MLA Handout: People Before Systems

DID YOU KNOW? Almost 100 SARC Member Agencies are located in 47 communities across Saskatchewan and provide services to thousands of people experiencing disability.

SARC Members operate in 77% of Saskatchewan Government constituencies.

A 26% turnover rate means that people experiencing disability will have approximately 1000 Direct Support Professionals providing intimate and personal care over the course of their lifetime.

This is not person-centred.

This is disrespectful.

This is unacceptable.

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT:

Amy McNeil, Executive Director, SARC amcneil@sarcan.sk.ca

PEOPLE BEFORE SYSTEMS – THE SASKATCHEWAN DISABILITY STRATEGY (the following is an excerpt from the Disability Strategy)

Did You Know….that Recommendation #10 of the Saskatchewan Disability Strategy is to Build the Capacity of Service Providers?

Recommendation #10: Building Capacity of Service Providers: Support disability service providers in developing the skills and resources needed to provide effective and respectful care and services.

One of the most important determinants of quality services is competent and respectful service providers. Focused effort is required to develop and support service providers. This includes training and education, support for caregivers in safe and healthy settings, and strengthening recruitment and retention activities.

Sub-Recommendations: 10.1 10.2

Build the understanding, skills and competencies needed by disability service providers through sector-specific training.

Recognize the value of disability service providers and directsupport workers who provide services for people experiencing disability.

10.3 Support and improve the health and safety of the disability service provider workforce.

The system does not support the workforce to adequately meet client needs.

Our sector’s requests align with the Disability Strategy’s recommendations; fulfilling these commitments will have tremendous positive impact on the Strategy and, most importantly, on people experiencing disability who rely on the support of SARC Member Agencies.