Woodlands Survivors Must Apply for Compensation by September 2011
On July 7, 2010, the British Columbia Supreme Court approved a settlement of a class action for people who lived at Woodlands. The settlement provides compensation of between $3,000 and $150,000 to each former resident who establishes that he or she was subjected to sexual, physical, or psychological misconduct or injury while living at Woodlands on or after August 1, 1974. Money is also available for counseling for these injuries.
To apply for compensation
The Class Member, or someone acting on their behalf, must complete a claim form by September 12th, 2011
The completed claim form must be delivered or postmarked to the Woodlands Class Action Claims Registry, #300 – 1275 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6H 1A6, by no later than September 12, 2011
Class Members who validly opted out of the class action on or before December 22, 2008, are not part of the settlement.
Getting Help
For help in making a claim and for more information
Ministry of Housing and Social Development Reverses Decision to Restrict Health Coverage for People with Disabilities
MEDIA RELEASE
The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities is pleased that the Medical Services Only (MSO) health coverage restrictions recently introduced by the Ministry of Housing and Social Development (MHSD) have been reversed after concerns were raised by the community. These health coverage restrictions affected seniors with disabilities in particular.
On April 1st, 2010 MHSD introduced restrictions that limited Medical Services Only coverage for seniors with disabilities leaving provincial assistance and going onto federal pensions, and people leaving provincial assistance for Canada Pension Plan-Disability benefits. Health coverage for these groups was restricted to a period of one year only. As of April 30th, 2010 this one year restriction has been removed and people will continue to be eligible for Medical Services Only as long as they qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement or Canada Pension Plan benefits.
The BCCPD is pleased that vulnerable populations can continue to access the Medical Services Only benefit. However, other changes introduced by MHSD on April 1st, 2010 are still in effect. These changes include restrictions to medical equipment and supplies such as the removal of payment for prefabricated orthotics and limits on the amount of money MHSD will pay for a motorized scooter and other equipment.
For more information:
Please contact the Advocacy Access Program at 604-872-1278 or 1-800-663-1278.
We’re proud to announce five new publications from our Health Education, Advocacy and Leadership (HEAL) program.
The HEAL framework is a new cross-disability, self-advocacy approach developed by BCCPD. Our HEAL Guides are intended to “help, educate and inspire” readers to explore their unique HEALing path. They provide information from experts and researchers, as well as people living with chronic health issues and disabilities.
The Guides offer a selection of short “keys:” facts, research findings, experiences and insights about living with one or a combination of chronic health conditions or disabilities. You can begin with any key that interests you or read the Guide from beginning to end.
