Province to launch program to help Albertans with disabilities

The Alberta government's Alberta Disability Assistance Program provides supports to residents with disabilities who want to work more, but need supports to do so. (Pexels/Cliff Booth)

A new benefit program, announced by the United Conservative government on Tuesday, aims to help Albertans with disabilities achieve their employment goals.

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Officials say the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) was designed with direct input from the people it benefits and provides pathways to employment for individuals who can work but require supports.

“People with disabilities should not be punished for getting a job. Every dollar they earn on a paycheque should be helping make them better off, not threatening their access to the medication they need,” Jason Nixon, Alberta’s minister of seniors, community and social services, said in a news release.

ADAP will also allow Albertans to earn more while continuing to receive other benefits, providing them with higher earning exemptions.

They’ll also be able to receive all the health benefits they need, regardless of how much they earn.

The program will also provide skills training, officials said.

“By providing pathways to employment for individuals who are able to work but still need supports, Alberta’s government is empowering people with disabilities to pursue their passions, leading to a greater sense of purpose and improved quality of life,” a government statement read.

More specifics needed: advocate

Inclusion Alberta, an Alberta-based organization that assists and advocates on behalf of children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families, says the province’s plan lacks substance.

“We have very few details at this time as to the specifics of this new program, how it will unfold or how it will impact adults with intellectual disabilities,” said Trish Bowman, Inclusion Alberta’s CEO, in a statement to CTV News.

Bowman adds there may also be concerns from individuals currently on AISH about ADAP.

“There will of course be apprehension from individuals and families that people will be moved off AISH into a different program because they have been assessed as being able to work, but finding and sustaining employment is an entirely different matter,” she said."

She hopes the province will properly engage individuals to develop the program to avoid all negative impacts.

ADAP will open in July 2026 and, at that time, all income assistance applicants, including those on AISH, will be assessed for eligibility.

All eligible applicants will be placed in the program that best meets their needs, the province said.

The Alberta government will also be assisting with streamlining the application process by connecting applicants with doctors to complete their assessments and approvals will be aided by a new review panel of medical professionals.

All current AISH clients will continue to receive their benefits until ADAP comes online. Those individuals will receive more information about the new program next month.