The Government of Alberta recently reduced funding for disability support programs by $49 million and is struggling to keep up with demands for social services. Recent changes made to support systems for people with disabilities leave many Albertans facing uncertainty. This is resulting in reduced income for Albertans with disabilities and an estimated 20,000 children on a waitlist for disability support. 

“There’s a lot of fear of uncertainty because the one thing they do know is that their income will be dropping at the end of 2027 by $200 a month. That’s a really big hit for people that are already $450 below the poverty line. So the mental health impact is huge. Despair and depression is definitely hitting people,” said Rene Plaizier who is the executive director at Inclusion Lethbridge. Plaizier has been working with Inclusion Lethbridge for over 10 years and has observed the evolution of the disability support systems in Alberta. 

Many Albertans who are in the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped program are being transitioned into the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program by the Government of Alberta to encourage workforce participation. The transition would mean a $200 cut back on the aid received by those under the AISH program. This is sparking debate in the province  as it is the main source of income for many Albertans living with disabilities who may not be able to join the workforce.

Another development in Alberta’s support system for people with disabilities is the surging demands for aids such as social services. This sudden rise in demand has left plenty of children waiting to be accepted into the Family Support for Children with Disabilities program as they are unable to keep up with the demand. FSCD is a government funded program put in place to help families with the costs and care for children with disabilities. 

In 2025, Inclusion Alberta released a report called “Too Little, Too Late” stating many Albertan families are expected to wait years before they are able to fully access all of the benefits included with the FSCD program. Programs like FSCD and the Child Disability Benefit help families in Alberta access support systems like therapy and respite care.

Children as young as infants will be on the waitlist for years to come which could have lasting effects on their development.

“Every person, whether typical or atypical, deserves every opportunity to live their best life. If that support is needed and isn’t available, then life becomes extremely difficult for all of those involved. No one should have to just settle,” said Marcie Kortt who has raised a child with autism. Kortt applied for support systems for her daughter, Payton, over 17 years ago and stated that even then, it was challenging to get the support put into place.

“I find it incredibly heartbreaking and frustrating that after all of these years things have only gotten worse instead of better,” said Kortt. Many advocacy groups in Alberta are starting to speak out against the current state of support systems for people with disabilities. 

Kids Can’t Wait is an organization of parents who are advocating for a better future for children with disabilities by spreading awareness. Many Albertans like Marcie Kortt and Rene Plaizier are hoping for better and more accessible support systems to be put in place for people with disabilities in the province.