Consultation In-Person Feedback Collection

Date: February 11, 2014Group: Community in-person sessionLocation: Richmond, BCNumber of Attendees: 40

Note: all the information and feedback gathered at this session will be inputted into the overall collection of data and feedback for consideration of the development of the Disability White Paper.

Feedback:

Access to vision rehabilitation - supplies/medical tools often not covered – most funds (91%) are from donations Awareness can help eliminate misunderstanding and increase ease of getting help Reducing barriers is important for self-esteem, confidence, creating opportunities, eliminating the feeling of shame ‘barrier’ does not feel inclusive of all disabilities – judgement/hiding disabilities (labelling – “you look fine”) Finding a balance between awareness and ‘special treatment’ Most things and awareness is tailored to physical disabilities What can BC do? – employment (suitable and not isolating or micromanaging) – relief when asked for it! What innovations can be done? – technology - if gov’t gook lead in educating employer how they can use technology to help potential

PWD employees What can gov’t do to make public/employers aware that PWD can work and add value to the workplace Student w/disability ends up further in debt due to current student loan system which creates a financial barrier as well PWD have training and talent but may not be able to work day to day – possibly a grant or resource to help w/this Administrative hole from high school to post-secondary (grants, bursaries available) May not be a job after p. secondary that allows PWD to pay off student loans Student loans = PWD rejection Policy stands that hospital patient w/disabilities and student loan cannot be PWD We are not one size fits all and we need different things Set up a program much like a drs office – billed whatever is provided

Feedback:

Organizational structure has decreased flexibility to respond and provide support Overpopulation, increase requests for services – unable to meet demand Taxi vouchers are maintained through voice of the people More investment in PWD to increase positive returns in the long term – standard of living in all aspects and allow PWD to positively

contribute Long term investments into the RDSP – flexibility of earlier withdrawals, positive: long term plan, stability, con: rewards are not seen for

a long time Increase dissemination of information - more education on what to do or what’s available Services should be offered or made available – not only when requested Lack of funds to afford technology to access info online “how to” booklet to inform PWD of services and rights Online info is good b/c can be easily updated, more current Increase rate of IA to afford technologies – ie. internet More and more things online – gov’t needs to support this Support on how to use “new technology” – assistance with navigation Gov’t to increase access to internet Info in one place – forms in one place – service delivery system is daunting and difficult Language on form is difficult – leads to form not being completed properly Barriers to application makes it difficult for clients to pursue services – some give up – very stressful Toll free line for PWD to provide valuable info Info avail. In multiple channels Inconsistency in answers from the ministry Poverty reduction plan – raise IA rates for PWD so that they are not living in poverty PWD status hard to obtain/difficult application process Sometimes families have their own barriers as well – unable to assist Difficulty in dealing w/child w/PWD affects families well-being as well – does not have proper support Family support does not promote independence – lack of encouragement to do things themselves Cultural differences affects family support Huge financial burden for family Not enough gov’t support hence family is heavily relied on Insufficient medical support, ie. massage therapy – higher coverage and increase frequency Plans specific to medical condition – may need more of one coverage but needs for others will decrease People are mentally healthy Participation model vs. medical model

Feedback:

Remove barriers Visible and invisible disabilities Ie the military Take the stigma out its about mental health not mental illness through community based supports To break open the potential Individualized funding ie. from the national disability insurance seen in Australia (having choice and control and having empowerment)

Transportation Taxi saver program – should be increased to $200 or more education to taxi drivers and seeing value in taxi services Discrimination by most taxi drivers to pick up PWD HOV lanes should include PWD to use them (due to pain issues) PWD parking has limited time limits Increase PWD from $900 to $1200 Output from this dialogue? Concrete action from cabinet, ie. legislation and action Cross ministry/coordinated Define the problem and objectives Ensure dialogue between ministries and make sure the ministry takes responsibility and action 30 minutes should be allocated per topic not 10 Can gov’t come up with a way/separate entry for PWD to get a job? Besides workforce, are there other options for people to contribute to community/society? Labour market has intrinsic problems We need pathways or opportunities and choices for PWD over the course of their lifetime – timing is important RDSP – gov’t needs to help PWD with financial management/supervision Translink and BC Ferries need to increase supports for PWD If you want people to go a certain direction, you need to provide incentives eg. drug testing of PWD recipients Can the BC Gov’t be supportive of unions Return to work benefits Retraining opportunities “haves” vs. “have nots” – access to services and opportunities Chronic illnesses Large population of PWDs who do not even have enough money to buy food Access to supports and services Services for people with chronic illnesses are lacking “invisible” disabilities Being misunderstood by the community, families, etc.

