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Through the Dalhousie partnership, the university will provide space and support for clinical education and training, while the Province will fund key outreach team positions and operational supports. The new opportunities for education, training and research will better prepare future health professionals to deliver inclusive, community-based care.

“Dalhousie’s faculty of health is well positioned to lead this integrated, multidisciplinary community health hub, building on the strong foundation of our social work community clinic,” says Brenda Merritt, Dean. "By bringing our existing clinic together with provincially funded interprofessional health services, we are expanding access to co-ordinated, person-centred care while deepening hands-on learning opportunities for students across health disciplines – strengthening both our communities and the next generation of health professionals.” 

The partnership will create one of four new disability support outreach teams in the province. The teams will provide a broad range of services that complement services available in the community. The goal is to help people with disabilities live more independently and successfully in their communities.

“I’m excited about this partnership with Dalhousie University and the opportunity it creates to connect education, training, and care,” said Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Opportunities and Social Development. “By creating more opportunities for practicum placements, training and research, we are helping future health professionals better understand how to support persons with disabilities in a way that respects their rights and dignity.”

The teams are multidisciplinary and may include occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech language pathologists, social workers, dietitians and other health specialists. Some of the services the teams will provide include:
- health assessments, treatment and/or recommendations
- skill development to support physical, mental and social well-being
- education, coaching and consultation for families, caregivers and support providers.