Formal Renaming: Ageing And Disability Services

September 3, 2015

[Updated with video] The National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged was formally renamed Ageing And Disability Services at a ceremony held today [Sept 3] at City Hall.

Acting Minister Of Health, Seniors And Environment Trevor Moniz said, “I am pleased to be here today to welcome you to the formal renaming of the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged to Ageing And Disability Services.

“The National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged was formed in 2000 to centralize the coordination of services to these two populations.

“Since then, the mission has expanded – the Office provides services to all persons with disabilities and not just those with physical challenges; therefore, the term ‘physically challenged’ is being replaced by ‘persons with disabilities’.

“Also, replacing ‘seniors’ with ‘ageing’ is consistent with Government’s plan to promote such initiatives as the National Ageing Plan and the concept of ‘ageing in place’ or ‘ageing at home’.

“This name change is part of an important reorganization within the National Office which will ensure that our seniors and those with disabilities receive the best attention their interests and issues demand.

“Ageing and Disability Services [ADS] provides a diverse portfolio of services – its primary responsibilities are:

“Regulation and compliance which includes operationalizing the Senior Abuse Act [2008], the Residential Care Homes and Nursing Homes Act [1999] and the Residential Care Homes and Nursing Homes Regulations [2001].

“It manages cases related to individual senior’s needs via case management as well as coordinating services for persons with disabilities, advocacy, and awareness.

“The Office provides oversight of the integrated production and functional skills programmes at the recently named K. Margaret Carter Centre [formerly The Opportunity Workshop and the Orange Valley Centre].

“Ageing and Disability Services also provides advice and guidance on best practices for accessibility to both public and private sectors.

150903 ADS Open Day Photo

“The Case Managers at Ageing and Disability Services assist clients with finding the resources they need in our community, and advocate for them to receive the services they require. They provide referral services to connect clients with the appropriate agencies.

“The Case Management Team also work with clients and their families to develop case plans to aid clients with living a better quality of life and the team is also responsible for assisting with investigations of senior abuse.

“The Senior Abuse Act is enforced and monitored by the Registrar of the Senior Abuse Act. Cases of alleged abuse are reported to the Registrar who initiates investigations with assistance of the case management team.

“The Coordinator for Seniors and Disabilities is mandated to bring awareness to the public regarding seniors and healthy ageing and is responsible for monitoring and inspection of the Island’s long-term care homes.

“The aim is for all seniors and persons with disabilities to remain in their homes for as long as possible and with a good quality of life. When a person can no longer live at home with a good quality of life the Ageing and Disability Services office can assist with finding alternative long-term care solutions for them and their families.

“The Office also raises public awareness about the challenges that persons with disabilities may encounter and act as advocates on their behalf.

“The Accessibility Officer monitors building projects ensuring that contractors, project managers and architects are in compliance with Bermuda’s building code and their properties to ensure they meet accessibility standards.

“The Office maintains the facilitation of improved quality of life for seniors and persons with disabilities through assurance, coordination and delivery of programmes in collaboration with a public-private network of stakeholders.

“In conclusion, the Ageing and Disability Services office will continue to move towards its vision of a caring and inclusive Bermuda that supports the well-being of seniors and persons with disabilities.

“Before I close today it would be remiss of me if I did not thank the staff and management of Ageing and Disability Services for championing the rights of seniors and persons with disabilities in the community and ensuring they have a voice, resources and advocates on their behalf.”

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Comments (3)

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  1. Barbara Cooper says:

    Why must the name ” disability” be used ?? “Challenged’ is kinder and much more appropriate. Most people with ‘disabilities’ do not have ‘DIS’ in their description ! And why would you insult seniors by changing the name from “Seniors” to “Ageing” ! Why on earth did it have to be changed anyway. It was totally appropriate as it was ! THINK BEFORE YOU ACT !

    • Rockfish#1and#2 says:

      Seems we have a new person on the block who is attempting to make an impression, or someone who is trying to justify his/her employment. This new name is disrespectful,demeaning, and insulting to most seniors.
      Whoever approved this change should be ashamed of him/herself!

  2. OMG says:

    Why in the world are we going backward yet again? For years people have fought the term “disabled” — it’s now politically correct and less offensive to call the individuals “physically challenged”. Some rocket scientist in government now decides that once again they’re “disabled”? Do we actually PAY people to make these decisions?? Seriously ?? And by the way, I’m a “senior” – I’m not “ageing”, nor am I a “special person”. Is there ANYONE in this government who can actually THINK before acting ????