Improvements to AccessAbility Supports and residential services for Islanders

Islanders living with disabilities, along with their families and caregivers, will see improvements to supports following the review of the AccessAbility Supports (AAS) Program and the Residential Services Program. 

Government initiated a review of the two programs using input from Islanders to ensure provincial supports are inclusive, responsive, and aligned with the needs of clients, families and caregivers.

“It’s important that these programs truly support the people who rely on them. I want to sincerely thank everyone who participated in the engagement sessions. Your feedback was invaluable and helped us get to where we are today. Now that the review is complete, we’re able to move forward with immediate improvements that make supports more responsive and accessible for Islanders living with disabilities.”

- Minister of Social Development and Seniors Barb Ramsay

Consulting firm Davis Pier conducted the review, which included consultation and engagement with:

  • Clients, caregivers and family members and community engagement sessions with over 120 participants across the Island
  • NGO partners
  • Non-core funded partners
  • Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
  • Front-line staff and management of NGO partners and government employees
  • Other government departments
  • People who provided feedback through over 200 online survey responses 

The two final reports offer both short-term (1-2 years) and long-term (3-5 years) recommendations. 

The following key themes from the review will be implemented in the AccessAbility Supports and Residential Services programs: 

Prioritized short-term initiatives

  • Expansion of AAS Program Supports - AAS will now provide navigation, referral and planning assistance to anyone who identifies as having a disability, whether they receive funding or not. This expansion gives people earlier and broader access to information, guidance, and planning. 
  • Sector Support - The review emphasizes sustainability for critical community organizations that deliver essential services, helping to ensure stability across the disability support sector.
  • Choice and Empowerment - Clients and their families will have more flexibility through a new self-directed funding option, which will also reduce paperwork. These changes are meant to give clients more choice in how they meet their disability-related needs.
  • Enhanced Caregiver Supports - Caregiver supports will be expanded and more client centered, recognizing the critical role caregivers play and the need for responsive, flexible assistance for both clients and those who support them.

Strategic long-term initiatives

  • Specialized Programs - The AAS Children’s Program will be separated to provide more targeted, age-appropriate supports. This change will improve service delivery and outcomes for both children and adults accessing AAS services.
  • Enhanced Safeguards - Important safety measures for vulnerable Islanders will be implemented, including formal licensing requirements and strengthened Quality Service Monitoring to ensure consistent, high-quality care.

“I am pleased to see both the release of this report and the Province of Prince Edward Island’s commitment to implementing its recommendations, including increasing choice for individuals, enhancing financial supports, and strengthening the sector,” said Executive Director of Tremploy Joel Dennis. “We have an opportunity here on PEI to raise the bar for services and supports of individuals with disabilities across the Island and our representative organizations look forward to collaborating with government and within the sector to do the work required.”

For more information and to read the Davis Pier reports, visit AccessAbility Supports Review and Residential Services Review Final Reports

 

Media contact:

Hillary Proctor
Department of Social Development and Seniors 
hproctor@gov.pe.ca 

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