Feedback:

Education needed Cultural change required Accessibility coordinator positions required Every major institution should have an accessibility coordinator position, ie. UBC All the little things re: accessibility get missed Medical support to be able to maintain employment Necessary medical supports at NOT covered – too expensive Supports needed for families of PWDs If you live alone w/a chronic disability you cannot get the most basic things done Too much dependence on families/friends supporting PWDs People with chemical sensitivities need support at work Mail delivery needed – to one’s door – Canada Post cuts – not good for PWDs/seniors Workplace needs to be more supportive of people whose ability to work/get to work varies Recognize everyone’s contribution and skills Accommodate changing skills Government supports for making the workplace accessible Healthcare/home care – affected by government cuts Continuity of support needed Holes in the system Lacking a basic level/standard of care everyone needs Government commitment required Home healthcare Medical equipment Access to community (sport, culture, etc.) Very specific personal support plan – a worker (social worker?) to assist the individual with accessing all supports and services required Critical mental health are provided but not on an ongoing basis – response to critical episodes only – service lacking for ongoing

treatments Access to sport/recreation very helpful for mental health; mental health/physical health Physical suffering = emotional suffering Access to exercise for people with specific physical limitations Family doctor does not have knowledge of specific needs Affordable, accessible recreation services Need to be reassessed as disability progresses More supports for people for palliative care than for chronic disabilities

Feedback:

Quality of life supports – counselling, homecare New homes/townhouses/apartments are not accessible Gaps between service providers, services and the people who need those services Partnerships between gov’t and agencies and school districts etc. to identify which people would benefit from services Connect/link people to service providers Centralize assessments Provincial case workers PWD not able to access disabled suites – this is too often the case in buildings/hotels, etc. Different standards of accessibility Hotel design for PWD Access to shopping/grocery stores Buildings have a narrow vision of what a disability is Accessibility of hotel/store staff Cultural accessibility Barriers when travelling – airports Transit accessibility – transit does not work for PWDs HandiDART services – all day to get to a medical appointment, esp. invisible disabilities LRT – light rapid transit – more accessible Limited access to public transit has a huge impact on quality of life Accessible transit systems do exist in other parts of the world, ie. Germany and Paris BC is behind in terms of transit accessibility – here are models to study that are working HandiDART – severely under funded Investment in accessible transit services required – has an impact on quality of life Poor design for accessible parking spots ADA – American Disability Act – has regulations for disabled parking spots – including van accessible parking lots Parking- every place should have pay by phone option Change in BC building code – accessible washrooms should have a power door – single occupancy washrooms needed – a necessity Need to have power doors Everyone needs access to washrooms that can function for them – it is not acceptable to not be able to access washroom facilities Need to go to doctors and fill in separate applications for accessible services – too much paperwork – need to have doctor complete

multiple form with the same information Takes a lot of time to have these filled in – duplication of services Need to go to doctor to get a referral to a specialist, etc. Website that lists accessible hotels, etc.

Feedback:

Look at planat.com Alberta disability = $1600/month; BC disability = $900/month – why the difference? In BC RDSP is not protected when an individual declares bankruptcy whereas in AB, RDSP is protected during bankruptcy Lower rent for PWD assessable units

Higher subsidy Higher BC IA shelter rates PWDs often need to be close to things but can only afford far suburbs landlords request certain tenants Low housing for youth PWD More one bedroom wheelchair accessible units with room to move! More $ more units (everywhere) More opportunities for group homes – cheaper and more support from peers – supportive /assisted living Richmond is often overlooked for BC housing Possible penalty for empty properties

More rental subsidies for PWDs that you can use anywhere instead of specific housing Lack of support in rural areas Funding avail to modify home to meet PWD needs Info not readily avail to know what’s avail More subsidies avail for all types of PWD needs – modifying rentals or owned homes Incentives for landlords and developers to build accessible home More independent living society ‘residences of independence living society’ – we should have more like this Reinstate funding for assisted/independent living w/purpose built suites Accessibility need to be maintained – enforced maintenance Handicap parking need to be enforced – too easy to obtain Quality control line for complaints Not enough support to obtain/maintain employment Create community for PWDs to provide support to one another Building codes are still not being enforced Builders/developers lack of understanding Broad based education for actual physical accessibility Eliminate fixed tables and chairs/restaurants, bus benches – with narrow dividers Toilet stall should be accessible Employ the principles of universal design

