Debates of June 8, 2006 (day 8)

Mr. Speaker, I am in receipt of Return to Written Question 1-15(5) asked of the Honourable J. Michael Miltenberger, Minister of Health and Social Services, by Mr. Yakeleya on May 31, 2006, regarding services in the Sahtu for persons with disabilities.

In response to the Member's first question of what is the number of people with disabilities in the Sahtu region, I have the following answer:

Since there are no mandatory reporting requirements for disabilities, the exact number of people with disabilities in the Sahtu region is unknown. However, the Needs Assessment of Persons with Disabilities, undertaken in the NWT in 2000, suggested that 13 percent of the overall population could have a disability. Applying this figure to the population of the Sahtu region, which was estimated to be 2,581 in 2005, suggests that up to 335 people in the Sahtu region could have a disability. It is important to note that the identification of people with disabilities depends on self-identification, in some instances, and the specific nature of identified disabilities can range from very mild to severe.

The Member next wanted to know what services are in place to serve those with disabilities. Rehabilitation services, including speech and language therapy, audiology, rehabilitation therapy and occupational therapy, form one of the six core services for which all health and social services authorities are funded. The Sahtu Health and Social Services Authority has the following clinical positions which could provide a range of rehabilitation services to people with disabilities: four nurse-in-charge positions, seven community health nurse positions, seven community social service worker positions, seven community wellness worker positions, four home support workers, and seven community health representatives.

In addition, Beaufort-Delta Health and Social Services Authority provides an outreach service which includes rehabilitation visits to each Sahtu community. Scheduled visits in 2006-07 include one visit to Colville Lake, two visits to both Deline and Tulita, and three visits to Fort Good Hope and Norman Wells. When required, specialist services may also be available from Stanton Territorial Hospital. Beginning in 2006-07, four new rehabilitation teams will be created to provide for the needs of people with disabilities throughout the NWT.

The Member's third question was how are people with disabilities in the Sahtu qualified to meet once a year, and who can provide them with funding to set up a Sahtu disabilities committee.

Beginning in 2006-07 and continuing for two more years, the Department of Health and Social Services has committed $100,000 a year to the NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities in support of the development of community outreach programs. The council's board of directors has indicated that communities that support and maintain local disability committees will be eligible for Community Outreach Program funding.

I understand the Member has already met with the executive director of the NWT Council of Persons with Disabilities and that arrangements are now underway to have some regional funds made available to the Sahtu.

In addition, the council has some discretionary funding for any person with a disability who requires services or resources, regardless of whether their community has a disability committee or not. Individuals can make applications for discretionary funding directly to the council's executive director, Ms. Cecily Hewitt. She can be contacted at 867-873-8230 or toll-free at 1-800-491-8885.

The Member asked what other departments support people with disabilities in the Sahtu. Depending on an individual's circumstances, such as their age and disability, the social program departments, which include Education, Culture and Employment, Justice and the NWT Housing Corporation, may be able to offer programs and services.

Finally, the Member wanted to know who is leading the final decision on the funding on the Community Outreach Program. Decisions on Community Outreach Program funding are the responsibility of the NWT council of Persons with Disabilities. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Returns to written questions. Before we go on to the next item on the agenda, the Chair is going to call a short break.

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Back to orders of the day. Replies to opening address. The honourable Member for Sahtu, Mr. Yakeleya.

Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to go back to item 7 of the orders of the day.