Inclusive Communities Sarah Wagner Executive Director New Brunswick

Inclusive Communities Sarah Wagner, Executive Director New Brunswick Association for Community Living October 4, 2019 UMNB 2019 Annual Conference and AGM

About NBACL is a provincial non-profit that supports people with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) throughout their lifespan Our goal is to ensure that people with IDD have full and valued lives in all aspects of society We provide programs and support throughout the lifespan

What is Inclusion People live healthier and more fulfilling lives when they are included in a social environment. Individuals are not confined to a specific community, but are able to access, contribute to, and participate in the broader community.

The National Housing Strategy “Affordable housing is a cornerstone of sustainable, inclusive communities and a Canadian economy where we can prosper and thrive. ”

The National Housing Strategy It is estimated at least 24, 000 Canadians with a developmental disability are in core housing need. The National Housing Strategy (NHS) identified a goal to develop a minimum of 2, 400 new housing units for individuals with a developmental disability

The Challenge: What is Inclusivity? How do you quantify, connect housing and inclusivity? How do you as a municipality measure inclusivity?

My Home My Community It is a priority for this investment to produce inclusive affordable housing. To help with that, MHMC is developing a model that can help measure the inclusiveness of housing. Through My Home My Community the Canadian Association for Community Living has developed a pathway to hit and surpass this goal set out in the NHS

Indicators of Inclusivity Model What is it? o Housing Inclusivity Model consists of 19 indicators from which assess inclusivity at the person, household, dwelling, structure, and neighbourhood levels What is it used for? o Used to evaluate the inclusivity of an existing or proposed dwelling Why do we need it? o Realize vision in the NHS

Uses for the Model The Model is designed to be a tool for: developers, housing providers, funders/financiers, city planning officials, researchers, and others interested in assessing and improving the potential for housing development or redevelopment to produce more inclusive outcomes for residents.

Five Pillars of Inclusive Housing Development Pillars are comprised of circumstances that increase the likelihood of positive outcomes of inclusive housing. Dwelling Structure Developer has the ability to develop accessible, affordable housing. The design of the structure is conducive to the inclusivity of persons with developmental disabilities (e. g. , common spaces, accessible features, visitability). Participation Support Arrangements How supports are organized and administered have significant impact on opportunity to be included. Involving end-users and those with lived experience in the design of the housing development included in the proposal. Neighbourhood amenities and factors (transit/highway access, proximity to community centres or schools, etc. ) are regularly considered by developers.

The Structure of the Model Each pillar contains a set of indicators and measures that correspond to a development's likelihood of being inclusive. Indicator: Indicators refer to the category of characteristics that have been shown to contribute to more inclusive housing. Measure: Specific isolated factors that can be used to gauge the indicator. Measures are as simple as possible, and we can use many measures within each indicator. This hierarchy can be illustrated as: Housing Inclusivity Score Pillars Indicators Measures

The Five Pillars and Indicators Participation • Involving persons with lived experience in the design of housing development in proposal • Involving partnering support provider in the design of the housing development in proposal Support Arrangements Dwelling • Personal choice • Affordability • Community • Visitability linkage plans for support • Tenure stability • Individualized supports Structure • • Dispersion Social connection Safety Visitability Neighbourhood • Proximity to services • Safety • Transportation • Community readiness for inclusion

New Brunswick Housing Strategy 2019– 2029 A new approach to housing in New Brunswick “A New Brunswick where people have timely access to affordable, safe and adequate housing options that meet their individual needs and promote healthy and inclusive communities”

New Brunswick Housing Strategy 2019– 2029 3. 2 Promote the value of public housing in the community. Key Actions Create mixed income communities throughout the province. Partner with municipalities to support the creation of inclusive mixed income developments through the municipal planning process. Develop and promote an educational/awareness campaign regarding all New Brunswick Housing Corporation Programs, the meaning of affordable housing and vulnerable populations.

Importance of Partnerships NBACL and Non-profit organizations are key collaborators in providing housing to people with an intellectual or developmental disability.

About the Social Inclusion Program We support adults with an IDD to be included in their community by: having a home of their own (with the support they require); developing strong personal support; and by becoming involved in recreation, leisure and volunteer activities that match their interests and choices.

Benefits of a Portable Rent Subsidy The individual can: Pick a desired location, Live closer to work and family, Live in an area with greater access to transportation, Live close to necessary resources, and Have a smaller chance they will need to move in the future.

Benefits of a Portable Rent Subsidy The landlord can: Have less turnover with tenants, Be able to have a more positive relationship with tenants, and Seek support and guidance from NBACL through housing concerns.

Questions?