The report summarizes input from thousands of Albertans who shared their views about the PDD program. Feedback focused on themes of eligibility, program access, service delivery, staff training, and communication between the disability community and government.
In response to the significant input, and in keeping with the province’s commitment to open dialogue with the disability community, the Alberta government is establishing two new ongoing engagement groups.
The Disability Advisory Forum will provide the minister of community and social services with advice on matters relevant to Albertans with disabilities. Participation at forum meetings will be sought from provincial-level organizations representing the full range of disability community perspectives, including self-advocates, families, Indigenous communities, service providers, community disability workers and other interested parties. Membership will vary depending on the topic under consideration. The first forum will be convened in the fall to discuss PDD eligibility. Eligibility is a key issue identified in the report, and by the disability community. Participants of this first forum discussion will include the PDD review panel co-chairs and additional members from the disability community.
The Service Provider Partnership Committee will serve as a link between the Alberta Council of Disability Services and the Ministry of Community and Social Services to alleviate administrative challenges and other operational concerns. READ FULL RELEASE
JANUARY 2019
What we’re hearing : PDD review panel Brief overviews of the results of engagement sessions for the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) review January 2, 2019  Each report includes information on the number of participants and key themes or issues heard by the appointed review panel during each session.
FEBRUARY 13, 2019
ALIGN E.D. UPDATE – Communication from Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) Program Review Secretariat Feb 13, 2019 As you may know, the PDD Review Panel undertook an engagement this fall and winter. The panel received thoughtful input from Albertans across the province, including self-advocates, individuals receiving PDD services, family members, service providers, advocacy groups and community disability workers and other interested Albertans.
The following is a summary of participation for the initial engagement period:
- 1,115 people attended community conversation sessions in St. Paul, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Calgary and Edmonton
- 1,163 people completed an online questionnaire
- 10 community organizations submitted input from self-facilitated discussions and 13 organizations gave presentations to the panel
- 84 individuals made submissions either in writing, video or art formats
The panel is currently reviewing and analyzing all of the feedback and submissions that were received. Once that is completed, they will provide an initial report to the Minister of Community and Social Services on what they heard during the engagement period. The panel will then submit a final report to the Minister that includes specific and actionable recommendations.
FALL 2018
In addition to a series of Community Conversation sessions being held throughout the province, there will be opportunities for organizations such as yours to make presentations to the PDD program review panel. This PDD Program Review Discussion Guide Fall 2018 is being used to assist in developing input to the panel.
To Rhonda Barraclough ALIGN Association E.D. From Dorothy Badry, Dick Sobsey, Ann Nicol Co-Chairpersons’- PDD Review Panel
As you may be aware, the Minister of Community and Social Services has appointed a community-led panel to oversee the review of the Persons with Development Disabilities (PDD) program. Â The review panel will be seeking input from Albertans with developmental disabilities, their families and guardians and others involved in supporting their participation in the community about how PDD can support the personal choices, independence, priorities and needs of those who receive services through PDD.
The panel is focused on five topic areas in scope of the review:
· access to services and supports to meet individual needs and goals;
· a service delivery system that: responds to the needs of individuals and families;provides clear lines of accountability and oversight;
· training and supports to enable a skilled and well-trained workforce; and
· engagement with the disability community (i.e. individuals, families, guardians, service providers and workforce) at both the system and individual levels to provide clarity of purpose and outcomes.
October 2018
Letter from Alberta Community and Social Services Office of the Minister re PDD Review October 12, 2018
Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) Program Review October 2, 2018
Today, the Minister of Community and Social Services announced the appointment of a community-led panel to oversee the review of the PDD program. The review panel will be seeking input from Albertans with developmental disabilities, their families and guardians and others involved in supporting their participation in the community about how PDD can support the personal choices, independence, priorities and needs of those who receive services through PDD Letter from Community and Social Services Office of the Minister Ifran Sabir Oct 2, 2018
APRIL 2019
PDD Review Panel – Determine the Scope, Timing and Content of the Review April 2018
Alberta government is working closely with people with disabilities, families, service providers and advocates to determine the scope, timing and content of the review. More details will be shared after further discussions with the community.
Get involved
They want to hear your suggestions for the review
- what issues and challenges should be discussed during the review
- where, when and how the review activities should take place
There are 3 different ways to fill out and return the survey. Choose the way that works best for you.
