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‘The results of an 18 month plan- ning process were released this week by the Regional Municipality of Halton and the Halton District Health Council. The report, Strategic Plan for Health and Social Services for Persons with Physical Disabilities in Halton Region, defines the community vision for the service system of health, social services and related services for persons with physical disabilities. Two years ago, Halton Region and the District Health Council collabo- rated on a similar project for seniors. As the province moves to expand long term care services directed to the physically disabled and seniors, Halton Region has now done much of the planning work that will enable the communi- ty to identify priority areas for pro- gram development and expansion. The scope of the study included all physical disabilities caused by injury, at birth or by illness, includ- ing visual, speech and hearing impairment, paralysis or amputa- tions, and/or reliance on a wheel- chair, dog guide or other assistive devices. A Steering Committee of persons with physical disabilities and fami- ly members and service providers was established to guide the study. The management consulting firm of Ernst and Young was hired to conduct the study. Funding for the study was obtained from the Provincial Government through the Halton/Peel Long Term Care office. The Committee began this study by looking at the demographics of the disabled in Halton which indi- cated that there are almost 11,000 bili i for farilyroom & fireplace - 1 1/2 baths - quallly broadioom, gorgeous = wlo from fabulous Kit. to deck & totally private treed & hedged yard - now $219,900. Call Sandra Naim’ 92-2-426 SUPER BUY! Updated, Immaculate bungalow with fireplace, country éichen, quality cararrics, new bathroom, bright rec room with bedroom, french doors, large bright windows. woodstove, 4th bedroom and office. Call Sandra Naim*. $369,900. One of Georgetown's finest. Call Sandra —Huryl 92:2-537 ‘5 92. persons with physical dis: Strategic plan 18 months in the making in this region. The next phase of the study examined the services in the Region, what was working well and what needed to be improved. The Committee surveyed 89 agen- cies, held interviews with local ser- vice providers and representatives of government and disabled advo- cacy groups from Halton and Ontario. To obtain input from dis- abled persons and their caregivers and review key findings of the study, the Committee hosted 12 focus groups in the spring of 1992. There were additional community meetings in November in each municipality to obtain feedback on the key directions and recommen- dations. Over 150 consumers, fami- ly members and caregivers partici- pated in these meetings. In conclusion, the report identi- fies four key strategic directions: increasing the participation of dis- abled persons and their caregivers in the planning process and service delivery system, simplify access to services, close identified gaps in the service system and evaluate and monitor the implementation of this 2 an. ‘The next stage will be the devel- opment of an implementation plan to incorporate the 14 recommenda- tions identified in the Strategic Plan. Copies of the report and further information can be obtained from the following: Halton District Health Council 842-2120 or Zenith 40340; Halton Region Health Department, Home Care Division 639-5141; Halton Region Social Services Department Community Services Division 825- 6000. ~