NDP Consultation Workshops “Back to Balance” The NDP are looking for input on how to reduce the 1.4 Billion Dollar gap that is looming, as interest keeps building. They spent 3.5billion on health 1.9 billion on education .9billion on community services and .4billion on transportation. Currently 39% comes from federal, 14% HST: 21% income tax: 4% corporate tax; 4% Government Business; 2% oil&gas Royalties; 13% other. The Consultation format is such that we need to have as many representatives as possible present at each meeting in every area! The meetings are actually at “round tables” & the more frequently an idea is presented at a table the louder the message will be heard. The Disability Rights Coalition has put some thoughts down on paper to answer the four questions being asked by government. If you cannot attend one of these meetings, you can still have input by going on-line or by mailing your response to : Finance Minister, Back to Balance,PO Box 187, 1723 Hollis St., Halifax, NS 83) 2N3 QUESTIONS & RESPONSES.. What should the government do to increase revenue or decrease spending? * Historically, government has offered the “all or nothing approach’ where an individual either “fits into a program/service/piace” in order to receive support. It has been proven that this approach is not fiscally responsible. Nor does this approach work in the best interest of persons with disabilities. The continuum of service method has to be replaced + Person centered planning will allow supports to be custom fit to the person who needs them * Individualized funding can decrease spending when its person centered...Individuals who can self manage or have support systems that enable supported decision making can create their own support system to suit their needs. And when there is a need they can hire their own staff, thereby contributing to the workforce, economy & tax revenue. Individuals who cannot self manage & do not have natural supported decision-makers could use accredited service providers to provide for their needs, Theycould provide the service or act as supportive decision makers but shouldn't be both. Gov't needs to invest in services, which will create jobs that provide for the needs of its citizens with disabilities. The services need to be run as small businesses either for profit or non (could Invest in existing services) which would create tax revenue (income tax) by employing NS. Even with funds ‘coming from government coffers it would go tight back into the economy in the purchasing of goods & services thus increasing tax revenues. If employment for disabled persons was the focus, it would cut back on social assistance & increase tax revenue, Gov't needs to STOP building new large facilities to house persons with disabilities including the 4-8 person group homes and USE the existing housing stock which is easily convertible back to single family homes when supported housing is no longer necessary . What changes should be made to programs and services? Are there things government should do better, stop doing or do more of? Gov't needs to stop building institutions, including 4-8 person group homes. Utilize this money to provide supports in small homes (means eliminating major capital expenses) supported apts, increase home care. & respite. This would help unclog expensive hospital beds Need to change policies which restrict access to services because of the concern of liability, An example is requiring someone who cannot self inject insulin to live in a 24 hour facility to receive insulin instead of allowing a trained person who is supporting a DCS client. All policies/definition of services need to be examined to see if it is based on the premise of “dignity of risk’ as it could allow more people to live with less supports, Persons with disabilities tend to be over supervised in the building then necessary causing unnecessary staffing costs. Focus should be on “individual disability supports” and what that person requires to have success in their life, rather than continue to try to fit people into services or programs that they don't need. The majority of Nova Scotians will likely require minimal supports. A small percentage will require more.* Complex cases if complex will not allow people to fit into predetermined placements. So either allow creative person centered solutions by COMPLEX CASE CO-ORDINATORS or cut the POSITIONS IN DCS & DOH . 3. What investments should be made today that will help to grow the economy in the long term? * Invest in small businesses to provide supports to disabled persons, thus creating work within the economy. Persons with disabilities can also contribute to the economy when they are able to hire support persons to assist them with their disability needs. 4. How soon should government bring NS finances back to balance? ‘+ Need to create a committee of key community stakeholders :consumers family members, disabled persons advocacy groups, service providers (who believe in the principles stated below) to develop a strategy based on the following principles: * Person centered planning + Individualized funding + Self-management or supported decision making * Inclusion + This strategy should include a vision of community partnerships engaging & including stakeholders in the decision making process Please Forward this to as many as you can and request a copy of the booklet at 1-800-670-4357 or 902-424-5200. Sign up at www.gov.ns.ca/finance/backtobalance.