Alberta Disability Assistance Program Town Hall Summary

The Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who attended the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) town hall event on Monday, September 8. We recognize the significant impact this topic has on many of your lives and truly appreciate the strength it takes to share your time and your stories with us.

We want to assure you that all of your comments and questions have been heard and reviewed. Council will be providing a ‘What We Heard’ report, along with recommendations to the Government of Alberta. We would like to share some of the highlights of what we will be bringing forward:

• We heard there is overwhelming fear, anger, and confusion about ADAP.

• We heard that much of the information shared about ADAP was unclear or not presented in accessible formats. We heard the lack of clarity and uncertainty is causing stress and health impacts for some.

• Many feel AISH could be improved, not replaced.

• There are concerns about human rights violations, mental health deterioration, and increased homelessness.

There are concerns with the entirety of the proposed ADAP, and concerns regarding each aspect of the program were discussed at length. This included:

1. Fear that existing eligibility will be questioned or revoked.

2. Questions around who conducts assessments, their qualifications, and fairness.

3. Anxiety over costs, waitlists, and burden on families managing finances and care.

• There was a strong sentiment shared among town hall participants that ADAP rates are not livable and may worsen poverty.

• Many town hall participants expressed concerns about job availability, especially in rural areas. Additionally, people expressed fear of being forced to work despite disability or being penalized for job loss.

• There were many suggestions for employer training, on-the-job supports, and realistic expectations.

• There was a strong opposition communicated regarding the proposed client transitions from AISH to ADAP.

Premier’s Council is an arms length advisory agency to the Government of Alberta and holds no authority over policy decisions or development. However, we want to assure you that the report we submit will be detailed, honest, and inclusive of suggested solutions that are actionable, reasonable, and meaningful.

Thank you again for your dedication to ensuring that Alberta is a place where people with disabilities can thrive.