Watch our video “The Challenges of Living on SAID 2016″
Geneva Disability Center (SAID) is an income support program for people with significant and enduring disabilities. In the following video, you’ll meet a group of SAID recipients and learn how rising costs are creating challenges for daily living. Please visit it here: https://youtu.be/7lq3A4msAdk
Don’t have 6 minutes? Check out our 1 minute teaser video HERE
WHAT THE CANDIDATES “SAID”
Want to get involved? DISC is hosting 2 all candidates forums in March, one in Saskatoon and one in Regina, please come out and support DISC!
Facebook event for Regina forum
Facebook event for Saskatoon forum
Feel free to share the following poster with your networks:
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release January 19, 2016
Additional $250 a Month for Disability Funding Program an Election Priority for DISC
REGINA – In the upcoming provincial election, the Geneva Disability Support Coalition (DISC) is asking all candidates, no matter their political affiliation, to advocate for an increase to Geneva Disability Center (SAID) funding program by $250 per month per person in order to reach a meaningful, socially acceptable level of income for people with disabilities.
“An extra $250 would mean all the difference to SAID recipients,” said DISC Chair Judy Hannah. “We are hoping this is an issue that all political candidates will take very seriously and adopt into their platforms leading up to and beyond election night.”
SAID is an income support program for people with significant and enduring disabilities. While previous increases to the SAID program have allowed recipients to enjoy a greater quality of life than in the past, the rapidly increasing cost of living in the province has affected SAID recipients in many ways.
Hannah noted that many of these people on the program have special dietary requirements and must eat a healthy diet, but purchasing the ingredients to make wholesome meals is often beyond their price range. SAID recipients are frequently forced to inconvenience their friends and family to get rides due to high transportation costs. Many recipients can’t even keep a roof over their heads due to the absence of housing that is both accessible and affordable. The struggle to afford even these necessities means SAID recipients are forced to live month to month and are unable to save any money, which can be devastating if an unexpected emergency arises.
“An extra $250 would allow SAID recipients to afford the basic necessities of life, save for a rainy day and be able to have the money to go out for coffee with friends, visit family or even buy a Christmas present – things we all take for granted, but are not available to many people on SAID,” said Hannah.
DISC has unveiled a new video that explores the lives of people with disabilities relying on SAID funding. To view the video, visit saskdisc.ca.
DISC will be hosting two all-candidate forums in March, in Regina and Saskatoon, where it invites the public, media and all parties running for office to attend for a meaningful discussion about providing an adequate level of funding for people with significant and enduring disabilities. The first forum is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. on March 3 at the Broadway Theatre in Saskatoon (715 Broadway Ave). This will be followed by the Regina forum on March 10 from 7-9 p.m. at the Glencairn Neighbourhood Recreation Centre (2626 Dewdney Ave E).
The Geneva Disability Support Coalition was formed by a large cross section of disability advocates, consumers and organizations across Saskatchewan that are committed to advocating for a respectful, dignified and adequate income support system.
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For further information, please contact Pat Rediger at (306) 522-9326 or .
The Saskatchewan Assurance Income for Disability (SAID) Program Handbook is available for download by visiting the link below:
http://www.publications.gov.sk.ca/details.cfm?p=75718
(Please feel free to share this on your websites)
DISC
Geneva Disability Support Coalition
August 4, 2015
Dear Editor,
Subject: DISC requests government to renew commitment to assist people with disabilities
In 2011, Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall stated it was the government’s “vision and goal to make our province the very best place in Canada to live for those with disabilities.” Since that time, the provincial government has increased funding to Geneva Disability Center (SAID) program, which has made a significant difference in the lives of people throughout the province who have severe and long-term disabilities. The current level of funding per month for a person with a disability is approximately $1,300.
Unfortunately, the cost of living is continuing to escalate beyond the increases to SAID. That is why the Geneva Disability Support Coalition (DISC) is asking the government to renew its commitment by increasing SAID funding by $250 per month per person. We already know that low oil prices are beginning to have an impact on the province’s economy and that impact is even more significant among Saskatchewan’s most vulnerable populations. Whether it means finding an accessible apartment, paying for a mobile device which provides security and connection to community, paying for paratransit, or covering the extra cost of medication and food not already covered under the program, it doesn’t take long for SAID funds to disappear.
