This release was issued under a previous government.

More than 10,000 adults with disabilities, 9,000 children with disabilities and their families and 2,400 people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will be assisted in their homes and communities through increased investments from Budget 2014.

“We are committed to delivering high quality services to all Albertans that will help them lead fulfilling lives in the community. Employment is a critical part of that. Employment provides an opportunity to learn new skills, meet people, and earn a pay cheque. This is why we will continue to implement the Employment First Strategy, supporting individuals to work as much as they can so they can meet their individual goals.”

Naresh Bhardwaj, Associate Minister of Services for Persons with Disabilities

Additional efforts to support the Employment First Strategy are also a priority. This approach provides employment supports for persons with all types of disabilities and functional challenges, including those with complex and significant disabilities for whom job opportunities may have been limited or not available. The Alberta Employer Advisory Council was recently established to help improve employment and career development options for Albertans with disabilities.

"We are pleased to see that the province has substantively increased funding for the provision of supports to children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. It appears that the voice of families and individuals with developmental disabilities is being heard and respected by this government."

Robin Acton, President of the Alberta Association for Community Living (AACL) and the parent of an adult daughter with developmental disabilities

Budget 2014 Highlights:

Support to Persons with Disabilities
$967 million (increase of $54 million or 5.9%)

  • Independence and community involvement for adults with developmental disabilities;
  • Family Support for Children with Disabilities;
  • 12 FASD Service Networks

Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped
$941 million (increase of $41 million or 4.5%)

  • Income and other support for about 48,600 adults with disabilities; and,
  • $1,588 maximum monthly income benefit is the highest in Canada.

Alberta’s Ministry of Human Services is investing $4.1 billion in 2014-15, an increase of $213 million, to keep children healthy and safe, build stronger families and communities, and deliver better services for vulnerable Albertans.

Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.