Serving families across Calgary and Treaty 7 communities
Understanding PDD Starts With Clarity
Navigating PDD can feel overwhelming at first. There are assessments, funding categories, and decisions to make, often without clear guidance.
This page is here to simplify that, so you can understand how the system works and what it means for your family.
The Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program is an Alberta government initiative that provides structured funding for adults (18+) with developmental disabilities.
PDD funding is not income; it is allocated support based on assessed need and delivered through approved providers.
PDD supports individuals to:
- Live as independently as possible
- Participate in community life
- Maintain health and safety
- Access structured support services
- Work toward personal goals
Assessments consider:
Community funding categories
Employment Support is typically delivered through specialized employment service providers. InclusiCare coordinates with these providers to ensure your employment goals align with your daily support structure.
Your funding must be used within approved categories. The right provider ensures your plan stays aligned and protected.
Caseworker-Managed
Family-Managed
With Family-Managed Services, you:
- Choose your providers
- Coordinate scheduling
- Monitor usage within your allocation
- Maintain oversight of your plan
It's not less structured, it's more self-directed.
It offers:
- Greater control over provider selection
- More consistent support staff
- Faster scheduling adjustments
- Direct communication
- Flexibility within approved categories
Steps:
- PDD eligibility is confirmed
- Annual funding allocation is approved
- Family selects the Family-Managed model
- Providers are chosen
- Services are delivered within approved categories
- Budget is tracked and reviewed
Family-Managed works best when structure supports flexibility.
| Feature | Caseworker-Managed | Family-Managed |
|---|---|---|
| Provider selection | Assigned | You choose |
| Scheduling flexibility | Moderate | High |
| Budget oversight | Caseworker | Family |
| Staff consistency | Variable | Controlled |
| Communication | Through caseworker | Direct |
Best practices:
- Divide allocation into monthly targets
- Track usage weekly
- Avoid using too much early in the year
- Ensure invoices match approved categories
- Review usage mid-year
Proactive tracking prevents year-end shortages, one of the most common challenges families face.
An adult approved for:
- 20 hours/week in-home support
- 2 days/week community access
With Family-Managed, families can:
- Adjust support during high-stress periods
- Increase or reduce services seasonally
- Maintain consistent staff
- Communicate directly with providers
Stability. Flexibility. Clarity.
InclusiCare works differently:
- We align with your approved plan before services begin
- We document and invoice accurately
- We communicate clearly and early
- We stay within approved hours and categories
- We reduce administrative stress—we don't add to it
You stay in control. We make the system easier to work within.
It may be right if:
- You want to choose your providers
- Staff consistency matters
- You prefer direct communication
- You're comfortable with some oversight
- You want flexibility within structure
If you prefer less administrative involvement, caseworker-managed services may be a better fit, and that’s completely valid.
Yes, in many cases this is possible. Your caseworker can guide you through the transition process.
You are responsible for oversight, but a good provider (like InclusiCare) ensures documentation and invoicing are accurate and aligned.
Services must stay within your approved allocation. Going over can create issues, which is why tracking and provider coordination matter.
Yes. Family-Managed gives you control over provider selection.
Your caseworker can review and adjust your plan if needed.