PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate release
Community leaders welcome Budget 2017 as a step forward, but map still needed for the road ahead
February 21, 2017
VICTORIA, BC— Inclusion BC joined community leaders to welcome the 2017 BC Budget investments in social infrastructure as a positive step forward, while noting the need for further work, including comprehensive plans and more community/government collaboration, to improve the lives of vulnerable British Columbians.
Community Living BC
The 2017 budget increase for Community Living BC will help the provincial agency respond to expected growth in the number of adults with developmental disabilities requiring residential and community inclusion supports for the coming year.
However, remaining challenges include ongoing cost pressures, growing complexity of needs, accumulated waitlists and total caseloads that are projected to continue increasing in future years.
”We welcome the increase as a good step,” said Inclusion BC Executive Director Faith Bodnar. “But it is not enough to address the accumulation of unmet needs, as more youth transition to adult services each year, and families and support agencies struggle with more complex needs.”
The number of adults requiring CLBC supports has been growing by 5 – 6% annually in recent years and CLBC expects that trend to continue. The budget increase for 2017/18 reflects that trend. However, budget increases for the following two years (2018/19 and 2019/20) amount to 0.5% and 1% respectively, far below expected growth in the number of people served by CLBC.
“The funding gap creates severe stresses for community agencies and families who support people with developmental disabilities, in some cases resulting in acute crises,” Bodnar added.
Inclusion BC has urged a review of CLBC in light of challenges that include growing costs for aging adults and more complex needs including mental health, homelessness and addiction. “When people with developmental disabilities are forced to live in poverty, their challenges reflect those common to all people struggling with poverty,” Bodnar noted.
Persons With Disabilities (PWD) Benefits
Disability advocates hoped for a more significant increase to PWD rates than the $50 a month in the 2017 budget.
“Any increase to the rates is welcome, and we acknowledge that this is the second in the last 12 months,” Disability Alliance BC (DABC) Executive Director Jane Dyson said. “At the same time, an annual increase of $600 will provide little real improvement to the lives of people with disabilities who depend on provincial assistance and we welcome Finance Minister De Jong’s comments that we should continue to advocate for additional increases.”
BC’s Accessibility 2024 initiative includes both a commitment and a plan to make BC the most progressive province in Canada for people with disabilities by 2024. Advocates are urging that the Province build on this plan to resolve the constant lag between PWD rates and actual living costs.
“We need a plan to ensure that rates increase regularly, with indexing to inflation,” Dyson said. “We are also asking government to establish a stakeholder/government committee that allows us to work together on how such a system could work.”
DABC’s comments were echoed by other advocates, including Neil Belanger, executive director of the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society. “The recent PWD $50 / monthly increase announced by the government was welcomed but unfortunately less than what we and our sister organizations had hoped. We need to continue to work with government to ensure an adequate level of assistance is achieved and the vision of Accessibility 2024 realized.”
“Our concern is that without further adjustments, people with disabilities will continue to live in poverty and that CLBC will continue to serve as a crisis response system instead of proactively building capacity to meaningfully fulfill its mandate to promote real community inclusion,” Bodnar added.
Mental Health
Research shows that almost 70% of BC children and youth living with mental health problems do not receive the treatment they need, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association (BC Division).
“Five of the most common mental health problems among children and youth – anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, substance use misuse, conduct disorder, and depression – are also preventable,” said CMHA-BC Policy Director Jonny Morris.
Today, the province announced a package of measures to respond to this treatment gap, improving child and youth mental health in BC schools, homes, and communities. This follows Friday’s announcement that the BC Government has signed on to the federal Health Accord, securing $655 million dollars for mental health and addictions care over the next ten years.
“Recent budgets have not emphasized mental health and addictions as much as Budget 2017,” said Morris. “It is encouraging to see a 20% increase in MCFD’s line item for child and youth mental health services. This is an important incremental step to the boost in funding needed to close the 70% treatment gap for BC children living with mental health and addiction problems.”
Affordable Housing
“As BC’s population surges, it is critical that the province continue to partner in building new rental supply of all types, particularly social housing that addresses homelessness,” said Kishone Roy, CEO of the BC Non-Profit Housing Association, speaking on behalf of advocacy group Housing Central:.
However, he noted, increasing that supply is difficult under current rent supplement programs and income assistance that only offers $375 toward shelter for people in the deepest need.
“We believe that both building new supply, and providing more direct support to renters are necessary to tackle the affordable housing crisis,” Roy said.
Community supports
ASPECT BC (Association of Service Providers for Employability and Career Training) offered a similar message.
“Community-based organizations that provide employment services and training to British Columbians looking for work have long been challenged to help their clients with barriers to employment such as mental health, housing, and transportation,” said ASPECT-BC CEO Janet Morris-Reade.
