B.C. to offer training for adults with developmental disabilities

Province increasing employment supports available

The government of British Columbia has unveiled a plan to address issues and concerns around Community Living BC (CLBC) and the government-wide system of supports for British Columbians with developmental disabilities.

The plan comes as a result of a wide-ranging review of CLBC and the network of government supports available to adults with developmental disabilities. To ensure adequate funding is available to implement the recommendations within the plan, the province is providing an additional $40 million in funding to increase capacity and improve services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

“British Columbians with developmental disabilities and their families can have confidence that their government has listened,” said Premier Christy Clark. “Our plan will ensure that these individuals and families have the support that they need from their government to lead full, rich lives.”

The plan includes:

•An increased focus on employment and training services to allow adults with developmental disabilities to lead full, rich lives as members of their communities.

•Ensuring that families play a greater role in planning for their loved ones, while providing more flexibility in the supports available to them and supporting ongoing innovation in communities.

• Improving planning and collaboration across government to ensure that individuals’ needs are at the centre of all decisions.

•Improving transition planning and processes for youth turning 19.

A cross-ministry team is being established with CLBC to begin discussions on the best way for the province to implement these recommendations. As part of that process, they will consider and soon identify the steps for government to engage with individuals, families, service providers and advocates on key actions, said the provincial government.

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