Calgary family shocked to discover their daughter, with severe brain injury, is being moved off AISH

A Calgary father says his family is facing the traumatizing prospect of having to prove, once again, that his severely disabled daughter is unable to work after being notified she is being moved off a key provincial support program.

Kevin Strange’s daughter, Aisha Strange, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury when she was hit by an impaired driver in 2019 while on her way to work at a summer camp for children with special needs. 

“We’re reminded every single day of what’s been lost,” said Kevin.

Aisha, who was a University of Victoria student with her sights set on law school at the time she was struck, is now in a wheelchair, unable to move most of her body. She has limited ability to communicate, struggles with her short-term memory and requires around the clock care.

The family received a letter earlier this month informing them that Aisha would be moved off of Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and onto the government’s new program, Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) in July.

She's among thousands of Albertans receiving notifications that they're being automatically transitioned.

After a grace period, their maximum monthly allowance will drop by $200.

“ADAP will help you pursue meaningful employment while continuing to receive the financial, health and personal supports you need,” the letter read in part.

Kevin and his wife, Cathy, were shocked.

"If there was anybody who is severely handicapped, it would be Aisha,” said Kevin.

“The whole medical system outlined fairly clearly that Aisha’s injuries are for life, and she’ll never improve.”

Read more: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/aish-disability-program-changes-9.7244377