‘Silent crisis’: Long waits leave Calgary children without disability care

Calgary parents are sounding the alarm over years-long delays in accessing disability supports, warning that critical early-development windows are being lost.

Karl Visser says his hope for his four-year-old daughter Olivia is simple: to one day hear her say “I love you.” Olivia has Rett syndrome, a rare neurological condition that causes the loss of speech and motor skills. Visser believes timely therapy could make a difference, but says provincial support has been out of reach since 2023.

“It’s been years of waiting for an FSCD social worker. My family has not gotten the supports in a timely manner, which has led to delays and the progression of my daughter’s disability,” he said.

Advocates say Olivia’s case reflects a broader problem. Inclusion Alberta describes the situation as a “silent crisis,” estimating families are waiting three to four years for full access to the Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) program.

“We know there are thousands of families waiting with no real understanding of how long they will wait,” said CEO Trish Bowman. “These are critical developmental years for children that they never get back.”

Bowman said funding increases have not kept pace with inflation or population growth, while shrinking social worker caseloads have worsened delays. “Families are really lost and honestly left in the lurch,” she said.

In a statement, the province said it has invested record funding in disability supports, including more than $3.6 billion in Budget 2025 and an added $30 million for FSCD. However, officials did not disclose current wait times.

Bowman warned the consequences of inaction will be long-lasting. “These are investments in children and families… To fail to do that is really a failure that we will live with for generations.”

Visser says he will keep pressing governments for change, urging other families to do the same.