Youths with developmental disabilities can get help during the transition to adulthood through a new service model launched in Nanaimo last fall.
The Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation’s Navigator service helps an individual identify goals and ways of meeting them – like where to live or get a job – assists in developing a plan and co-ordinates the services and supports to make that plan concrete.
The Nanaimo site is one of four early implementation sites ‘prototyping’ the new model for youth. As of this month, 67 people in the mid Island have been referred to the new services in these communities.
“It’s rewarding to hear directly from families describing their positive experiences working alongside a navigator within this model,” said Andrew Fidell, the program’s integrated services and supports director, in a press release.