Government Relations
Persons with disabilities face stigma and significant challenges in the areas of access to healthcare, employment, accessible transportation, education and affordable, accessible housing. The Government Relations department identifies emerging issues affecting persons with disabilities through community and government consultation.

The CPAA ensures that planning committees include a disability focus. The staff and committee members are responsible for collecting, analyzing and classifying information responding to requests for information, and assist with policies, research and surveys. Furthermore it is important to advocate, monitor, research and identify political/policy risks, threats, vulnerabilities, trends and opportunities that may affect persons with disabilities.

The Government Relations department has the ability to influence decision and policy making. Effective government relations requires: understanding the process of how government decisions are made; being proactive; participating; educating; and building relationships with individuals who will impact the outcome.

Initiated by the Cerebral Palsy Association in Alberta, funded by United Way of Calgary and supported by the provincial government, CAN is a collaborative involving professionals and consumers from the disability community. The main goal of CAN is to bridge the gap between the fragmented disability communities in Calgary and put forward action plans to effectively advance policies that address persons with disabilities.

The Calgary Ability Network has created four planning tables to
address issues related to:

A fifth planning table is working in collaboration with the Accessible Housing Working Group.

Consumers to play a vital role in the development of the planning tables. With over 120 stakeholders supporting this collaboration, we are confident that we can address the remaining issues facing people with disabilities.

The response received from the majority of agencies indicates a need for increased partnerships and communications between non-profits. They are thrilled at the opportunity to share information about their organization and to become a part of creating a brighter future for people with disabilities—one where they will have full citizenship and unrestricted access to affordable housing, not live in poverty, recreation and employment opportunities and affordable, accessible transportation. This response is consistent with comments made by municipal and provincial government representatives.

If you are interested in contributing to any of these tables please email Mezaun Lakha-Evin.

Alberta Aids to Daily Living
The AADL program helps Albertans with a long-term disability, chronic illness or terminal illness to maintain their independence at home, in lodges or group homes by providing financial assistance to buy medical equipment and supplies. View >

AISH – Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped
The AISH program provides financial and health-related assistance to eligible adults with a disability. View >

Canada Benefits
Government of Canada site where persons with disabilities can access information regarding various benefit programs offered by the government of Canada. View >

Government of Alberta
Provides services available in Alberta. View >

Government of Canada – Persons with Disabilities On-Line
Government of Canada site where persons with disabilities and their caregivers can access information regarding programs, services, resources, etc. offered by the government of
Canada. View >

Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD)
The PDD Program, as part of the Ministry of Seniors and Community Supports, develops, implements, and evaluates a provincial plan for the delivery of supports to adults with developmental disabilities. View >

Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities
The Premier’s Council represents all persons with disabilities from all over Alberta, regardless of age or type of disability. View >