Special projects 
 

Deinstitutionalization has been a long-standing initiative not only of the SACL, but of other ACLs in the country and the Canadian Association for Community Living. The last significant move of people from institutions in this province occurred in the late 1980s when North Park Centre in Prince Albert was closed. People were returned to more normal living environments around the province. Since then, Valley View Centre in Moose Jaw has also been scaled down. Still, however, hundreds of people with disabilities remain in large, congregated settings. Many have expressed a desire to move into a home more of their own choosing. The SACL is committed to supporting individuals not only to move, but to be supported in the ways necessary for them to live happily in the community.

Framing the Future: Models for Sustaining Self-Advocacy focuses on developing and sustaining self-advocacy as a critical component of the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all aspects of life. As people with disabilities assume their full citizenship rights as equal citizens, the SACL will examine the concept and role of self-advocacy and the development of organizations like People First. A framework to provide meaningful and responsive supports for self-advocates, their activities and initiatives will be developed. People with disabilities will serve as advisors to the project. For information, contact the SACL, (306) 955-3344; fax (306) 373-3070 or email: [email protected].

Respite, the act of "taking a break to recharge," is a key to families successfully keeping a son or daughter with disabilities at home with their family. Sometimes, because of high medical or behavioural needs, this task of keeping the family together is exhausting and perhaps impossible. Parents need access to better kinds of respite support more tailored to their individual family's needs and circumstances. While some financial assistance is currently available, families say the system often poses disincentives to even make use of it. The SACL wants to overhaul the respite system in Saskatchewan, make it easier and more accessible, and more responsive to what families need.