Feedback:

Housing subsidies attached to the individual not the house Investment in housing stall that is accessible/affordable (sic) Providing incentives to builders Building codes – fire alarms – visual, new buildings, pre-installed wiring Seniors housing, exclude for deaf/HOH – communication – central place; isolation – needs association w/other deaf people Put housing w/mental health/behavioural issues Team of therapists/health pros to adapt integration – not working- needs better management Reinstitution – group living will be effective – planning carefully Semi-independent living – who takes over when primary is gone Cost involved/ not enough support – lots of work/services needed How to further develop and learn Cost and support issue Integration not done – concentrated in one area No guarantees Support for technology – expensive Stable/affordable Housing based on contribution Affordable housing – why – there’s gotta be an incentive for people to contribute Coop housing – good mixture Plan the succession for when coop housing contracts expire Housing needs to take into account individual choices eg. seniors (couples) with deteriorating health and separated because of health

care needs Single moms are disadvantaged in terms of rates There is a need for housing for PWDs – affordable/accessible People are on waitlists for accessible housing for years Gaps in accessibility ie. accessible suites where the balconies are not accessible Accessible kitchens Light switches Lever doors ‘little things’ ie. access to lower cupboards, etc. New applications for buildings should meet accessibility criteria Building codes req’d for all/new buildings to be built w/accessibility as a necessity Wheelchair accessibility for non-seniors in the Okanagan

Feedback:

Affordable housing Larger suites, 2 bdrm for wheelchair accessibility Richmond: funds discretely placed into Olympic museum Gov’t should ensure new and existing development included low income housing Complexes should have 60/40 subsidy % Portable subsidy – funds given to person they can apply it wherever, if they move RAP program – remove red tape around getting it done – remove requirement for landlord to charge low income rent Landlords not renting to IA/subsidized tenants – change attitude/perception – pushing them out – RTB to crack down on landlords People want to live independently – if not housing, homeless Disability Act Be clear about supports needed $375 shelter is too little Homecare required for all PWD Home supports not enough; clients should have a say about how $ spent Housing funds lost without an address Transit – no bus pass for CPP/CPP-D/MSO Create a system that is more open ; easier access to information Give bus pass to all Culture shift – talk to people about what they do creatively – learn from each other/share – operation from a ‘culture of lack’ – think

from a place of abundance Amalgamated all health care regions Cut gov’t management salaries Information infiltration - make resources available and increase awareness Get rid of HandiDART – system no longer effective – boundaries and many restrictions Bring back system from 10 years ago – was more efficient and effective – no same day service Taxi saver provides some flexibility but cost is high Access to transportation increases ability to be employed and maintain social networks Reduced unemployment rate, or the same as everyone else Eliminate poverty Eliminating red tape, access supports Literacy, cognitive Everyone in the community is assisted to be able to contribute Everyone is seen to be contributing, circle of ppl that care Understanding barriers that PWD face

Feedback:

To have an advocate on the inside/through the system To have people that care and empathize Having a system of respect, safe environment Have appropriate supports for tribunals/advocates Present systems appropriate to the needs Follow USA as a model – technology One channel for deaf, one for other disabilities Close caption not enough TV still a good tool Follow through the progress – more research Gov’t decision not correct – implement the right way – research – models Look internationally Money making model may work for some, but not for other people Why does the onus have to fall on PWD to provide themselves? Innovative solutions based on ownership/based on recognition of individuality/need Can’t measure contributions in dollars and cents Equivalent to ADA (US disability act) in BC Income inequality is disability Supports for immigrants w/disabilities? Communities are only strong when we include everybody Paint all with same brush Separate disability clients from regular IA Have all ‘get closer’ – marketing? Remove barriers that separate Supports for MH issues –not accepted by community – lack of outreach help – get caught in criminal justice system – educate on how to

deal/work w/MH Give people a say on how $ is spent Inequal funding (sic) Lowest IA rates/highest living costs Expanding rich/poor gap Home care for mental health persons Change organization of MH facilities; training, research, residential - Riverview – locations already exist BC to be perceived as a leader, especially in comparison to Ontario Disability Act for BC – creation and enforcement – mimic American Disability Act Unique to each person’s disability

