The Province has simplified the process for young people with developmental disabilities who are applying for Persons with Disabilities assistance.
As of Monday, youth and their families can use an existing assessment by a registered psychologist or school psychologist, instead of completing a lengthy application form.
Comox Valley MLA/Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Don McRae calls Monday's announcement a "common sense change" to the ministry.
"We're trying to make it a little easier for people who are transitioning from the 18-year-old at-home child world to the adult world," McRae said, noting one less step means 23 fewer pages of forms to complete.
"It's all about treating people fairly and with dignity. This is one less step we allow the individual to have so they can start engaging into the Social Development Ministry. Making them fill out a redundant form is not helping anybody."
There are about 600 youth in B.C. with developmental disabilities who will benefit from the simplified approach each year. The shorter process will ease the transition to adult services.
Up to 18, youth fall under the Ministry of Children and Family Development, after which they transition to the Social Development Ministry or receive services from Community Living B.C.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com