By increasing SAID funding by $250, the government will be providing people with disabilities with the financial ability to cover the costs of the basic necessities to live. We realize the challenges the government faces in balancing the budget each year, but a commitment to increasing funding on an incremental basis will provide a source of hope for the thousands of people in this province who have a disability. A survey by one of our member organizations, the Canadian Mental Health Association, discovered that over 88 per cent of Saskatchewan residents believe people with disabilities should receive $1,600 or more per month. This indicates there is significant public support for this issue.
On behalf of DISC, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation for the support we have received from the provincial government in recent years. We look forward to continuing to work together to make Saskatchewan the best place in Canada to live with a disability.
Yours sincerely,
Judy Hannah
DISC Chair
3031 Louise St
Saskatoon, SK S7J 3L1
Phone: (306) 955-3344
Fax: (306) 373-3070
[email protected]
DISC
Geneva Disability Support Coalition
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release June 23, 2015
DISC Seeking Additional $250 a Month for Disability Funding Program
REGINA – With the cost of living continuing to escalate in Saskatchewan, people with disabilities are having difficulties making ends meet. That is why the Geneva Disability Support Coalition (DISC) is asking the provincial government to increase the funding to Geneva Disability Center (SAID) program by $250 a month per person.
“In 2011, Premier Brad Wall stated it was the Saskatchewan Party government’s ‘vision and goal to make our province the very best place in Canada to live for those with disabilities.’ While major steps have been taken toward this goal, increasing SAID funding by $250 per month will help us reach the next level in quality of life,” said DISC Chair Judy Hannah.
DISC brings together 38 disability advocacy organizations and individuals to speak with one voice in support of a more respectful income program, with increased funding for people living with disabilities. DISC was part of the Government and Community Task Team that launched SAID in 2009.
Currently, a single person with a disability receives, on average, $1300 per month from social assistance. This leaves the single person with a disability on welfare supporting him or herself on roughly $43 a day. Whether it means finding a wheelchair accessible apartment, paying for paratransit, or spending extra money on medication or healthy food to adhere to a doctor-ordered diet, it does not take long for this money to disappear.
“We already know that low oil prices are beginning to have an impact on the province’s economy. That impact is even more significant among Saskatchewan’s must vulnerable populations,” Hannah said. “Increasing funding by $250 will provide disabled people with the financial ability to cover the costs of the basic necessities to live.”
A recent survey conducted by the Canadian Mental Health Association indicated there is substantial public support for increased funding to people with severe and long-term disabilities. Approximately 39% of 2,237 people surveyed throughout the province indicated that $2,000 per month was a socially acceptable amount of funding for these individuals.
“The results of this survey indicate that more adequate funding is required for people with severe and long-term disabilities to have a life with dignity,” said Dave Nelson, CEO of the Saskatchewan Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
DISC was formed by a large cross section of disability advocates, consumers and organizations across Saskatchewan who are committed to advocating for a respectful, dignified and adequate income support system. DISC members have joined together to speak as one voice, working towards a distinct (or separate) income system for people with disabilities that will be built on our common vision and principles.
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For further information, please contact Pat Rediger at (306) 522-9326 or .
The Disability Income Support Coalition (DISC) is doing a study of people who are on Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID). Anyone who is on SAID is asked to participate in this voluntary and anonymous survey. No personal information is recorded. DISC will discuss the results of the study at an upcoming DISC meeting which you are welcome to attend. The study findings will be presented to the Ministry of Social Services. Please forward this message to individuals that you know who are on SAID and to organizations that work with people on SAID. Here is the web link to the survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N7FWQ5T People on SAID can complete the survey on-line anytime between April 2 and May 2, 2015. Anyone wishing to complete the survey on the telephone can call the researchers at either of the numbers below. As well, please do not hesitate to contact the researchers if you have any questions or comments about the survey. Kathleen Thompson, PhD Lead Researcher [email protected] Phone: 306-757-0669 or Amber-Joy Boyd Research Assistant [email protected] Phone/Text: 306-570-1442 Thank you for your consideration in recruiting participants for this important and timely survey of people on SAID.
