom are doing well in this province already have money
The majority of people are suffering, especially the one in 6 that have a disability
I could see special cards that allow for groceries, expenses, if you are disabled
Perhaps companies could merge with the government to give the disabled spending power for necessities such as food and clothing
I also think anyone who works less than 20 hours a week should keep their earnings regardless of the wage
I hate my disability, the medication, the fatigue, the lack of social skills and networks
I wish I was healthy but the reality is I have to take medication which doesn't cure and sometimes hinders the ability to succeed
Should I have to work my way to a better life?
People take for granted that job hunting can be learned. If you have a disability, your still going to have those challenges
Mental illness is the most misunderstood disability to the so called normal people because it affects your brain meaning you have some cognitive impairment yet people expect you can just follow 10 steps to a successful life like everyone else
I was turned down for employment assistance because my job search is not fine tuned enough to narrow down the job titles I want to explore
My brain doesn't work properly maybe you could help me flush out the ideas to help me narrow it down so off I go back to the drawing board
2014-01-10
Not all disabilities are the same and not all people are capable of working fulltime part time or full time hours. Many have severe challenges like myself in learning a new career and age being a huge barrier. I don't remember one day from the next without the help of my computer, ipad, iphone, to record appointments with reminders. Without these tools I am housebound and lost. I was fortunate to receive these tools by taking part in the EATI program which has not yet been further funded so the program may continue. The EATI program is a great example how your programs should be operated. I don't need non disabled people telling me what my needs are when they really have no idea. It is important that the Government quit deciding for each person what they need. Rather to turn it around and let the people with disabilities themselves speak. There are too many organizations, non profits and govt ministries that have very top heavy personnel and use up sometimes 90% of the funds before anything gets to the clients.
I know my disability was a huge factor in not getting hired even though at the time the agenda was to hire a person with a disability. Of course they hire someone who is affected the least by their disability. They certainly weren't willing to take the time to teach or train anyone. It's the same as working with others with mental illness or brain injury but those agencies don't want to hire us disabled persons who have the disabilities that they working with, they want the fresh out of school social workers for the jobs and pay them top dollar because they have a degree of some sort. I guess we don't know enough about our own illnesses and barriers to help other people or be paid to do those kinds of jobs. We get left with all the volunteer work or the lowest paying jobs they don't want to pay anyone for.
2014-01-10
I would like to see therapists covered by BC medical and stop restricting the amount of visits when the restriction interferes with our abilities to function day to day. Why is it we can see a pshychiatrist for meds, limited visits and assistance from mental health, doctors but when they all recommend that we see therapists specializing in areas like trauma or other conditions, these professionals who provide a much needed service are not covered by Medical so we don't get treatment and our conditions don't improve. These are our support systems which are restricted so that only the people with huge incomes can afford to get the services. How can we have any hope of achieving a healthier life when we can't afford the services that can actually help us.
2014-01-10
In my life time I have seen a great deal happen that directly put the disabled out of work. We have become a society of barriers against the poor and disabled. The only place I know of that willingly supports the disabled is Wall Mart. So sad really. There are no more "pump jockeys" , we bag our own groceries or pay a penality. We have disabled parking spots instead of valet parking , automated tills and soon the latest one , no more postal carriers. So many jobs have been eliminated due to " progress" that there is no need for "People" any more. You figured out ways to benifit companies who did away with these jobs , so now figure out how to get them back !
Many long years ago I got involved in a WAP program ( Work activity Program) It was fantastic ! Bring it back Please. Ad to the program and expand it . It worked and I will never know why the government got rid of it.
2014-01-12
Lack of adequate dental coverage is something that I, as a PWD, have struggled with over the years.
I've needed root canals and crowns. Attempts to receive ministry help playing for them has been repeatedly denied. I am told the ministry will pay for 'extractions'. Why would I want to be toothless? I need to eat! Likewise, if I want to get work (which I do), I need to look presentable. Imagine going to a job interview and having a front tooth missing or one that is hideously yellow and dead (my experience). So NOT workable in these highly aesthetic times when most everyone in public life has veneers, artificially white bright teeth or gorgeous crowns. There is an expectation that anyone attempting to find employment look polished and attractive - nice haircut, decent teeth, stylish clothes - but that is WAY beyond the budget of anyone ‘living’ on disability welfare. Which means what? ...We have yet another barrier to push through to join the ranks of the gainfully employed.
