Government of Yukon


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FOR RELEASE
May 11, 2016

Government of Yukon investing in services to support families of children with disabilities

WHITEHORSE—Based on demand and increasing needs, the Government of Yukon is investing $120,000 for speech and language services within the Family Supports for Children with Disabilities program.

“This investment will provide an additional option for children and families seeking speech and language services, and will complement existing contracted services,” Minister of Health and Social Services Mike Nixon said. “We would like to acknowledge and appreciate the important role played by the Disability Programs Advisory Committee in providing support and input into this initiative.”

The expansion of speech and language services is effective this spring. Services may include assessment, treatment, consultation and programming to address a child’s need in the home or community. Children with a broad range of physical, mental, social or emotional impairment or limitations will benefit from these services.

“It is important that all children receive the help they need to reach their full communicative potential,” Nixon added. “The referral to speech and language pathology services ensures early identification and management of both communication and swallowing disorders, which in turn enables maximal social, academic and vocational integration of our children.”

The Family Supports for Children with Disabilities program provides a range of supports to Yukon families to help them care for their child with a disability, to ensure they get the best possible start in life.

Learn more: Call Family Supports for Children with Disabilities program at 867-393-7464 or toll free at 1-800-661-0408 ext. 7464

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Contact:

Dan Macdonald
Cabinet Communications
867-393-6470
dan.macdonald@gov.yk.ca

Julie Ménard
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-667-8478
julie.menard@gov.yk.ca

 


News release #16-186