We want social systems to be inclusive, person-centred, and to follow best practices. The SACL uses the knowledge that we gain while working with individuals with intellectual disabilities, their families, and with systems to identify areas where change is necessary to provide the best services and support possible.
SYSTEMIC CHANGE
Systemic Advocacy Projects
Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID)
In 2009 the Government of Saskatchewan launched the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) - a program that gives people with significant and enduring disabilities a dignified way to receive income support. Today, over 18,000 people receive SAID benefits and as a result, live fuller and more inclusive lives.
For more information about SAID or to find out if your are eligible, please go here.
Other Links
*SAID was created by the Disability Income Support Coalition, of which the SACL is a member. For more information about the coalition go here.
The SACL believes that Inclusive Education means that all students attend and are welcomed by their neighbourhood schools in age-appropriate, regular classes and are supported to learn, contribute and participate in all aspects of the life of the school. Inclusive education is about how we develop and design our schools, classrooms, programs and activities so that all students learn and participate together.
SACL is beginning a project to look into inclusive education in Saskatchewan. Stay tuned for more information!
If you have any stories about the successes and/or challenges of inclusive education that you'd like to share, please contact Alaina Harrison. For more information about Inclusive Education go here.
Inclusive Education
Making Schools more Inclusive
Oral Health Initiative
The SACL is working closely with the College of Dentistry and the Oral Health Coalition to improve both the wait times and the experience of individuals with intellectual disabilities at the dentist. We are also currently working with a Speech-Language Pathologist who is developing resources for dentists to use when treating individuals with intellectual disabilities.
As part of this initiative, the SACL participated in the creation of a video about the best practices of and sensitivities surrounding treating patients with intellectual disabilities.
For more information about this initiative, contact Dallas Tetarenko.
The SACL wants to see the types of residential options that individuals with intellectual disabilities have access to expanded to provide for more diversity and innovation. The SACL believes that housing should support people to live as independently as possible while also ensuring that people have choice and opportunity in all aspects of their lives.
The SACL is currently working with the Ministry of Social Services Community Living Service Delivery, property developers, housing providers, and residential service providers across the province to develop more inclusive residential options for people with disabilities.
The SACL plays a critical role in the closure of Moose Jaw's Valley View Centre. Together with the Ministry of Social Services, the SACL works directly with residents and their families on their person-centred plans to transition out of the centre and into the community. To date, the SACL has helped 38 residents transition into the community. Valley View Centre is scheduled to be closed in 2018.
A Person-Centred Approach
The SACL's role is to support each individual through all aspects of planning for their transition before, during and after they transition. We also provide support and advocacy throughout the process. As outlined in the Valley View Centre Transition Planning Recommendations, the SACL ensures that the individual is at the centre of their transition and that all of the choices about where they live, who they live with, and how they live in the community are entirely their own.
Valley View Centre Closure
Transitioning residents into the Community
A Valley View Transition Story:
Jack, Eric, & David
Jack, Eric, and David were a few of the first individuals in Valley View Centre to transition out into the community. Watch the video to find out how moving out into their own home has allowed them to live fully-inclusive lives.
"It's more better living. I can go out to activities"
- Jack Gude
For more information, please contact one of our staff.
Nich Fraser
Director of Inclusion
(306) 955-3344 ext. 124
Alaina Harrison
Director of Strategic
Initatives
(306) 531-5107