Social services

What social services are available in Québec?

Social services for persons with disabilities in Québec are a major social issue. They aim to ensure the inclusion, dignity and well-being of this vulnerable population. This sheet provides an overview of the facts, current situation, available statistics and recommendations regarding these services.

Québec has several laws and regulatory frameworks designed to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. These include the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, the Act to secure handicapped persons in the exercise of their rights with a view to achieving social, school and workplace integration, and the government’s À part entière policy, focusing on the social inclusion of persons with disabilities. Social services include a range of supports, including:

• Assistance with daily living and accompaniment
• Adaptation of the living environment
• Access to education, employment and recreation
• Technical and technological assistance

Despite significant progress, persons with disabilities in Québec still face many challenges. These include limited access to services, architectural and social barriers, discrimination and a lack of public awareness. These barriers underscore the importance of intensifying efforts to ensure a truly inclusive and equitable society.

Overview of the situation

Although services are available, many persons with disabilities face barriers to accessing them. These challenges include long waiting lists, restrictive eligibility criteria and complex administrative procedures.

Despite improvements in social inclusion, these individuals continue to endure isolation, stigma and marginalization in various aspects of social, cultural and community life.

The current state of social services in Québec is marked by significant fragmentation, which severely undermines the effectiveness and quality of the supports offered. This fragmentation results in:

• The dispersal of responsibilities among several government agencies
• Uncoordinated programs and services
• Gaps in continuity of care and support

Causes and their impacts

• Multiple players and inefficient resources

  The diversity of actors involved in the delivery of social services often results in duplication and overlap. This creates confusion for users and hinders the efficient use of public resources. For example, health services, social services, rehabilitation services and employment assistance programs are often managed by different departments or agencies. This dynamic complicates the coordination of interventions and the overall management of the needs of individuals.

• Breaks in continuity of care

  This fragmentation can lead to interruptions in continuity of care, negatively impacting the quality of life of those affected. For example, a person with a disability may encounter significant barriers when transitioning from one service to another. These barriers lead to delays in access to care, gaps in follow-up, and, in some cases, a deterioration in the individual’s overall condition.

• Heightened stigma and marginalization

  This fragmentation of social services exacerbates barriers between different sectors of society, limiting access to holistic and integrated services. This contributes to stigma and marginalization, thus impairing the autonomy, social inclusion and well-being of persons with disabilities.

Home care in need of support^{1 and 2}

Home care is a lifeline for many persons with disabilities in Québec. These services allow individuals to receive the necessary care while enjoying the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. Skilled professionals such as nurses, caregivers and therapists, provide invaluable support in the areas of medical care, assistance with daily living, rehabilitation and emotional support. This personalized care promotes autonomy, dignity and quality of life for recipients, while reducing costs and pressure on health care facilities.

However, despite its crucial role, home care in Québec faces numerous challenges:

• Extended waiting lists: many people remain uncertain and desperate in the face of endless wait times to access services.
• Insufficient funding: limited resources prevent a service offering tailored to real needs.
• A shortage of qualified staff: this undermines the availability and quality of home care.
• The burden on families: often responsible for providing much of the informal care, families are often exhausted and struggling financially. This state of chronic fatigue can lead to burnout, requiring increased support.

In conclusion, social services for persons with disabilities in Québec play a vital role in their participation and full integration into society. Nevertheless, ongoing challenges require concerted action and policy measures to ensure:

• Equitable access to services
• Better organization of care
• Support for informal caregivers
• Real social inclusion

As noted by Health and Welfare Commissioner Joanne Castonguay:

“Despite an increase in financial resources in recent years, few people are getting the care and services they really need. Increasing budgets without reviewing the organization of services therefore seems to have a limited impact.”