“We are pleased to see increased support for these issues in this year’s budget,” Morris-Reade said. “This gives community-based organizations the resources from which to draw that will ultimately help their clients along the pathway toward meaningful and sustainable employment.”
Indigenous children & individuals living with disabilities
The 2017 Provincial Budget contained a number of positive steps forward for Indigenous children and individuals living with disabilities within British Columbia, said Neil Belanger executive director of the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS).
“However,” Belanger continued. “We need to see continued movement forward by the government to ensure that adequate resources, supports and services are made available for our most vulnerable citizens, and at levels not just to survive but to be able to thrive in our communities.”
Children & Families
“A lift in the Ministry serving B.C.’s most vulnerable children is always welcome,” says Rick FitzZaland, Executive Director of The Federation of Community Social Services of BC.
“This budget includes investments in childcare, services to children with special needs and mental health challenges, and a commitment to do better for children in care,” he added. “I am hopeful that the investment in children in care services will allow for the continued implementation of the recommendations stemming from our 2012 joint report with MCFD on residential services.”
Posted: May 26, 2017 by cvsadmin
CVS Summer Parties
Summer is finally here! After a long winter, with lots of snow and cold weather its now time to enjoy what summer brings. We have 3 events this summer, starting with a lunch-time BBQ at CVS on June 30th from 11:30-1pm. There will be food, music and fun.
The next event is our annual summer picnic at Barnet Marine Park on July 21st from11:30 – 1:30. Again, lots of food, music and games. Every year a water fight has broken out and people get wet! Maybe you should bring a towel..
In August there is another CVS lunch-time BBQ on August 25th from 11:30 – 1:00.
To start off the Fall, mark your calendar for September 14th for a CVS Pub Night at the Burrard Public House that creates an inclusive and safe space for people to get a burger and a beer. Posters and tickets will be ready in August.
Posted: May 25, 2017 by cvsadmin
Accreditation Survey Coming to CVS
A survey team from CARF International* will be visiting on Wednesday, June 28 to Friday, June 30.
We invited the surveyors to evaluate how well we meet international standards for quality. The survey will tell us what we are doing well and ways we might improve. As a result of this survey, we may earn or continue accreditation.
As part of the survey, the surveyors will interview people who receive services, their families, our staff, and others. Some questions the survey team members might ask people are:
If you would like to talk with one of the survey team members or want to learn more about CARF International, please let one of our staff members know. You may also contact CARF International directly.
Community Ventures Society\’s services were originally surveyed by CARF in the Summer of 2005, and received a three-year accreditation award in the areas of employment and community services. CVS was successful in 3 subsequent surveys, and is currently certified until June 2017 in the following areas of service:
CARF Canada operates as a private, independent, not-for-profit corporation providing an accreditation program for human services providers. Over the years, CARF International has built a reputation for its respected accreditation practices and is now able to provide well-established accreditation services in the fields of aging services, behavioural health, child and youth services, employment and community services, and medical rehabilitation. In recent years, several Canadian government ministries have endorsed CARF to provide accreditation services to their contracted providers.
Posted: May 25, 2017 by cvsadmin
News from Inclusion BC
Nanaimo teacher disciplined for locking autistic boy in storage room
By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff, May 24, 2017
A Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools substitute teacher has been suspended after admitting to locking a six-year-old autistic boy inside a storage room.
Alberta legislature unanimously approves creation of disability advocate
James Wood, Calgary Herald, Published on: May 24, 2017
The Alberta legislature voted unanimously Wednesday to create the new position of disability advocate within the government.
WATCH: Parents say union creates classroom challenges for special needs kids
By Nadia Stewart Videojournalist Global News
Nicole Kaler’s 16-year-old daughter, Maya, has autism and she’s thriving at school. However, her mom says that success comes after years of fighting.
Five startling things Betsy DeVos just told Congress
Valerie Strauss May 24 at 4:34 PM Washington Post
Order of Canada book recognizes disability advocate Geraldine Braak Milestone collection highlights longtime Powell River resident Ionatan Waisgluss
Powell River Peak May 24, 2017 08:00 AM
Powell River resident Geraldine Braak recently received a new book in the mail, a publication in which she and 49 other Canadians are celebrated for their contributions on a national level.
The Price of ‘Disability Denial’
Opinion, New York Times, Catherine Kudlick, May 24, 2017
It was 1989 and I was immersed in my first teaching job, a one-year gig at Barnard College, with the possibility of something long-term.
Posted: May 25, 2017 by cvsadmin
CVS 2017 Annual General Meeting – June 26
Our 2017 Annual General Meeting will be held on June 26th @ 4:00 PM at 2322 St. Johns Street. We have attached a CVS Membership Form if you wish to become a member of CVS. The cost is only $5. We are interested in growing our membership base to make a stronger and more resilient CVS. Members are able to participate in our AGM and other events.
