Community and Social Services

Ombudsman says Alberta government must fix unfair rules for disability benefit applicants

Outdated rules have remained unchanged for a decade. Alberta Ombudsman Kevin Brezinski said the government’s Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program must reconsider a 21-year-old man’s application for … READ MORE

‘Not enough’: Experts say maximum AISH benefit still puts recipients below poverty line

Alberta’s income support program for people with a disability is below the poverty line and not providing Albertans with a living wage, experts said. Community, Seniors and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon. Photo by Greg … READ MORE

Alberta parents of children with disabilities say they’re running out of daycare options

‘At some point will one of us have to just stop working because we don’t have an option?’ Some Alberta parents of children with disabilities say their daycare options are limited. CBC/Radio-Canada Emily Rae Pasiuk, … READ MORE

AISH caseloads have ballooned over the past decade. What’s driving that?

Albertans receiving Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped up 57% The steady rise in people receiving benefits through the province’s Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program hit 75,554 in October. CBC Elise … READ MORE

AISH recipients form grassroots group to raise awareness, dispel myths around the program

“We’re fighting to be recognized as autonomous human beings that deserve dignity,” advocate says. Janet Nass and Thomas Cheesman are two members of the newly formed group, AISH Recipients In Search of Equity (ARISE). … READ MORE

Alberta government to re-index AISH, seniors benefits to inflation

People like Mary Salvani, who rely on AISH benefits to cover their basic expenses, have had their benefits frozen for the past three years while the cost of living rose substantially. Monty Kruger CBC

Critics say the move won’t help people living in poverty catch up with rising costs. People like Mary Salvani, who rely on AISH benefits to cover their basic expenses, have had their benefits frozen for the past three years … READ MORE

Children with disabilities getting inconsistent government support, Alberta auditor general finds

Only 1 in 5 staff had completed all of their mandatory training, report says. Auditor General Doug Wylie has found inconsistencies with a program that helps families with the costs of raising and caring for children with disabilities. … READ MORE

Appeal dismissal puts Alberta young adults transitioning out of government care in limbo

Alberta government says recipients losing benefits are eligible for extension. Lawyer Avnish Nanda says the government is putting hundreds of marginalized young adults at a greater risk by losing the person who most closely resembles … READ MORE

Alberta urged to reconsider cutting off hundreds of young adults from financial support

Province says young Albertans leaving program will be set up with right support. A current and former government employee in Children’s Services say adult programs don’t meet the complex needs of young adults transitioning … READ MORE

Government-run homes for disabled Albertans will not be privatized

Families express relief and joy at decision to maintain status quo. Brenda Waluk holds the hand of her granddaughter Taelyr in the back garden of Rosecrest Home in Edmonton during a visit last summer. Trevor Wilson CBC Michelle … READ MORE

AISH date change made to make finances look better, auditor general says

‘It was done on the backs of disabled Albertans,’ opposition critic Marie Renaud says. Community and Social Services Minister Rajan Sawhney repeatedly told the legislature the benefit dates were changed to provide more … READ MORE

MLA’s AISH experiment likely won’t change government’s mind, advocates say

St. Albert NDP MLA Marie Renaud has vowed to live on $1,685 in October. NDP MLA Marie Renaud is spending October living on $1,685, the amount a single person on AISH receives each month. CBC Michelle Bellefontaine, CBC News … READ MORE

Leave AISH payments alone, Opposition and advocates tell Alberta government

Government hasn’t ruled out a program cut. Opposition NDP Leader Rachel Notley says Community and Social Services Minister Rajan Sawhney should reassure AISH recipients their payments will not be cut. A report suggests the … READ MORE

UCP government changes application process for AISH

Applicants must first prove medical condition to determine eligibility. The Alberta government has now prioritized medical criteria ahead of income and asset tests for people who apply for AISH, an income support program for people … READ MORE

Injunction stops hundreds of young adults from losing benefits as they transition from care

