A new way to assess the level of service an individual with developmental disabilities will receive was roundly criticized at a public meeting in Red Deer on Wednesday.
Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) is an interview tool that measures the support an individual with developmental disabilities needs in personal, work-related and social areas.
Families and guardians of persons with developmental disabilities who received a low SIS score were worried.
“(SIS) was something that was implemented quickly. Staff weren’t trained properly. Staff weren’t given the proper direction on how it would be used. You’re turning people into numbers into dollars,” said Dwayne Campbell, of Lacombe, whose 27-year-old son requires PDD support.
He said he understood the importance of assessment, but PDD has not been upfront about what it will mean to families.
Lily Breland said she doesn’t know what is in store for her two sons as a result of the assessment.
“There was no room at all for interpretation. They never met either of the guys (her sons). I didn’t know what they were looking for,” said Breland, of Red Deer.
She was one of about 200 people who came out to the meeting at the Sheraton Hotel to hear what Associate Minister of Services for People with Developmental Disabilities Frank Oberle had to say about funding cuts and changes to the PDD system.
“I didn’t hear anything to alleviate any of my anxiety. We’ve known since March 7 that there was budget cuts. Nobody has said how much or where. Ask me what my stress level is like. It’s through the roof right now,” Breland said.
The meeting was one of 19 that will be held across the province with Oberle.
Last week hundreds of people with disabilities and their caregivers protested outside the legislature against the province’s plan to cut $42 million in supports for Persons with Developmental Disabilities.
Oberle said much of that money will be redirected towards needed increases to wages for PDD workers. Changes to the system will also reallocate services based on need.
“We have over-served people in our population right now. We have under-served people and I have to address that.
“I need to build a system based on need so we’re going to use needs assessment and personal circumstances and family conversations to develop a support program,” Oberle said.
Central Alberta agencies will find out how much funding they will receive in the next few weeks to provide PDD services.
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com