How to Access Disability Funding for Young Persons in Alberta

Living with a disability comes with unique challenges, including accessing the necessary financial support to cover specialized care and support. For families in Alberta, navigating the disability funding system can feel overwhelming. However, understanding the available programs and application process can make a significant difference.

InclusiCare Solutions Inc. is dedicated to easing the stress of caring for loved ones with developmental disabilities. This guide outlines how parents and guardians in Alberta can access disability funding for children and young adults, focusing on two key programs: Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) and Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD).

The Alberta government offers the following programs to support individuals with developmental disabilities:

• Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD): Designed to help families with children under 18, who have developmental, physical, sensory, or mental disabilities.
• Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD): Support individuals aged 18 and older with developmental disabilities.

Both programs require an application process and specific eligibility criteria. Below, we will break down each program, including the eligibility and application process.

Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)

Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for FSCD, there are a few essential conditions that families must meet:

• Age of the Child: The child must be under 18 years old.
• Residency: The child must reside in Alberta and be either a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident.
• Medical Documentation: A medical professional must confirm that the child has a chronic condition (developmental, physical, sensory, mental, or neurological) that significantly impacts daily life.

Documents required
When applying for FSCD, parents will need to provide several important documents:

• Proof of Citizenship: This could be a birth certificate or passport.
• Medical Reports: These documents should detail the child’s diagnosis or provide evidence of an ongoing diagnostic process.
• Proof of Guardianship: Birth certificates or adoption papers can serve as evidence.

Application Process

• Complete the FSCD Application: Visit Alberta.ca and fill out the online application form, making sure to include all required documents.
• Submit Supporting Documents: Ensure your medical reports, proof of citizenship, and other documents are current.
• Await Assessment: A Disability Services worker will review your application. They may contact you for additional information to complete the assessment.

Support and Services Available
Once your family qualifies for FSCD support, you may receive a range of services, including:

• Information and Resources: Access to government programs, community support, and local resources.
• Support Coordination: Help in accessing and coordinating services and supports.
• Clothing and Footwear Assistance: Support for specialized clothing or footwear related to the child’s disability.
• Counselling Services: Emotional support for the family.
• Child Care: Assistance with child care needs.
• Medical Appointment Support: Help covering costs for medical visits, including parking, mileage, meals, accommodation, and sibling care.
• Respite Services: Temporary breaks from caregiving responsibilities, either at home or outside the home.
• Personal Care Assistance: Aides to provide personal, community, behavioural, or developmental support.
• Medical Supplies: Help with costs for medications, prescribed diets, ambulance services, or medical supplies.
• Specialized Services: Tailored services for children with severe disabilities.
• Transition Planning: Support for key life events such as hospital discharge, school transitions, or planning for adulthood as your child approaches age 16.

After Approval
If your application is successful, an FSCD worker will reach out to discuss the next steps. This includes developing a plan tailored to your family’s unique needs. For families requiring more support, a Disability Services caseworker will meet with you to assess:

• The specific needs of your child.
• The impact the child’s disability has on the family.
• Available community programs or support from family and friends.
• Professional recommendations for further assistance.

If additional support is required after the initial assessment, a Disability Services caseworker will help you create an Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP). This plan is based on a shared understanding of:

• Your family’s strengths, needs, and priorities.
• Short- and long-term goals for your child’s development, both at home and in the community.
• Specific strategies, services, responsibilities, and timelines to help achieve those goals.

FSCD Agreement

Once you and your caseworker agree on the services to be provided, an FSCD agreement will be drafted. This agreement outlines the services that the program will offer to meet your family’s goals. The agreement is a legally binding document that typically lasts for up to three years. Your caseworker will be available for consultation during the duration of the agreement to make adjustments as needed.

Before your FSCD agreement expires, you and your caseworker will review:

• Your child’s ongoing eligibility for FSCD program.
• Your family’s situation and evolving needs.
• Any necessary updates to the IFSP or FSCD agreement.

What FSCD Does Not Cover
While FSCD provides a wide range of services, it does not:

• Address educational needs (which are covered by other programs).
• Provide emergency or crisis support.
• Cover equipment provided through Alberta Aids to Daily Living.
• Replace services that are available through other programs.
• Provide individual therapy or financial benefits.

Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD)

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for PDD services, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Be 16 years or older (services begin at 18).
• Reside in Alberta and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Have a developmental disability diagnosed before the age of 18.
• A developmental disability typically involves difficulties in cognitive, adaptive, and day-to-day life skills, which may include challenges in social interaction, decision-making, or maintaining personal care.

Assessment Requirements
To confirm eligibility for PDD services, you must provide the following documents:

• Psychological Assessment: A report that confirms an IQ of 70 or lower, typically from a Psychological Assessment Report, Neuropsychological Assessment, or similar evaluations.
• Evidence of Adaptive Challenges: Documentation showing difficulties in adaptive skills, including decision-making, safety, and other everyday tasks.

Assessment Process
The PDD assessment process involves a comprehensive evaluation of the individual’s needs, which is carried out by a PDD caseworker. This process typically includes:

• Document Review: The PDD caseworker will review the submitted documentation.
• Interviews: Interviews will be conducted with the individual and relevant parties to ensure the assessment is individualized and thorough.

Common assessments used to evaluate eligibility include:

• Psychological Assessment Report.
• Psycho-Educational Assessment.
• Neuropsychological Assessment.

These assessments examine cognitive abilities, learning patterns, reasoning, and behaviour. They may also provide recommendations for assistive technologies to help individuals with daily living tasks.

Application Process for PDD Services
If you meet the eligibility criteria, follow these steps to apply for PDD services:

• Apply Online: Create a secure account on the PDD application portal.
• Complete and submit the online application form.
• Submit Required Documents: Provide the necessary documentation, such as assessment reports and proof of citizenship.
• If requested, submit additional documentation, which may include school records, medical records, or evidence of participation in other programs.

After Applying
Once you have submitted your application, one of the following will occur:

• If eligible, a PDD caseworker will contact you to discuss available services and supports.
• If not eligible, you will receive an explanation of the decision, along with recommendations for other resources or programs that may be more suitable.

Once eligible for PDD services, a caseworker will help you create an Outcome Plan, which outlines the services and supports available to you. This plan will be shared with the service providers you choose. The Outcome Plan outlines the essential goals and services that align with your needs.

Within three months of receiving services, your service provider and/or the Family Managed Services administrator, along with your support team and PDD worker, will work with you to develop a detailed Individualized Support Plan. This plan specifies how your service providers will assist you in reaching your goals.

Services Available Through PDD
Based on your Individual Support Plan, you may be eligible for various services that help you live as independently as possible. These include:

• Home Living Supports: Assistance with daily activities like meal preparation, household chores (e.g., laundry), and managing finances.
• Respite Services: Temporary relief for caregivers who provide full-time care, allowing them a break from their caregiving duties.
• Community Access Supports: Support to engage in community activities, hobbies, and social events to foster learning, relaxation, and social interaction.
• Employment Supports: Assistance with developing new skills, seeking employment, and maintaining a paid job.
• Short-Term Support or Training: Additional help for caregivers during difficult times, including training to better assist in caregiving roles.
• Specialized Supports: Expert support for individuals with specific or additional needs, which may include therapy or advanced care.

What PDD Does Not Provide
While PDD offers a variety of services, there are several things it does not cover. These include:

• Income Support: For financial assistance, see programs like Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), Income Support, and Canada Pension Plan.
• Decision-Making Authority: For decision-making assistance, consult the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT).
• Medical Equipment: For medical devices, visit Alberta Aids to Daily Living.
• Medical Care: For general health care needs, access Alberta’s health services.
• Crisis Supports: For urgent needs, consult Crisis Support services.
• Para-professional Services: PDD does not provide access to therapists like psychologists, occupational therapists, or speech-language pathologists.
• Transportation Services: For transportation options, contact local town or county services for public transportation.
• Housing: For affordable housing, visit programs related to Affordable Housing.
• Childcare Services: For childcare, check with local Child Care programs.

At InclusiCare, we are passionate advocates for individuals with developmental disabilities. Our mission is to provide personalized care that empowers, supports, and celebrates each person’s uniqueness. Whether you are applying for FSCD or PDD, we are here to guide you through the process and help you access the resources you need.

By understanding Alberta’s disability funding options and taking proactive steps, your family can secure the support you need to improve your loved one’s quality of life. Together, let’s create a community where everyone is valued, respected, and included.

For more information, contact our team at info@inclusicaresolution.ca