Province cuts over half a million from Inclusion Alberta

Inclusion Alberta says it is most concerned about “the families who rely on the community and connection that was created” through the funding that has been cut by the Alberta government. 

The non-profit learned earlier this month that the province was cutting more than $500,000 in grants which it had received for decades. 

The group foresees “a long-term impact, on the supports and services it provides” to children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families. 

The funding helped families improve their knowledge, skills, and abilities to actively pursue inclusion in every aspect of community life. 

“Our ability to support these local grassroots family networks to build their capacity and capitalize on natural community supports and opportunities is more important than ever in a time when many families are waiting without any support from either FSCD or PDD,” says Keith Moore, Treasurer of Inclusion Alberta. 

The timing of the government cuts is difficult as “the organization was looking to respond to the growing demand” and it forced to now preserve what was, notes CEO Trish Bowman. 

The Alberta government says the funds were intended for direct services to the individuals. Also, the group will still get some $10.3 million for services in it provides. But communications coordinator, Sara Protosaw says that figure is for two years.

Inclusion Alberta notes that the grant funds went to peer support programs for families of children with intellectual disabilities and navigating government systems. So, these are direct services, notes Bowman. 

“In difficult times, the decision to cut support to those who already face significant challenges every day should be a wakeup call for all Albertans,” concludes Bowman. 

Inclusion Alberta is currently calling on Albertans to contact their MLA on the issues of Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) and Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) programs. While the programs are a critical support they can only be accessed after your child is assessed. It contends that “both systems have become unresponsive and bureaucratic” with families being “increasingly let down.”

MyLloydminsterNow has reached out to Inclusion Lloydminster to learn about the local impact of the funding cuts.