For the most up-to-date information on the Government of Alberta’s ADAP program visit the Alberta Disability Assistance Program Page and see the latest media releases here.
PDD and AISH
Timeline for Adult Transition
Transitioning from child to adult services is a major milestone for people with developmental disabilities. At age 18, individuals must transition from FSCD to adult programs like PDD and AISH. Because wait times are long, families must plan early to prevent gaps in support.
PDD (Persons with Developmental Disabilities)
The PDD program, funded by the Alberta government, supports eligible adults with developmental disabilities through home living, community access and employment supports. PDD does not provide income support, housing, medical care, or crisis services.
To be eligible for PDD services, an individual must
- be at least 18 years old
- be a resident of Alberta and receive services in Alberta
- be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- have a developmental disability that began before age 18
- have a significant limitation in intellectual capacity (FSIQ of 70 or less)
- have a significant limitation in adaptive (daily living) skills
You can apply online as soon as the individual turns 16 years old.
Documents Needed for PDD Application
- Proof of age and citizenship or permanent residency (one of the following):
- Canadian Birth Certificate
- Canadian Passport
- Permanent Resident or Citizenship card
- IMM1000 Record of Landing
- IMM5292 Confirmation of Permanent Residence
- Proof of decision-making capacity (one of the following):
- Adult Guardianship court order
- Co-Decision Making court order
- Supported Decision Making authorization
3. Proof of developmental disability (one of the following)
- A psychological assessment showing an Full Scale IQ score of 70 or below
- A letter from a doctor or psychologist confirming the individual cannot be tested
Next Steps and Parent’s Advocacy
- PDD will send you a letter of eligibility or ineligibility
- PDD will assign you a Disability Services caseworker
- The caseworker will meet with you to determine
- Short-term and long-term goals
- Type and amount of support (day program, respite, employment)
- Delivery of supports (service provider, Family Managed Services, both)
- Living accommodations (family home, supported home, agency-provided home)
Your advocacy at these initial meetings is critical:
- Be clear about your child’s needs and the services you require
- Submit these details in writing, either before or after your meeting
- Focus on your child’s needs, not your own
- Save all your communications with PDD
- PDD will send you the details of your approved funding.
Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship
If you are applying for services on behalf of your child, you need to have appropriate decision-making authority in place before your child turns 18:
- Adult Guardianship court order (Full/Partial)
- Co-Decision Maker court order (Shared)
- Supported Decision Making authorization (Voluntary)
- Public Guardian (Assigned)
To apply for adult guardianship:
- Apply online when your child reaches 17 years old
- Arrange for a doctor or psychologist to complete a capacity assessment
- Submit the application to the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT)
- Pay the fees for the court filing ($300), the capacity assessment ($50-$100), and the background checks for alternate guardians ($79 each).
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH)
AISH provides a monthly living allowance and health benefits to eligible adults with a disability or medical condition that (1) is likely to remain permanent, and (2) substantially limits their ability to earn a living.
To be eligible for AISH benefits, the individual must
- be a resident of Alberta
- be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, and
- have less than $100,000 of non-exempt assets
(Exempt assets include a home, a vehicle, an RDSP, and a discretionary trust fund)
The AISH application form has two parts. Complete Part 1 (Applicant Form) and have a family doctor or pediatrician complete Part 2 (Medical Form). The Medical Form is not required if the individual has already been accepted into the PDD program.
Transitioning to Adulthood Toolkit
Autism Society Alberta offers a toolkit that provides a broad overview of considerations for Autistic youth and their families as they transition to adulthood.
Website: Transitioning to Adulthood — Autism Society Alberta
Transitioning Planning Guide from Gov’t of Alberta
016-08-tansition-planning-guide-students-with-disabilities
Employment Supports
Alis
A Career and Education Planning Guide for Students with Disabilities
Website: Resources for People with Disabilities – alis (alberta.ca)