Youth with developmental disabilities will be facing a little less red tape when applying for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) assistance.
Youth and families will be able to use an existing assessment by a registered psychologist or certified school psychologist instead of having to complete a 23-page long application form.
The change to the process was announce is a press release from the ministry of social development and social innovation. “It’s now easier for youth with developmental disabilities to apply for disability assistance,” wrote minister Don McRae.
The minister called the move “common sense.” “When we spend less time doing paperwork, we can spend more time working with individuals,” he wrote.
The government anticipates the changes will benefit 600 youth each year across the province, helping them make the transition to adult services easier.
The changes to the process were made in collaboration with the ministry of children and family development, ministry of education and Community Living BC (CLBC).
Powell River Association for Community Living executive director Lilla Tipton welcomed the changes and said that anything that makes it easier for persons with disabilities to access services is a welcomed change.
Responsibility for young people up to age 18 falls under the ministry of children and family development, after which they transition to the social development ministry or receive services from CLBC.
Currently there are 712 Powell River residents who receive persons with disability assistance and an additional 383 who receive income assistance, according to a ministry of social development spokesperson. CLBC’s Powell River office serves approximately 135 people and an additional 70 on the Lower Sunshine Coast.
McRae added that in the fall of 2013 Victoria will be asking for public input on a government white paper about how services for persons with disabilities can be further improved.
