PDD - Working together for a better future

• Message from the Minister
• Purpose
• The PDD Change Initiatives Project
• Project Vision
• Working Together
• Q & A
  • What is the new direction of the program?
  • Will there be changes to the supports provided to my family members?
  • How will I be kept informed about what’s going on?
  • Will there be opportunities for me to be involved?
  • What is the timeline for the Change Initiatives Project?
  • Where can I get more information?

Message from the Minister

I am honoured to be the new Minister of Alberta Seniors, the government department that supports both seniors and Albertans with disabilities. I have personal connections to the disability community in our province, and it’s a very important priority for me.

As you may have heard, the Persons with Developmental Disabilities, or PDD program, is going through some dynamic changes right now that will help us make our province an even better place for people with developmental disabilities. I support this work wholeheartedly, and I want individuals, families, service providers, and PDD staff to know that I am committed to working with you to improve the PDD program.

The PDD Community Boards share my commitment to open dialogue, and they want to talk to individuals, families, and service providers to exchange information and get input about program directions. We all play an important role in making this program the best it can be, and we want to hear from you. This is a unique opportunity to build on the existing foundation and create something special as we go forward. I appreciate you taking the time to contribute to this important work.

[Original Signed]

Honourable George VanderBurg
Minister

Purpose

This booklet is intended to provide information to individuals, families, and service providers as a support to the community conversations being held across the province on the PDD Change Initiatives Project. The sessions are intended to:

• Help individuals, families, service providers and communities better understand some of the work underway to improve outcomes for individuals and overall operation of the PDD program.
• Help us all understand the current experiences of adults with developmental disabilities in their local communities.
• Help us all determine the impact of changes and how the work underway can contribute to better results for individuals.

The PDD Change Initiatives Project

The Change Initiatives Project has been established to coordinate and combine work underway from the Six Priority Actions and from the recommendations of the 2011 PDD Administrative Review.

The project has nine key areas of focus:

1. A one-program approach—develop a common approach to service delivery
2. Improve contracting process and funding approach
3. Improve accountability and ensure continuous improvement
4. Develop an integrated client information technology system
5. Clarify mandate and demonstrate best practices
6. Implement a common approach to communicating about the PDD program (including one website)
7. Redirect cost savings to frontline services
8. Support and enhance use of Family Managed Services as an option for families
9. Improve supports for individuals with complex needs

Teams have been established to lead the work in each of these areas.

Project Vision

Our vision is to have a PDD program that achieves excellent results for the people it supports, operates the same way across the province, and uses its funding efficiently to help individuals be independent and included in their communities.

Individuals have access to consistently high quality, wellplanned supports that create excellent results in their life, no matter where they live in the province.

Families all over the province get the information they need easily, have relationships with PDD staff, and have confidence in the quality of their family member’s services.

Service Providers have consistent, predictable funding and smoother administrative processes to allow them to focus on the individuals they support.

Communities benefit from a greater level of contribution and participation by adults with developmental disabilities.

PDD Staff have clear, fulfilling roles that allow them to be more involved with individuals and families, and smoother administrative processes to allow them to focus on the individuals they serve.

Working Together

The PDD Community Boards are planning to engage and consult with key stakeholders in three phases:

• Phase 1: Winter 2011/12 – Moving Forward (what we’re doing right now)
  • This phase will focus on informing stakeholders about changes and vision for the future, and;
  • Getting stakeholder input.
• Phase 2: Spring 2012 – Checking In
  • This phase will get further input from stakeholders on how to implement the changes.
• Phase 3: Spring 2013 – Gauging Success
  • This phase will respond to stakeholder feedback and evaluate progress and results.

Q & A

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