Message from the CEO
By Rick Mowles, CEO
On February 1, 2010, CLBC implemented the only dedicated program in North America for adults who have significant challenges with day-to-day living, and are diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (officially known as Pervasive Developmental Disorder).
The Personalized Supports Initiative (PSI) provides eligible adults with FASD or ASD with an individualized approach to help them maintain or increase their independence. The PSI builds on existing supports they may already have, and can include supported living, respite, employment support, skill development and homemaker support. Families and individuals apply directly to their local CLBC office where a PSI facilitator works with them to confirm eligibility, assess needs, create individual plans for support, and coordinate existing or needed services.
Prior to the implementation of the PSI, adults who didn’t meet CLBC’s DSM-IV criteria were not eligible for supports. It was recognized that many of these individuals were at high-risk; individuals with FASD and ASD have neuro-developmental disorders, and frequent challenges can include being easily victimized, being isolated, under housed or homeless, and difficulties with problem solving, social situations and organization of personal affairs.
CLBC’s approach to the PSI supports our vision of “good lives in welcoming communities” by building community and organizational awareness and capacity. One of CLBC’s first steps has been to forge and strengthen partnerships with community agencies, provincial ministries, federal agencies and medical associations to improve assessment, diagnosis and coordination of supports to help improve individuals’ lives.
Successes have included creating a pilot project to test an individualized support networking software for families and individuals, strengthening assessment coordination with health authorities, and looking at ways to support transition for people in the justice system who may have FASD.
The PSI is also creating opportunities for CLBC to expand research and knowledge about how to better support people with FASD or ASD. CLBC staff specifically track data, eligibility numbers, application numbers and service access for future planning and to improve the program.
We have seen much progress in the first five months of this program. I want to thank our partners and CLBC staff for their dedication, commitment and resourcefulness in helping to improve the lives of eligible adults with FASD or ASD, and to the families and individuals who have applied for the PSI. You are helping to create new opportunities, research and options for this group of adults.
To find out more about the PSI, please visit the CLBC website under Individuals & Families > Personalized Supports Initiative.