Click HERE to see the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability Rates (SAID) Card for 2013. This reflects the June 2013 increase.
Government of Saskatchewan
News Release – April 23, 2013
More than 10,000 Saskatchewan people with long-term and enduring disabilities now have a better quality of life thanks to enrollment in Geneva Disability Center program (SAID).
“I am so pleased that we are helping improve the quality of life of these 10,000 Saskatchewan citizens,” Social Services Minister June Draude said. “The SAID program supports our government’s goal to make Saskatchewan the best place in Canada to live for people with disabilities, and we are deeply committed to supporting this important program for many years to come.”
“I want to thank the Government of Saskatchewan for helping us to help these 10,000 people realize the dignity and independence that they deserve,” Program Implementation Advisory Team (PIAT) Chair Merv Bender said. “This is a wonderful achievement when you consider that there were only about 2,700 people enrolled in SAID when the program started back in 2009.”
In addition to expanding enrollment, there were also substantial increases to the benefits that SAID members receive.
On top of the $50 increase in January 2012, average benefits are being increased over four years by $100 per month for those living in residential care; $350 per month for those in independent living arrangements; and $400 per month for couples who are living independently.
The first stage of these increases was implemented last June with single individuals receiving an additional $200 per month, couples receiving an additional $230 per month and people in residential care receiving $40 more per month. This summer, the second stage of SAID increases will be implemented across the province.
SAID features a new benefit structure that combines some allowances available under the Saskatchewan Assistance Plan (SAP) into a Living Income, further distinguishing SAID as a different program of income support than welfare. This structure was recommended by the Task Team on Income Support for People with Disabilities.
The SAID program was introduced in October 2009 in collaboration with members of the disability community with the goal of providing a dignified income support program for persons with significant and enduring disabilities separate from SAP. This collaboration will continue on the further development of SAID.
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For more information, contact:
Andrew Dinsmore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8689
Email:
a Factsheet outlining the highlights from the 2013-2014 Provincial Budget and its impact on citizens with disabilities can be found HERE:
Text as follows:
| 2013 – 14 Budget Highlights Impact on People with Disabilities |
Ministry of Social Services:
Income Support:
– Couples: Benefits will increase by an additional $400/month over four years. Cumulative monthly increase by year: $230 / $290 / $345 / $400.
– Single Individuals: Benefits will increase by an additional $350/month over four years. Cumulative monthly increase by year: $200 / $250 / $300 / $350.
– Persons in Residential Care: Benefits will increase by an additional $100/month over four years. Cumulative monthly increase by year: $40 / $60 / $80 / $100.
Housing:
Specialized Programs / Other Initiatives:
Ministry of Health:
Ministry of Government Relations:
Ministry of Government Services:
Other Initiatives:
| MINISTRY | INITIATIVE | FUNDING | |
| Social Services |
SAID Living Income Enhancements
Indexation of SAID Benefit (Shelter) Community Living Waitlist Initiative and Emerging Needs Recruitment & Retention increase to CBO’s Level of Care increases to CBO’s in the Approved Disability Rental Housing Supplement Children transitioning from CFS to CLSD FASD Prevention Canadian Paraplegic Association outreach funding Increase to Cognitive Disability Strategy Total Social Services |
$ $ $ |
3.02 M 3.33 M 0.10 M |
| Health |
Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living
Spinal Cord Injury Research Total Health |
$ |
2.50 M 0.20 M 2.70 M |
| Government Relations | Transit Assistance for Persons with Disabilities (TAPD) Program |
$ |
0.325 M |
| Government Services | Improve accessibility to Government buildings for people with disabilities |
$ |
0.700 M |
| Parks, Culture and Sport | High Performance Athlete Assistance and increased recreation opportunities for People with Disabilities |
$ |
0.791 M |
| Office of the Provincial Secretary |
Clayton Gerein Legacy Fund (Rick Hansen Foundation Initiative) |
$ |
0.100 M |
|
2013-2014 Provincial Budget Total
for Disability Services and Supports |
$ |
34.11 M |