A win for the social inclusion of a person with intellectual disabilities
25/04/2018
For many years, the interpretation by Department has created significant barriers for persons with intellectual disabilities seeking access to the Community Living disABILITY Services (CLDS).
Efforts by Public Interest Law Centre Community Advocate, Jennifer Unger, led to a significant decision by the SSAB on 7 February 2018 which reject the Department’s long standing reliance on an antiquated eligibility criteria.
In essence, the decision of the SSAB found that the Departmental interpretation did not reflect the legislative intent and set the stage for a modern interpretation for “significantly impaired intellectual functioning” that is more consistent with a consideration of a needs based analysis on the individual.
This modernized approach is likely to improve access to required services and programs for a number of individuals with intellectual and cognitive disabilities in Manitoba.
For more information, see full decision.
