Advocate says too many Nova Scotians with disabilities still live in institutions
New report says 702 people were living in institutional care in the province as of last month
An advocate for people with disabilities says there are still too many people living in institutions in Nova Scotia.
The province released an interim progress report this month outlining that it has already moved hundreds of adults with disabilities out of institutionalized care and into homes in the community.
But the report also notes there were 702 individuals with disabilities still living in adult residential centres, regional rehabilitation centres and residential care facilities across Nova Scotia as of Dec. 31, 2024.
A Nova Scotia Court of Appeal ruled in 2021 that the government's failure to offer meaningful access to housing for people with disabilities amounted to a violation of their basic rights. That decision stemmed from an earlier human rights case launched by three people with disabilities who spent years confined to a psychiatric hospital.
Vicky Levack, a spokesperson for the Disability Rights Coalition, lived in a nursing home for 10 years before she was able to find her own apartment in south-end Halifax.
"I am profoundly disappointed that, once again, the province has failed to live up to its legal obligations to Nova Scotians," said Levack.
"As someone who was forced to live many years of my life institutionalized, I realize how damaging it can be and I'm furious about all the people who will remain institutionalized for longer than the province promised."
'Lack of urgency' despite premier's apology
In November 2023, Premier Tim Houston apologized for the plight of many adults who were still living in institutionalized care. He called it "deeply shameful."
"The premier gave a historic apology that meant a lot to many, but it is beginning to ring hollow due to the apparent lack of urgency," Levack said.
The Department of Opportunities and Social Development said it's implementing a five-year "phased approach" to closing institution-style homes. All residents are expected to transition into the community by March 2028.
The department said this approach will ensure it has the time needed to put the supports in place at the community level to support people with disabilities as they move out and facilities close. It also gives service providers time to transition away from institutional-style homes to ones in the community.