The Agenda for the Annual General Meeting is as follows:
Posted: May 25, 2017 by cvsadmin
2016/2017 CVS Outcomes Management Report
Every year we survey the people we serve, their families, our staff and our stakeholders to see how they feel about our service from the lenses of effectiveness, efficiency, access, and satisfaction. In addition we ask what we are doing well and how we might improve. All of this data gets analyzed and folded into a report that we call the Outcomes Management Report. We want to share that information, so if you are interested you can see the Outcomes ManagementReport here.
Posted: April 26, 2017 by cvsadmin
It\’s Spring and Time to Cut the Lawn!
The Ventures Lawn Crew are ready to come and look after your lawn. It\’s only $40 for most lawns including raking and clean up. Your yard will look great. Call or text Norm at 604.379.5094 for a free estimate and to schedule your time.
Posted: April 26, 2017 by cvsadmin
In The News from Inclusion BC
Ontario suit alleges people with developmental disabilities denied services
PAOLA LORIGGIO TORONTO — The Canadian Press
Published Monday, Apr. 24, 2017
Lawsuit filed by Timmins family alleges people with developmental disabilities denied necessary services
Class-action lawsuit alleges unreasonable wait lists deny care to people with disabilities
By Paola Loriggio, The Canadian Press Posted: Apr 24, 2017
Yona Lunsky and Rob Balogh: People with developmental disabilities are invisible in the mental-health system
The Province, Published:April 22, 2017
With the recent federal commitment to increase mental-health funding across Canada, we need to turn our attention toward a group of individuals who are currently invisible within Canada’s mental-health system…
TV debate marks show time for B.C. election; parties look to turn on voters
Dirk Meissner, The Canadian Press
Published Tuesday, April 25, 2017 6:23AM EDT
VICTORIA — It\’s show time in British Columbia\’s election campaign with Wednesday\’sdebate between the three party leaders offering a high-stakes chance to leave a mark on the campaign with about two weeks to the finish line.
Accessibility activists want to ditch iconic symbol highlighting the wheelchair, not the person
The Forward Movement pushing the province to adopt dynamic wheelchair symbol
By Lauren Pelley, CBC News Posted: Apr 24, 2017
A Syrian Family Finds Acceptance for their Disabled Children through Canadian Resettlement
Apr 23, 2017 | Feature Story, Local Story
By Erla Cabrera, Ottawa, Canada – 24 April 2017
A Syrian mother recalls the warm welcome received upon her family’s arrival
‘If You’re Not Going to Reduce Poverty When You Have a Strong Economy, When Are You Going to Do It?’
BC can learn from Newfoundland’s efforts, says advocate.
By Katie Hyslop Yesterday | TheTyee.ca
‘Heartbreaking’: Medical standoff leaves man with cerebral palsy stranded at hospital for weeks
Washington Post By Theresa Vargas April 21
Alex Scott cannot speak.
If he could, he might be able to answer a crucial question that has pitted the people who speak for him against one another and left him stranded in a Northern Virginia hospital for three weeks.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Inclusion BC or the staff.
Posted: April 26, 2017 by cvsadmin
BC Election 2017
BC Election 2017: TV Leaders Debate – Weds, Apr. 26
Question 2: How would your party address the chronic shortfall in CLBC funding and the need for an independent external review of CLBC?
Advancing inclusion in BC Election 2017:
Our BC Election 2017 Toolkit has info and tips to help you make a difference when BC votes on May 9, including:
Posted: April 26, 2017 by cvsadmin
Brain Injury Film Festival May 17, 24 & 31. It\’s Free!
Check out the Brain Injury Film Festival on May 17, 24 & 31 at Douglas College New Westminster Campus, Lecture Theatre N2201 from 7-9 pm. Also check out their Facebook Page.
Posted: February 21, 2017 by cvsadmin
BC Budget 2017 Press Release from Inclusion BC
PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate release
Community leaders welcome Budget 2017 as a step forward, but map still needed for the road ahead
February 21, 2017
VICTORIA, BC— Inclusion BC joined community leaders to welcome the 2017 BC Budget investments in social infrastructure as a positive step forward, while noting the need for further work, including comprehensive plans and more community/government collaboration, to improve the lives of vulnerable British Columbians.
Community Living BC
The 2017 budget increase for Community Living BC will help the provincial agency respond to expected growth in the number of adults with developmental disabilities requiring residential and community inclusion supports for the coming year.
However, remaining challenges include ongoing cost pressures, growing complexity of needs, accumulated waitlists and total caseloads that are projected to continue increasing in future years.
”We welcome the increase as a good step,” said Inclusion BC Executive Director Faith Bodnar. “But it is not enough to address the accumulation of unmet needs, as more youth transition to adult services each year, and families and support agencies struggle with more complex needs.”
