As part of its ongoing work to develop and implement an income support program for people with disabilities, the provincial government will continue to rely on the advice and expertise of leaders within the disability community.
The Program Implementation Advisory Team (PIAT) for the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) program has been renewed for a second one-year term to June 30, 2011.
Chaired by disability advocate Merv Bender of Prince Albert, the Advisory Team is comprised of leaders within the disability community, drawn primarily from the membership of the Disability Income Support Coalition (DISC).
"The Program Implementation Advisory Team has provided valuable advice and support that helps to guide our government's implementation of the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability program," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "Our government appreciates the ongoing partnership and collaboration with DISC and the disability community, as we strive together to ensure income supports for Saskatchewan people with disabilities."
"I am pleased to have been reappointed as the chair of the Program Implementation Advisory Team for the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability program," Merv Bender said. "Like all of my fellow Advisory Team members, I look forward to continuing our partnership with the provincial government over the next year on behalf of Saskatchewan people with disabilities."
The SAID program was launched last fall so that people with significant, long-term disabilities no longer have to rely on social assistance. More than 2,600 Saskatchewan people are currently enrolled in SAID. The Ministry of Social Services is developing options for the next steps of the SAID program with the advice and assistance of the Program Implementation Advisory Team.
Draude also thanked outgoing PIAT member Bev Duncan from the Saskatchewan Voice of People with Disabilities for her valuable contributions to the Advisory Team this past year.
