Progress made with Orange Valley plans

I would like to take this opportunity to provide the public with an update on the progress that has been made on the relocation of the Orange Valley Centre.

Soon after accepting the role of Minister of Health, I met with the parents of young people who need a service like that provided by Orange Valley, and I took the opportunity to visit Orange Valley to view their service first hand.

I was moved by those meetings and those visits.

I was moved then, and I remain committed today to finding a way to relocate Orange Valley so that they can both have more room and provide service to more families.

For the last several months I have been in discussions with my colleagues regarding the relocation of the Orange Valley programme from MWI to Roberts Avenue, which is where the Ministry’s Opportunity Workshop is currently located.

We believe that co-locating these two programs, which are both for those with disabilities, will provide us with opportunities for economies of scale as well as improved programs and service delivery.

We have encountered several challenges along the way with this move…however we are pleased to say that we have now narrowed it down to two options in terms of what kind of facility will work for this location.

One option is to install a modular building at the Roberts Avenue site near the gym.  We have a large enough area which can be used to provide all of the services required.  We are currently looking at site plans and drawings to determine a layout and then to cost the construction and installation of the facility.

Another option stemmed from discussions I have had with a advocates for the special needs community – two members of which are here with me today…

Jose Lopez, is the parent of a child with a disability and Charles Daniels is an architect and also the parent of a child with a disability.

We have met several times to see how that advocacy group and Mr. Daniels, with the skill set he brings to the table, could work with the Ministry to provide a building at the Roberts Avenue site.

Mr. Daniels has drawn some preliminary plans and technical officers within the Ministry of Health will be meeting with these two gentlemen within the next two weeks to look at the plans drawn to date and discuss how they can be modified if necessary to meet our needs.

The group has also undertaken to assist with the raising of funds to build a structure and we hope this will be some form of a Public Private Partnership.

We will continue to work with those who advocate on behalf of our special needs population, the parents and friends of special needs children and adults.

We have to find a solution to the long term care needs of this population, and I want to thank everyone who has been involved so far for their efforts and support.

I believe we are close to a final solution to a long term issue.

I will continue to keep our service users, the advocates and the public at large up to date on our efforts.

Thank you.