Update on PDD Funding February 18, 2010
Thanks to everyone whose combined efforts led to a halt in the 4th quarter cuts PDD was ordered to implement by the Ministry of Seniors and Community Supports. It was encouraging to see families and so many service providers stand united in their opposition to these cuts which would have been devastating as they were being implemented without any consultation with families. And, of course, the broad public support for individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and those who provided supports and services.
A few agencies did cooperate in making cuts and AACL is actively working to have these services and funding restored. Although Minister Jablonski has repeatedly stated the cuts were voluntary and not to direct services this was not the case for a number of individuals and families in the Calgary region. We are hopeful the Minister's assurances will apply to every individual and family equally.
As a result of our united advocacy PDD's budget for the forthcoming year is much better than expected. However, the budget is still less than needed and PDD will have to reduce spending over the next year. We anticipate some reductions will come from reducing government costs but where else PDD may cut is not yet known. Again, the Minister has stated for the coming year reductions in spending will not be taken out of direct services but out of administration costs. She has also stated everyone eligible for PDD will receive services.
However, the Minister has not yet agreed to a process that actively involves families and service providers at the provincial level in considering how PDD will manage its funding shortfall, in spite of repeated requests to this end. We are seeking a true partnership with PDD and a transparent process for planning and implementing future PDD decisions. Until this partnership and transparency exists trust and confidence cannot be fully restored in the Ministry or PDD.
As more information is forthcoming we will continue to post it.
In response to the cuts from PDD AACL has developed the following resources:
Click here to see the video of Bruce Uditsky on ACCESS TV's Alberta Primetime show from February 17, 2010.
Click here for photos from the Rally at the Legislature from February 10, 2010 in Edmonton
Click here to see the video of MLA Laurie Blakeman responding to the Speech from the Throne regarding PDD.
AACL would like to share with you the Alberta Government Speech from the Throne and the AACL response from February 4, 2010.
Media Release, February 9, 2010: Budget pleases and disappoints families who have children and adults with developmental disabilities
Media Release, January 28, 2010: Minister Jablonski misses the point - Cuts not voluntary for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families from AACL
News Release, January 27, 2010: Minister Jablonski reinforces support for adults with developmental disabilities from the Government of Alberta
Alberta Liberal and Wildrose Alliance Parties stand in solidarity with individuals with developmental disabilities, their families and the Alberta Association for Community Living. Click here for the press release January 19, 2010
Memo from Calgary PDD to service providers December 9, 2009
Letter to Calgary PDD in response January 8, 2010
PDD cuts contradict Minister January 19, 2010
Prospect's communication regarding PDD cuts in Calgary December 17, 2009
A letter a family in Calgary received regarding cuts to support dollars December 18, 2009
A letter a family in Calgary received regarding a reduction in hours December 18, 2009
Click here for photos from the SOS Bottle Drive from January 14, 2010 in Edmonton
Media Release, January 19, 2010: NDP Media Release: Cuts to Services for Disabled are Hurting Families
Media Release, January 10, 2010: PDD requests cuts to funding and services while expending funds and resources on assessing 9200 individuals with developmental disabilities
Open Letter to Families who have Sons and Daughters with Developmental Disabilities and Community Service Providers and Points for individuals, families and agencies to consider in replying to PDD’s request to participate in an assessment using the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS).
Letter to Stelmach from the Canadian Association for Community Living, December 21, 2009
Media Release, December 21, 2009: Government Continues to Fail in its Moral and Ethical Responsibilities to Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and their Families
Media Release, December 16, 2009: Alberta’s “False” Promise: Government implements drastic cuts to adults with developmental disabilities
Backgrounder: Alberta’s “False” Promise: Government implements drastic cuts to adults with developmental disabilities
These unannounced cuts might be stopped if enough families take immediate action. If you do not want to see the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities put at risk, we urge you to contact your MLA immediately and to have as many of your allies contact them as well. Ask the Premier to keep his promise to protect vulnerable Albertans
You may call, write, ask for a meeting and/or send an email. We ask as well that you let AACL know if you have contacted your MLA. Click here for a list of MLA’s and their contact information.
Alberta maybe putting the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in harm’s way, when it could easily absorb the cuts or have prevented the need for them in the first instance.
PDD’s intent to begin assessing every individual. Under the circumstances we suggest families and individuals refuse to undergo this assessment until the cuts are stopped, and refuse to support resources being allocated to these assessments while cuts are being made. Further to this individuals and families are advised not to agree to these assessments until PDD openly and transparently communicates the purpose of these assessments and assures families that individual supports and services will not be reduced as a result of these assessments.
We suggest as well that families consider requesting from PDD, NOT from agencies but PDD, the reinstatement of any cuts to their supports and failing that reinstatement, launch an appeal. AACL will be pleased to assist you any such appeal.
If you require additional information, please contact our staff by phone at 1.800.252.7556 or by email.
You can follow this story as it develops through the following media links:
December 1, 2009
CTV News Edmonton
New gov't rules could impact adults with developmental disabilities
December 16, 2009
Wildrose Alliance
Media Release: Wildrose Alliance Questions Government's Christmas Clawback of Services to Vulnerable Citizen
December 16, 2009
Global TV News, Calgary
News Hour
December 16, 2009
Canadian Business Online
Alberta’s “False” Promise: Government implements drastic cuts to adults with developmental disabilities
December 16, 2009
CBC News, Edmonton
Province cuts funding to disability program
December 17, 2009
The Edmonton Journal
Province claws back $6M from agencies helping disabled Some groups consider closing doors
December 17, 2009
Global TV Calgary
Ridiculous bake sale to demonstrate ridiculous health cuts
December 17, 2009
The Calgary Sun
Social agency cuts decried. Legal action against province mulled
December 17, 2009
The Canadian Press
Programs for disabled face cuts: groups
December 17, 2009
Lethbridge Herald
Fate of PDD funding remains uncertain
December 17, 2009
Red Deer Advocate
Programs for disabled face cuts: groups
December 18, 2009
Edmonton Journal
Steady Ebenezer squeezes budgets
December 19, 2009
Calgary Herald
Cuts to disabled labelled 'unethical'
December 20, 2009
Calgary Sun
Disabled Scrooged by province
December 22, 2009
Edmonton Journal Front Page
Disabled have right to appeal cuts
December 22, 2009
Calgary Herald
$11 M in cuts to disabled smacks of Scrooge
December 22, 2009
Calgary Herald
Stelmach has failed Alberta’s disabled, says critics
December 22, 2009
Edmonton Journal
Disabilites budget has increased, Minister seeks to clarify (Letter from Minister Jablonski)
January 10, 2010
Edmonton Journal
PDD Funding still inadequate (Response from Bruce Uditsky)