A Down syndrome advocate calls for more funding to support families in B.C. facing financial strain for essential care services
BURNABY: So, there’s this big issue going on in British Columbia. A Down syndrome advocacy group is really pushing for more support for families. They’re saying that without proper funding, parents are struggling to provide necessary care.
Tamara Taggart, the president of the group, shared some pretty heartbreaking details at an inquest about a woman named Florence Girard. Florence tragically died in 2018, and it’s a wake-up call for everyone. Taggart mentioned that parents are under a lot of financial stress, especially when it comes to things like speech therapy.
She talked about how her own family had to shell out $12,000 a year just to help her son learn to eat solid food. Can you believe that? And the province isn’t offering any help for families in similar situations. It’s just not fair.
Taggart pointed out that her family is in a better position because they live in Vancouver and can afford this care. But many families are left out in the cold because they can’t pay for these essential services.
The inquest is digging into Girard’s death, which happened while she was under a program meant for people with developmental disabilities. It’s a tough situation, and caretaker Astrid Dahl is set to testify soon. She was actually convicted in 2022 for not providing the necessities of life.
Florence’s sister even mentioned that she would have taken care of her sister if there had been some funding support. It’s a real eye-opener about the challenges families face. This whole situation needs more attention.