Feedback:

More in place that helps support employed PWD (equipment/exceptional circumstances) that will help PWD employee stay employed (EPPD/WorkBC program is now no longer available )

Even a sliding scale deductible program to cover some costs Renew and expand EATI program Addiction /mental disability – hard to have identification/info for access to certain/most PWD programs To centralize all information (another website?) where it is clear and precise – a person/worker/advocate? – often different avenues say

different things – who do we trust? – should be an independent agency Families are making many contributions to PWD Support after high school for PWD; transition support No guarantee of services after 19 PWD not knowing where to go/what to do Gov’t support not readily avail Families not having support, burning out Families doing things that are beyond responsibilities – separate support required Unable to get materials in time to take course Access technology Recognize alternative forms of study/and out of province schools Extended course terms Appropriate redress mechanisms Loan reduction programs to understand PWD unique learning style/individual learning style Integration all personal supports using participating model Being involved in your own personal agenda not have someone control what you do To pilot the participation model through the health authority Make an immediate commitment to EATI and the participation model EATI participants will need additional training into the future to keep them from being abandoned Home support Not everyone is the same No institution and by providing the appropriate home support allows people to stay in their home longer/and everyone can live in the

community CSIL program needs to be recognized as a success and expanded Flashing lights for duress Fire alarm Video phones Emergency announcements

Feedback:

Voice – text vice versa Cost issue with each of these IPads, tablets/iPhones – alerts can be sent – reminders – texting For independence Better apps – GPS – better website Lagging behind technology Teachers/professors needed – better instruction Technology needs to be matched Video relay – RTC – in USA for 10 years Increase min wage Increase income assistance Push for poverty reduction plan/policy/legislation Opportunity for post-secondary education Education should be a 7th topic that we should discuss Incentive for people to be in workforce Lifting people form poverty that money goes back to the economy Solution may be more complex Personal supports should not come from SDSI because they put a monetary value on it – should not be income or asset sensitive Realistic level for health and dental benefits that should be based on health situation Continue EATI program Website Technology Accept doctors letters when something is required ID card – would have all medical/disability info – instead of requiring different forms/info every time (save gov’t $$$ fees) Get what you need instead of having to bleed for it Ministry should trust doctor/OTs recommendation instead of having to word request perfectly Attitudes/misunderstandings are the biggest problems Authorities carry stigma Focus on the good things – gov’t should include into benefits Support for working PWDs w/children Subsidy for community wide PWD events/dinners/etc. Richmond (w/many cultural differences) may benefit from more awareness/acceptance of PWDs – more education Society needs to embrace the diversity Social networks and parents and health providers need to work together and intervene in youth w/addictions and mental disabilities

Feedback:

13 or older – parents have no control over forcing treatment Full review of IA rates and medical coverage! Skytrain/ferries/Translink Visual notifications/not improved/announcement – bus, Skytrain Not informed – traffic reports – US has technology, FCC issue – phones in cars – expensive to implement, gov’t control, federal,

provincial GPS warnings Skytrain – lights on doors – visual warning BC Ferries – same problems- emergency notify Airport/airplanes – announcements stopped – safety details Not just HOH but seniors Expand interpreters programs – one college – we need more Increase popularity of blogs Video format to disseminate information Taxi/taxi companies – standard training for all drivers, miscommunication transporting disabled, safety issue, no standard of training –

language barriers – wheelchair accessible cars – HandiDARTs not well managed – problems – free to choose taxi or HandiDART – gov’t has misconception – service providers (not friends) – we can’t always rely on friends or relatives

Safety /accessibility/cost Teach how to use settings Free/low-cost community centres for PWD Keeping people in shape is better long-term for healthcare system Tim’s Langley – good system Vancouver is free, Richmond charges Things are at the whim of the gov’t in power Disability Act Networks in your life that aren’t paid – important to create Recognize everyone’s idea of what they need/want – listen to what they say/not necessarily what people feel Commitment from employers to hire entry level positions based on skills/education and not just work history! Wage subsidies for higher amount during probationary period or part time employees Tax break for employers who hire certain # of PWD employees Incentives encourage change! Change becomes the norm! Celebrate PWD accomplishments in public Assistance for PWDs with children that want to/do go to work (such as nanny or help in morning) PWDs without assets live w/bare minimum on IA whereas PWDs who build assets and then go on assistance live much better

Feedback:

Can the gov’t help highlight the positive part of PWD? Their abilities and contributions compared to upfront costs of employing or education?

