Press Release - Disability Rights Coalition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Disability Rights Coalition Calls For Immediate Review Of Operations At Outdated Government Funded Institutions:

Continued Violations of Rights of Residents Can No Longer Be Tolerated

Halifax, Nova Scotia – September 11, 2009 –The Disability Rights Coalition expresses its outrage and demands the government of Nova Scotia to immediately convene a full, independent review of operations at the Riverview Adult Residential Centre in Riverton, Nova Scotia. This demand is in light of the 19 cases of abuse against residents with intellectual disabilities and mental illness at the Riverview Adult Residential Centre in Riverton, Nova Scotia, and the 22 other reported cases of abuse at other institutions throughout the province as reported in the news earlier this week. These cases of abuse highlight the continued violation of the rights of residents with intellectual disabilities and mental illness living in outdated institutions in Nova Scotia. This is a moral and social justice issue that can no longer be tolerated. These cases of abuse are especially disturbing in light of the fact that in 2001 the government of Nova Scotia commissioned internationallyrenowned consultant Dr. Michael Kendrick to investigate the ways the Nova Scotia government helps disabled people stay independent. The report made several recommendations for better policies, improved communications and more money to be spent on services for persons with disabilities. When the report was released the government committed to make decisions about the recommendations within months. Eight years later the report has been shelved and the government has taken little action on any of the recommendations made by Dr. Michael Kendrick. The Disability Rights Coalition strongly supports other advocacy and rights groups’ appeal that a full, independent review must take place immediately to provide justice for the vulnerable individuals who have been harmed and for those who still reside in government funded institutions.

The Disability Rights Coalition is an advocacy group made up of persons with disabilities, professionals who work with individuals who have disabilities, friends and family members. Members represent a broad base of organizations throughout Nova Scotia.

The Coalition believes: • •

•

That no new government dollars should be used to develop large group homes or institutional living in Nova Scotia. Including the 4- 8 person “Community Homes”. Thatperson-centred planning should be established so that supports and services are based on the wants, needs and desires of the person. Services should recognize self-management & supported decision-making. That a “Committee” composed of key community stakeholders must be established to develop a Disability Strategy for Nova Scotia. This strategy should include a vision of community partnerships engaging and including stakeholders in the decision-making process.

Contact: Dorothy Kitchen 2815 Connaught Avenue Halifax NS B3L 2Z9 Telephone 902 455 0650 Email: [email protected] Contact: Jennifer Gallant Telephone: 902 465-2316 E-mail: [email protected] -3 0-