I would like the opportunity to respond to concerns about changes to the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) system of services.
PDD has been delivering services in the same way for decades. Families, service providers, stakeholders, and consultants have told us that changes are needed to transform the PDD system into one that is more efficient, more effective, and more responsive to the needs of individuals. It is time to change the support model and adopt more modern best practices.
The PDD program has adopted the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) as a standardized method of assessing the support needs of individuals who get support from the PDD program. The SIS is a detailed, thorough, interview that is meant to be completed by the person receiving services and two to four other people who know them well.
Prior to the introduction of this tool, PDD did not have a consistent way to assess needs or determine the amount of funding required to meet those needs. The result is that, across the province, there is an extremely wide range of funding levels for people who have similar needs. We need to make it fair and consistent, and ensure that people are not getting too much or too little support. We know that it does not help people to have better lives when we surround them with too much support. In fact, this often deprives people of the chance to live independently, learn new skills, and meet new people. People who need services must and will get services, but we should not provide services beyond need.
However, it should be noted that the SIS is not the only thing that will be used to determine the level of support a person will receive. The person’s geographic location, existing natural supports, such as family, friends, and the resources available in their community, and most importantly, their individual desires and goals will help to determine their services and thus, the funding for those services.
If a family or agency believes that a person’s SIS assessment is incorrect, they can contact their local PDD Community Board and ask for a review of their SIS results. If a person experiences a significant change in their life, they should redo their SIS assessment.
Another issue that is changing in PDD is the contracting model. Contracts are not currently based on outcomes, they are based on inputs. We ask service providers to spend a great deal of time tracking units, such as hours and dollars, instead of letting them focus on what matters most: getting great results for the people they are supporting, and helping them achieve their goals. We have been working with service providers over the past several months and have developed a new contract template that supports the new model we are trying to move towards.
I recognize that a change of this magnitude will take some adjusting, and we are working with service providers to get it right. There is no deadline at which time everything will be expected to change. This type of change takes time, but we remain firm in our commitment to transform PDD, and we need to begin working towards our goals now. Some service providers are in a position to sign new contracts now, so we will work with them on that. For others, it might take more time, and we will provide them with an extension and work with them to shift over to a new contract as they are ready to do so.
We have heard the concerns that the transition time is too quick. I want to assure Albertans that we will take the time needed to work with families, clients, and their service providers to ensure that the PDD services are in place to help the individuals meet their goals. This is not about meeting a budget target; it is about meeting individual’s needs.
I want to close by commending the disability community for their engagement and for raising the profile of people with disabilities in Alberta. Public awareness contributes to our overall goal of real, meaningful community inclusion. This is a mutual goal, and I appreciate the passion and heart that Albertans with disabilities and their supporters are bringing to the discussion. They have a strong role to play in achieving the transformation that we are trying to accomplish.
Frank Oberle is Associate Minister of Services for Persons with Disabilities
