The province will host two telephone town halls to talk about changes to funding for persons with disabilities. As of July 1, Albertans on Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) will fall under the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP). The provincial government says ADAP allows Albertans to earn more while continuing to receive other benefits, providing them with higher earning exemptions. Individuals will also receive health benefits and skills training. Officials add ADAP isn’t replacing AISH, rather it is being offered as an additional program for those who are deemed able to work. However, advocates have criticized the program saying it could leave thousands in deeper poverty. Under ADAP, individuals receive a maximum monthly allowance of $1,740, $200 less than the $1,940 received through AISH. In an online statement, Trish Bowman, the CEO of Inclusion Alberta, said, “This is a devastating blow to people with disabilities on AISH.” “There is nothing proposed here that will address complex and deep-rooted systemic barriers and materially change the longstanding 80 per cent unemployment rate for adults with intellectual disabilities.” There is a combined application for AISH and ADAP, and an applicants needs and situation will determine which program they are eligible for. The telephone town halls where people can learn more take place on Thursday at 6 p.m. and Friday at 12 p.m.