The number of adults requiring CLBC supports has been growing by 5 – 6% annually in recent years and CLBC expects that trend to continue. The budget increase for 2017/18 reflects that trend. However, budget increases for the following two years (2018/19 and 2019/20) amount to 0.5% and 1% respectively, far below expected growth in the number of people served by CLBC.
“The funding gap creates severe stresses for community agencies and families who support people with developmental disabilities, in some cases resulting in acute crises,” Bodnar added.
Inclusion BC has urged a review of CLBC in light of challenges that include growing costs for aging adults and more complex needs including mental health, homelessness and addiction. “When people with developmental disabilities are forced to live in poverty, their challenges reflect those common to all people struggling with poverty,” Bodnar noted.
Persons With Disabilities (PWD) Benefits
Disability advocates hoped for a more significant increase to PWD rates than the $50 a month in the 2017 budget.
“Any increase to the rates is welcome, and we acknowledge that this is the second in the last 12 months,” Disability Alliance BC (DABC) Executive Director Jane Dyson said. “At the same time, an annual increase of $600 will provide little real improvement to the lives of people with disabilities who depend on provincial assistance and we welcome Finance Minister De Jong’s comments that we should continue to advocate for additional increases.”
BC’s Accessibility 2024 initiative includes both a commitment and a plan to make BC the most progressive province in Canada for people with disabilities by 2024. Advocates are urging that the Province build on this plan to resolve the constant lag between PWD rates and actual living costs.
“We need a plan to ensure that rates increase regularly, with indexing to inflation,” Dyson said. “We are also asking government to establish a stakeholder/government committee that allows us to work together on how such a system could work.”
DABC’s comments were echoed by other advocates, including Neil Belanger, executive director of the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society. “The recent PWD $50 / monthly increase announced by the government was welcomed but unfortunately less than what we and our sister organizations had hoped. We need to continue to work with government to ensure an adequate level of assistance is achieved and the vision of Accessibility 2024 realized.”
“Our concern is that without further adjustments, people with disabilities will continue to live in poverty and that CLBC will continue to serve as a crisis response system instead of proactively building capacity to meaningfully fulfill its mandate to promote real community inclusion,” Bodnar added.
Mental Health
Research shows that almost 70% of BC children and youth living with mental health problems do not receive the treatment they need, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association (BC Division).
“Five of the most common mental health problems among children and youth – anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/
Today, the province announced a package of measures to respond to this treatment gap, improving child and youth mental health in BC schools, homes, and communities. This follows Friday’s announcement that the BC Government has signed on to the federal Health Accord, securing $655 million dollars for mental health and addictions care over the next ten years.
“Recent budgets have not emphasized mental health and addictions as much as Budget 2017,” said Morris. “It is encouraging to see a 20% increase in MCFD’s line item for child and youth mental health services. This is an important incremental step to the boost in funding needed to close the 70% treatment gap for BC children living with mental health and addiction problems.”
Affordable Housing
“As BC’s population surges, it is critical that the province continue to partner in building new rental supply of all types, particularly social housing that addresses homelessness,” said Kishone Roy, CEO of the BC Non-Profit Housing Association, speaking on behalf of advocacy group Housing Central:.
However, he noted, increasing that supply is difficult under current rent supplement programs and income assistance that only offers $375 toward shelter for people in the deepest need.
“We believe that both building new supply, and providing more direct support to renters are necessary to tackle the affordable housing crisis,” Roy said.
Community supports
ASPECT BC (Association of Service Providers for Employability and Career Training) offered a similar message.
“Community-based organizations that provide employment services and training to British Columbians looking for work have long been challenged to help their clients with barriers to employment such as mental health, housing, and transportation,” said ASPECT-BC CEO Janet Morris-Reade.
“We are pleased to see increased support for these issues in this year’s budget,” Morris-Reade said. “This gives community-based organizations the resources from which to draw that will ultimately help their clients along the pathway toward meaningful and sustainable employment.”
Indigenous children & individuals living with disabilities
The 2017 Provincial Budget contained a number of positive steps forward for Indigenous children and individuals living with disabilities within British Columbia, said Neil Belanger executive director of the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society (BCANDS).
“However,” Belanger continued. “We need to see continued movement forward by the government to ensure that adequate resources, supports and services are made available for our most vulnerable citizens, and at levels not just to survive but to be able to thrive in our communities.”
Children & Families
“A lift in the Ministry serving B.C.’s most vulnerable children is always welcome,” says Rick FitzZaland, Executive Director of The Federation of Community Social Services of BC.
“This budget includes investments in childcare, services to children with special needs and mental health challenges, and a commitment to do better for children in care,” he added. “I am hopeful that the investment in children in care services will allow for the continued implementation of the recommendations stemming from our 2012 joint report with MCFD on residential services.”
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