Government Proclaims Disability Service Professionals Week
The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed May 27 to May 31, as Disability Service Professionals Week.
Disability Service Professionals Week celebrates the important work that people across the province do to provide quality support to people with disabilities. The Ministry of Social Services’ 2019-20 Budget included a one per cent salary lift for community-based organizations and funding for more direct support positions, along with $800,000 to deliver training for community-based organizations. Total funding provided by Social Services to disability sector community-based organizations is $213.9 million for 2019-20.
“Our government would like to thank all of those in the disability sector who are making a difference in the lives of countless people with disabilities and their families,” Social Services Minister Paul Merriman said. “We wouldn’t have quality services if we didn’t have the quality service providers out there doing vital work each and every day.”
Established in 1968, SARC is a provincial association of close to 100 member agencies, with 75 of them providing core, daily services to thousands of people with disabilities across Saskatchewan. Each agency is an independent community-based organization with its own independent board of directors. Many of these agencies deliver residential and day program services and supports to people with intellectual disabilities.
“The disability services sector is comprised of a group of tremendously skilled professionals whose commitment and dedication provide supports that empower people experiencing disability to live, work, and enjoy their community,” SARC Executive Director Amy McNeil said. “Throughout this week and every week, let’s celebrate along with our colleagues in the disability services sector the essential work and services provided by those who work in this field.”
This proclamation supports the Saskatchewan Disability Strategy by helping to create awareness and understanding of the rights of people with disabilities. The strategy also recommends recognition of the value of disability service providers and direct-support workers who provide services for people with disabilities.
Saskatchewan residents and communities that have done work which aligns with the Disability Strategy are encouraged to share their accomplishments using the hashtag #SKDisability.
For more information about the supports and services that SARC members provide, please visit www.sarcsarcan.ca/members.