The solutions
Massively and rapidly develop innovative housing models by and for the community
To develop innovative housing models by and for the community in Quebec, several actions must be taken. Nevertheless, SQDI reiterates that it should not be up to families to take on the burden of developing substitute living environments in response to the lack of adequate existing models.
First, the Quebec government must provide adequate and stable funding for these initiatives. Currently, too many projects depend on limited resources or temporary funding, making their development difficult. By ensuring sufficient financial support, the government would make it easier for parents, organizations and communities to create these innovative housing models.
Second, the government must promote a collaborative approach by working in partnership with the community, parents’ organizations, people living with intellectual disability themselves, and other partners. This collaboration would make it possible to develop housing models that truly meet the needs of the community, with an emphasis on the quality of services rather than on financial profitability.
In addition, there is a need to act quickly to respond to the urgency of the situation and reduce waiting lists for people in need of services. By accelerating the process of developing and implementing these housing models, the government can improve the accessibility and availability of services for those who need them most.
Public policy on long-term housing must also be updated to specifically include issues related to people with intellectual disabilities. By integrating these considerations into policies related to aging in Quebec, the government can ensure that the needs of this population are appropriately addressed.
Finally, mixed-use housing models designed by and for the community must be promoted. By encouraging diversity and inclusion in the design and management of these models, the government can create richer living environments that are more responsive to the needs of everyone.
Better monitoring
The government must set up a monitoring committee to guarantee the quality of services in publicly funded substitute living environments (intermediate resources, family-type resources, continuing assistance resources, alternative homes). Regular visits must be organized to assess the living conditions and ensure that everything is put in place to guarantee the autonomy and freedom of the residents.
Enhancing the quality of services
The re-emergence of institutions must be avoided.
“An institution is any place in which people who have been labelled as having an intellectual disability are isolated, segregated and/or congregated. An institution is any place in which people do not have, or are not allowed to exercise control over their lives and their day to day decisions. An institution is not defined merely by its size.”
Inclusion Canada and People First of Canada, 2021
In Quebec, many residential resources meet this definition in whole or in part. Whether due to a lack of staff or resources, or to maximize the profits of private businesses that control these living environments, the use of institutions and the deprivation of liberty and dignity are extremely worrying.
To avoid the reappearance of institutions, the number of people per substitute living environments must be reduced. Workers and staff of residential resources should also receive adequate training. In addition, rigid routines need to be relaxed to allow people to maximize their autonomy and their ability to make their own choices.
“This place gives me a roof over my head [but]… getting older living in a group home… it’s harder because you have to have the food that they want.”
Johanne, neurodiverse older adult
Strong public services: an absolute necessity
Having access to universal public services helps people with disabilities to stay at home. Regardless of the type of disability, these services are crucial.
As with other persons with disabilities or aging people, it is important that people with an intellectual disability who wish to remain in their homes can do so. This helps them have a more stable life.
“Quebec’s home support ecosystem, developed in another era, does not meet the current needs of the population and is unsuited to future needs. The results of the Health and Welfare Commissioner’s work on home care and support services are clear: the situation is worrisome. The current inefficiencies jeopardize the sustainability of services for the future.”
Commissaire à la santé et au bien-être
In recent years, the Government of Quebec has made significant investments in home care services. Most of these funds were intended for seniors and were invested in private services rather than being injected into the hiring of public employees. In the end, very few additional services were mobilized for people with disabilities, some of whom even experienced cuts in the services they received, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If nothing changes, meeting the need for home support services will be an impossible challenge.”
Commissaire à la santé et au bien-être
It is necessary for the Quebec government to provide sufficient home care services to all people requiring support who wish to remain in their homes. These services should include instrumental activities of daily living, and home health care.
Thus, the Government of Quebec must increase the intensity of home services and care. This would allow people to live in their homes and be as autonomous as possible. It should also be the case for people living in innovative housing models.
The government should also seek to train people offering home care services about the specificities of people with intellectual disabilities.
Finally, Quebec must more adequately fund home support services.
Strengthening social services
To prevent homelessness, the government needs to work on prevention. It needs to ensure access to necessary services is adequate, and to protect people from the things that make them vulnerable. Specific actions must be taken to help people with intellectual disabilities get off the streets. For example, there is a need for housing environments adapted to people with serious behavioural problems.
Including people with disabilities in social housing
The government has promised to facilitate the development of new social housing. For us, it is clear every new social housing project must include places that are reserved for people with disabilities. This integrative approach could lead to better inclusion and active social participation.
By taking these measures, the Government of Quebec will be able to improve the situation of people with intellectual disabilities and ensure that their right to safe housing adapted to their needs is respected.