Albertans with disabilities deserve to live with dignity, independence, and full participation in our communities. The following policy proposals outline practical steps to improve support systems, reduce barriers, and ensure people with disabilities have the resources they need to thrive.
1. Increase AISH Payments and Tie to Minimum Wage
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) payments must keep pace with the cost of living. We propose tying AISH to the minimum wage to ensure recipients can afford basic necessities during the affordability crisis.
For example, with the current minimum wage at $15 per hour, AISH payments would increase to $2,400 per month. This ensures people with disabilities can live with dignity rather than struggling to meet basic needs like housing, food, and utilities.
2. Eliminate the ADAP Program
The Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) must not be used to cut benefits for vulnerable Albertans. We oppose any reduction in support for people with disabilities. No cutting of benefits whatsoever.
3. Increase In-Home Support and Accessibility Funding
Many Albertans with disabilities want to live independently in their own homes. We propose:
- Increased funding for in-home support services
- Making homes more accessible through renovation assistance
- Increased funding for the RAMP (Residential Access Modification Program) to help more Albertans modify their homes for accessibility
4. Implement an "Accessible Alberta Act"
Alberta needs comprehensive accessibility legislation to identify, remove, and prevent barriers. An Accessible Alberta Act would address barriers in:
- Buildings and public places - Ensuring physical spaces are accessible to all
- Transportation - Making public transit and transportation services fully accessible
- Information and technology - Requiring accessible digital services and communications
- Healthcare and education - Removing barriers to essential services
5. Red Tape Reduction for Services
Accessing disability services should not be an obstacle course. We propose simplifying the process:
- Streamline AISH application forms to a single page
- Reduce bureaucratic barriers to accessing support
- Make information about available services clear and easy to find
6. Inclusion in Government Policy Development
"Nothing about us without us." People with disabilities must be included in developing policies that affect them. We propose:
- Mandatory consultation with disability communities on relevant legislation
- Consensus-based approach to establishing new laws affecting people with disabilities
- Representation of people with disabilities in policy-making bodies
7. Streamlined AISH Medical Assessment
The AISH application process can be lengthy and frustrating, particularly when waiting for medical assessments. We propose:
- Designating a specific group of doctors to conduct AISH assessments
- Creating a central intake system to speed up the application process
- Reducing wait times for medical documentation
People with disabilities are not asking for special treatment—they are asking for equal opportunity to participate fully in Alberta's communities and economy.