Young mother challenged amendment set to take effect April 1. A.C. has been granted a court injunction delaying a change in legislation that would have lowered the age of eligibility for the SFAA program to 22. Trevor Wilson CBC … READ MORE

Youth Transitions to Adulthood Conference – May 6-7, 2020

Learn how to transition from youth to adulthood care successfully. University of Calgary researcher Susan Samuel is leading the Transition Navigator Trial to improve the transition of young people from paediatric to adult health care. … READ MORE

AISH recipients upset about lack of consultation on payment-date changes

Government says it did “informal” consultations about changes effective in March. Albertans with disabilities who receive benefits from the province say they were never consulted about changes to monthly benefits which … READ MORE

People with severe disabilities feel ‘duped’ by Alberta government, AISH recipient says

‘It concerns me because the vulnerable community can become more vulnerable.’ Disability advocate Ian Young began receiving AISH payments in 2004 after suffering several strokes. Wallis Snowdon CBC CBC News Edmonton … READ MORE

CP Foundation launches new universal design “Accessibility is Beautiful” initiative

The Cerebral Palsy Foundation launched a new initiative on the Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) called Accessibility is Beautiful, generously supported by CHUBB. The YouTube miniseries, developed by the Cerebral Palsy … READ MORE

Transitions: Helping kids make the leap to adult care

In healthcare, transition refers to planning for and making the move from child to adult services. When the process isn’t managed well, young adults can fall into gaps in care and declining function, health, and quality of life. … READ MORE

Alberta law to allow unwed parents to share financial burden of disabled adult children

The proposed legislation would allow parents to apply for financial support from ex-partners. Christina Ryan reads to her daughter, Emily, who is 18 but still requires constant care due to her Down syndrome and several other medical … READ MORE

AISH, income support, seniors benefits indexed to cost of living under new bill

Increases to benefits for Albertans in need coming January 1, 2019. Premier Rachel Notley and Community and Social Services Minister Irfan Sabir announced increases to AISH, seniors’ benefits and income support in Edmonton … READ MORE

We now have a voice: Alberta appoints advocate for people with disabilities

The office, led by para-athlete Tony Flores, will officially open in mid-November. Tony Flores, centre, has been appointed as the Alberta government’s first advocate for persons with disabilities. Government of Alberta CBC News … READ MORE

Young people with chronic health conditions get help transferring to adult care

Provincial project team hopes to enrol 600 people aged 16 to 21 in trial program over next two years. University of Calgary researcher Susan Samuel is leading the Transition Navigator Trial to improve the transition of young people … READ MORE

Alberta’s Transition Navigator Trial, TNT

A randomized controlled trial evaluating a patient navigator service to improve the transition from pediatric to adult care. University of Calgary researcher Susan Samuel is leading the Transition Navigator Trial to improve the … READ MORE

Two-thirds of Albertans with developmental disabilities unemployed

The majority of Albertans with developmental disabilities are not employed, in part, because employers aren’t aware of how to properly bring in — and keep — these workers on-the-job. By Brennan Doherty, StarMetro Calgary June … READ MORE

Alberta reforms AISH process, allows online applications

New forms for those with disabilities simplifies language to remove barriers. Community and Social Services Minister Irfan Sabir poses with Alberta MLAs and AISH clients to discuss the province’s new AISH guide. Government of … READ MORE

Province hiring its first advocate for people with disabilities

‘This doesn’t answer all of the issues, but it’s definitely a start.’ Minister of Community and Social Services Irfan Sabir is overseeing the creation of a new office that will advocate for people with … READ MORE

Fully-automated, accessible apartment building a first for Calgary

Inclusio opens doors to low-income Calgarians with limited mobility. After two years of construction, Calgary’s first fully automated assisted living apartment building is ready for residents to move in. The kitchenettes at … READ MORE

AISH recipients slam changes, saying more is needed

Critics say auditor general report recommendations not fully considered. Calgary AISH recipient Mary Salvami says she feels the benefits should be indexed to the cost of living. Radio-Canada David Bell, CBC News Calgary March 20, 2018 … READ MORE

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