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For immediate release – April 24, 2023
Edmonton, AB – Inclusion Alberta appreciates the Government of Alberta’s recent announcement detailing how funding announced in February’s budget will be spent to begin addressing the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program’s waitlist. This is welcomed news and an important step, however it will not address the over one thousand adults who have not been prioritized for supports and remain waiting nor does it address the thousands of children and families waiting for support through the FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities) program.
“As the parent of an adult son with a developmental disability, I know how vital the supports he receives are to living a good life fully included in the community, a life comparable to someone without a disability,” says Monica Braat, parent and President of Inclusion Alberta. “The support my son receives through the PDD program not only allows him to live an inclusive life and contribute to our community, but also allows me to be able to work, contribute and support my family.”
While most of the funding mentioned in the press release and news conference will go to sustain the much-needed wage increases announced in 2022, the remaining funds will begin addressing the hundreds of individuals who have been waiting the longest for critical support. It does nothing however for the hundreds more adults still waiting and the over 3,000 families of children with disabilities without support through the Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) program, nor does it adequately address the expected 3% annual growth of adults with developmental disabilities requiring supports.
“I appreciate that the government recognizes the need for a plan to start addressing the waitlist of Albertans with developmental disabilities desperately needing supports to be included in community,” says Trish Bowman, Inclusion Alberta’s CEO. “I look forward to learning more about how this funding will roll out, and how the government plans to address the 1000’s more still without support through the PDD and FSCD programs.”
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