The expectations of the community Labels of PWD/treating everyone the same/equal A systematic change/based on assets instead of deficiencies Everyone benefits from plain language Try to treat PWD equal (sic) Presume people are able/competent Status of PWD – MSO to nothing when employed (sic) Losing all the benefit s once employed MSO should continue even after finding employment Losing incentive to work due to losing MSO Eliminate the per diem if people are working having to pay for home support Disincentive to identify PWD Educate employers Incentive to employers/education to employers There should be an employer/industry counsel for including PWD in the workplace, ie. top up/tax incentive funding Support for mental health of families Having a PWD Act Employment programs – deaf and HOH, funding cut, merged on one area Not specific for HOH – WorkBC Specialization needs for HOH WorkBC is not working Equity separate w/specific programs for group Motivation/focus Volunteer placement/training – value to society, confidence, Needs more accessibility Barriers w/WorkSafeBC – needs to be addressed More training Traditionally how much I work or contribute financially equals what I get back but this model is skewed Statistics support PWDs with education/post-secondary become better employees (PWD gets significantly more employment) Gov’ts responsibility to help PWD find a job, eg. funds from CPP can be paid as wage subsidies for PWD Costs gov’t more to provide lifetime supports than to invest in education and/or employment for PWD Learn work skills in school (make ready to work) – actual skills

Feedback:

Shift culture – people encouraged to apply right into PWD; creates mindset that discourages working More comforts fund for LTC (long term care) Employers MH issues w/paperwork – support workers needed – currently not assisting complex cases – paranoia/privacy/closed door – medication

assistance MH; privacy – releases of information too difficult – person’ resistance inhibits those who attempt to assist Employer knowledge of disability requirements Increase knowledge of incentives – encourage PWDs who wish to work – create “working PWD” as a norm – include their capabilities Employment is a regular thing for everybody

Solution Wall Posts:

When applying for PWD benefits or other supplements thru the Ministry it is very difficult – you get denied and have to appeal – it would be better to have OTs or doctors making decisions on these cases, not people who don’t know anything about disabilities or living with a disabilityBetter medical coverage on reg. medical – so people can stay in the workplace loner (then they contribute taxes)CSIL to be expanded and more available to PWDsHousing subsidies attached to the individual, this will increase housing stock, builders will promote this to potential investorsBuild incentives into approach with employers, educators, and housing developers to include PWDBase decisions on people’s ability rather than deficits – contributions rather than needsOmbudsmen or advocate for disability issuesChange of BC building codesWish list for hotels and public places on how to design themBuilding code changes like lever handles, plug in lights, switch lightsMarket – “get closer” to the wider community – keep EATI programA province wide toll free info line for PWDsStrict enforcement laws for erosion of accessRaising limit of monthly $ for PWDSRevise restrict handicap parking with heavy enforcementProvincial top up on contribution or provincial style RDSP and protector from bankruptcyPeople to assist and connect people and servicesOpportunities – learn skills – not skills – job opportunitiesHaving personal medical services that work for an individual covered by NSP, such as massage therapy, chiropractor, acupuncture, etc. – it means less medications, less x-rays and other test – better long term healthPublic celebrate accomplishments of PWDAvailability of low income housing – increasing quantity, decreasing wait timeIncrease disability ratesAccessible comprehensive information of PWDs and their families – electronic systemIncentives for employer and tax incentives Larger range of and increased amount of home health care servicesUse a marketing approach to inclusionGreater personal support for people with DDs graduating from high schoolOpen and renovate Riverview Hospital as training centre, research facility, residence for PWD before bring (sic) them into communityIncrease PWD in AB it’s $1588/mo, in BC $908Use a marketing approach to inclusion

