qathet Regional District (qRD) has been invited to participate in a community consultation on local services to children with disabilities.
At the August 28 committee of the whole meeting on Texada Island, Powell River Educational Services Society (PRESS) representative Maddie Yule made the request for regional district participation in the consultation, which will involve a time commitment of two to four hours in October.
Yule said the consultation is an initiative of inclusion BC and is supported by multiple provincial and local organizations and agencies.
“The intent of the consultation is to help to ensure strong networks of services and supports for local children and youth with a disability,” said Yule. “The focus areas we have include education, health care and community-based services and supports.”
Yule said this consultation has two distinct components – family conversations and agency and organizational oversight and reflection.
“The ultimate goal is to create a responsive connected network for children with disabilities and their families,” said Yule. “PRESS believes that the qRD board has a role and should have a voice in this process.”
Yule said if appointed, a qRD board member would represent the regional district for the community-based services component of this PRESS-facilitated consultation on local services for children with a disability.
Electoral Area B director Mark Gisborne said the regional board has representation from City of Powell River, as well as the electoral areas, and it might be appropriate to have representation from both.
“Would you be okay with two directors?” asked Gisborne.
Yule said her perspective is that would be fantastic, but she would have to speak to her supervisor.
“I can’t see why not,” said Yule. “The more, the merrier.”
The board considered a motion that the board appoint one or two qathet Regional District directors to the community-based services consultation on local services to children with a disability committee, as requested by PRESS. The motion carried unanimously.
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