Deinstitutionalization
has been a long-standing initiative not only of the SACL, but of
other ACLs in the country and the Canadian Association for Community
Living. The last significant move of people from institutions in
this province occurred in the late 1980s when North Park Centre
in Prince Albert was closed. People were returned to more normal
living environments around the province. Since then, Valley View
Centre in Moose Jaw has also been scaled down. Still, however, hundreds
of people with disabilities remain in large, congregated settings.
Many have expressed a desire to move into a home more of their own
choosing. The SACL is committed to supporting individuals not only
to move, but to be supported in the ways necessary for them to live
happily in the community.
Framing the Future: Models for Sustaining Self-Advocacy focuses on developing and sustaining self-advocacy
as a critical component of the inclusion of people with intellectual
disabilities in all aspects of life. As people with disabilities
assume their full citizenship rights as equal citizens, the SACL
will examine the concept and role of self-advocacy and the development
of organizations like People First. A framework to provide meaningful
and responsive supports for self-advocates, their activities and
initiatives will be developed. People with disabilities will serve
as advisors to the project. For information, contact the SACL, (306)
955-3344; fax (306) 373-3070 or email: [email protected].
Respite, the act of "taking
a break to recharge," is a key to families successfully keeping
a son or daughter with disabilities at home with their family. Sometimes,
because of high medical or behavioural needs, this task of keeping
the family together is exhausting and perhaps impossible. Parents
need access to better kinds of respite support more tailored to
their individual family's needs and circumstances. While some financial
assistance is currently available, families say the system often
poses disincentives to even make use of it. The SACL wants to overhaul
the respite system in Saskatchewan, make it easier and more accessible,
and more responsive to what families need.