Funding for increasing PWD – quality control telephone line and internet for complaints – internet line fee subsidizingEvery 4th train be special for people with wheelchairsThink “quality of life”Make sure we don’t stigmatize with subsidyAsk the citizen – how to spend the money? Instead of “where to cut the budget”Taxis – develop standardized training and certifications for taxi drivers and operators transporting individuals with disabilitiesAll buses have centre doors for wheelchairs and strollersGive ownership back to PWD with trust and respect the key is to serve “people” not serve “the system”Plan for coop housing- current program expires soonAll mental health people should have sports and activities (paid for) before given prescription drugsBC legislation which would be equal to ADAReward desired behavioursPost secondary for PWD needs to be an optionInvest in people (PWD) through education, teacher aids, poverty reduction plan, local support , service increasedPWDs need different passways and choices to enter workplaceReal availability of medical services – physiotherapy massage etc. not accessible for low income because these services cost $60 – 70 not the $23 provided, funding for medical aids – devise even if not on PWDWe need to catch up with other jurisdictions re: technology use – funding for iPads, etc.More resources available and increase allowances about PWD – better personal support – increasing social assistance and medical benefitsIncrease funding for housing costsSupport individuals and families to have choices rather than ‘one size fits all’We need stable accessible housing – increase housing portion on disability chequesEnable community groups to work together and networks rather than competing with each other for contractsDisabilities Act for BC – like in OntarioOperate from the abundance model – leave ‘lack’ in the dustMake information more easily accessiblePolicy makers need to experience systems first hand before implementingFloating subsidy that can be applied to non-social housingBuild strong communities by focussing on capacitiesSeparate employable – WorkBC – PWDPilot the participation model in a health authorityAssistance for PWD with childcare supportEmployment with less emphasis on work history, more on education and skillsInvest in individuals living with disabilities – consider the positive long term impacts of adequate fundingAmalgamate health authorities – to de-bureaucracize (sic)

What is disability – poverty is a disabilityAll contributions are not measured in dollars or centsThe way we subsidize can be harmful – landlord may say no because of fearVoice –text, vice versa – better aids – infrastructureIntegrate all personal supports using the participation model which has been successfully demonstrated through EATIAccess to vision rehabilitation through health agendaVolunteerism is just as inclusive as paid work but with the focus on employment volunteers are devalued, even if this is the best they can do re: contribution back to communityStable housing- affordable housing Address povertyHousing for married seniors needs to support their medical/individual needs without forcing separationWork BC needs more specialists for unique disability groups eg deaf, intellectual disabilityA disability act for BC (like Ontario) – would help a to legislate accessibility and housingScale up EATI by making it the front door for Work BCMedical coverage needs to increase allowable dental care $ per personextra $50 for my person who signs up for monthly drug testing programHousing – integration needed not cluster housingNo more distancing “inspirational power” around employment – everybody needs to work – get over that – it’s not extraordinaryFree tuition for PWDsTranslink and BC Ferries need to support PWD and seniors moreTechnology lagging behind – US or internationalCommunity (affordable) rec. programs, eg. Tim’s in Langley, $2/year , that’s itEstablish a database of individuals with physical disabilities in the school system that can be utilized to share information regarding opportunities in sport/physical activityBC Disability ActOne size does not fit allMore research on adults with intellectual disabilitiesLegislation guaranteeing shelter for people with DDsPut in place a transition plan for people living semi-independently – once the supports of parents are gone

Cutting Red Tape:

Wait times and paperwork for disability assistanceCentral disability card not requiring several doctor’s notes for each, parking etc.

CPP disable (sic) also receive provincial benefit re: buspass, medical, dental benefitsHomecare for mentally illCut down privacy barriers – treat mentally ill family member, family, caseworker, psychiatrist, as whole and work togetherMake RDSPs protected in case of bankruptcyDisability actAffordable housingFull review of IA rates and medical coverageHaving help with PWD formsLift the dental and health quota for PWD including equipment and device for personal needsRed tape around transit for all – why?Integration of student loans with PWD and university supportHaving some universal disability ID so don’t have to fill out countless different forms and make so many doctor visitsIndependent advocate/ombudsman responsible for PWDFoster parents receives better attention but not family who cares for mentally ill – gov’t do not trust real familyCross ministry coordination and dialogue to ensure action by ministry responsibleIntegrate intake and coordination across ministries of Health, MSDI, MCF, community justiceReduce number of contracts!Introduce revisions to guide animal actSimplify – financial need is need to get rid of the cumbersome process – get focussed on empowering and enabling people to get back on their feetGovernment needs to clarify what they do and do not fund for people with DD and apply this standard across all applicants (right now some families are getting everything – some are getting nothing)Mentally ill receives only medication when certified but not day program