Policy Framework
- Index AISH payments to minimum wage for automatic cost-of-living adjustments
- Implement comprehensive accessibility legislation
- Expand accessible housing and employment opportunities
- Ensure equitable access to education, healthcare, and transportation
The NPA's disability policy framework addresses the interconnected barriers that limit full participation by Albertans with disabilities. These policies aim to ensure economic security, physical accessibility, and equal opportunity across all sectors of society.
AISH Reform: Minimum Wage Indexing
The NPA supports increasing monthly AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) payments and indexing them to Alberta's hourly minimum wage. This structural reform would:
- Provide automatic benefit increases when minimum wage rises
- Ensure income support maintains purchasing power against inflation
- Establish a clear, predictable mechanism for benefit adequacy
- Recognize that people unable to work deserve income equivalent to minimum employment earnings
Comprehensive Policy Priorities
| Policy Area | Objective |
|---|---|
| Accessibility Legislation | Mandatory standards for buildings, digital services, and public programs |
| Income Security | Adequate financial support indexed to economic conditions |
| Accessible Housing | Expanded stock of affordable, barrier-free housing options |
| Employment Access | Workplace accommodation requirements and hiring practices |
| Transportation | Fully accessible public transit and paratransit services |
| Inclusive Education | Supported integration in mainstream educational settings |
| Healthcare Access | Accessible facilities, equipment, and disability-informed care |
Implementation Principles
Effective disability policy requires:
- Proactive Design: Building accessibility into new construction and systems from the outset
- Enforcement Mechanisms: Regulatory frameworks with meaningful compliance requirements
- Lived Experience Consultation: Policy development informed by people with disabilities
- Cross-Sector Coordination: Integration across housing, employment, education, and healthcare
The NPA recognizes that accessibility benefits all Albertans—not only those with disabilities—by creating communities where everyone can participate fully.