Supporting one another International Day for Persons with Disabilities

 What. An. Afternoon

1 Foot Squared Micro Art Show — and it delivered BIG.

The 1 Foot Squared Micro Art Show, hosted at Italiano Please!, was nothing short of extraordinary. What began as a celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities transformed into a vibrant, inspiring gathering of artists, adventurers, advocates, and authors—each contributing their own creativity, courage, and voice.

Inside Italiano, every inch of space felt alive.
Every 1-foot piece of art held a whole story.
Every connection sparked a conversation.

The atmosphere buzzed with imagination, awareness, and community. From stunning miniature artworks to powerful conversations, guests experienced a night that honoured diversity, celebrated talent, and uplifted voices that deserve to be heard and seen.

And if you missed it?
Let's be honest—the FOMO is real. 

While others were inside soaking in unforgettable art, meeting incredible creators, and celebrating in a warm, lively venue, the rest were only catching glimpses from the outside. And trust us—you'll want to be in the room next time. Thank you to all who joined the celebration. 

In recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Members of the Disability Action Hall

Urgent call to amend Bill 12 and to strengthen AISH instead

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3rd, 2025), a day typically recognized for the contributions of persons with disabilities, Albertans urge the Alberta government to amend Bill 12 to strengthen the AISH program. 

Despite UCP Ric McIver, the appointed Speaker of the House, advising on the afternoon of December 3rd that if Bill 12 is wrong, people should speak up now to their MLA to amend the bill. Yet 43 MLAs voted against Amendment 1.A debate begins with Minister Nixon clarifying the ADAP program at about 2:08, and the vote occurred at 10:30 PM on December 3rd. Watch here. 

What is proposed? 

Visit the Alberta government website. To learn more about the proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program ADAP), which is proposed to be effective July 1st, 2026. All people will then be transferred from the AISH program to the ADAP program. As stated on the government website, ADAP clients can apply for reassessment for AISH if their medical condition or ability to work changes. How people will be assessed for either program is still unclear as this is addressed in regulations. 

Amending Bill 12:

Trusted experts and people with disabilities who have a complete understanding of the barriers to employment and of Bill 12 state that it is not a pathway to employment; in its current form, it is a pathway to poverty due to health, cost of living and systemic barriers. 

The outcomes of implementing Bill 12 will ultimately add greater strain on healthcare, emergency shelters, social services and justice. 

Members of the Disability Action Hall were pleased to meet with the government to share what is working well with AISH and what could be strengthened....

What works well under AISH?

Under the current AISH program, where people are working and contributing to the economy, the proposed ADAP changes are redundant. People can retain more income under the current AISH program until a person can work 33 hours a week at minimum wage. If that individual continues to work 33+ hours a week, the AISH monthly allowance is reduced to $1. 

What could be strengthened with AISH?  

Systemic investment to work with employers to address barriers:

The reality is that many people on AISH cannot work 33+ hours a week and face systemic barriers to securing employment for a host of reasons, none of which are their fault. What people like about the consultation is a greater investment in tools for working with employers and employment supports to secure and maintain employment. 

Systemic approaches to help employers can be implemented without modifying AISH and can coexist with current AISH legislation. This will ensure people remain safely housed and employment-ready, with nutritious food, work clothing, and access to affordable public transportation to secure employment, volunteer, go to the hospital, and continue to contribute to society. 

ADAP Petitions: 

There is an ADAP petition from former members of the Premier's Council calling for ADAP's cancellation. Many members of the Premier's council are very familiar with the AISH program and its adaptability, tailoring it to a person's ability to work due to health limitations. 

Latest News coverage: 

A second ADAP petition, Vote No, and halt the introduction of ADAP by Barrier Free Alberta 

Barrier Free Alberta also adds that the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the Honourable Ric McIver, gave the following advice to persons with disabilities at the Legislative Assembly's 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities ceremony: 

"Do not suffer in silence. If you see something that needs fixing, complain about it. Make that known. Some of the rest of us don't live your reality. It's our responsibility to try to understand your reality, and sometimes we need help. Again, don't suffer in silence. That's the only way the rest of the world will catch up with what you already know. 

We hope Alberta continues to inform all MLAs 

to amend Bill 12 and cancel ADAP. 

Latest News coverage (December 3rd and 4th)  

'A 'punishment': Calgarians protest as Province prepares to move AISH recipients to new disability benefits program', Calgary Herald, December 3rd, 2025 

'International Day of Persons with Disabilities highlights inclusion, advocates warn Alberta’s Bill 12 undermines it', My Lloydminster Now, December 3rd, 2025

'Group uses International Day of Persons with Disabilities to urge rethink on AISH changes', Medicine Hat News, December 4th, 2025.

'Omnibus financial statutes bill includes AISH changes, advocates make last push to change province’s mind', Sunny South News, December 4th, 2025.

IDPD, Bill 12 Changes to AISH December 1st, 2025 with News Coverage

Updated December 2nd, 2025 

Bill 12, which is expected to introduce a work stream known as the ADAP (Alberta Disability Assistance Program), is scheduled for a second reading this week. ADAP legislation is designed to work alongside AISH. However, the readings come at a time when the world is recognizing the importance of "Fostering disability-inclusive societies to advance social progress" on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). 

Additionally, the three core areas for IDPD are

• Social development, i.e. poverty eradication; 
• Promotion of full and productive employment and decent work for all; 
• and Social integration are interrelated, mutually reinforcing and require an enabling environment to be achieved simultaneously.

In response, there is a call from the community, experts, advisors and Albertans with disabilities urging the cancellation of Bill 12 to ensure no Albertan is left behind. 

Hall news release (PDF).

AISH and ADAP in the news

Highriver Online, Okotoks Online (December 1st, 2025)

Alberta’s new ADAP program raises concerns over reduced benefits for disabled persons.

Cam Tait, Edmonton Sun (November 30, 2025)  Province announces Stollery triumph as Albertans with disabilities face mounting challenges. 

Medicine Hat News, (November 29, 2025), Lawyer blasts rollout of AISH changes in omnibus bill

Trent Wilkie - St. Albert Gazette (November 28, 2025) Rural Albertans warn disability benefit changes will deepen poverty

Zoe Mason Medicine Hat News (November 28, 2025)

Omnibus financial statutes bill includes AISH changes, advocates make last push to change the province’s mind

Miracle Channel Christian TV station with Neil Pierce about ADAP on their Bridge City News 5 pm newscast, (November 28, 2025)

CBC News (Nov. 26, 2025): CBC: Advocates call on Alberta government to halt shift to new disability benefits program

CTV Calgary (Nov. 26, 2025): ‘We didn’t ask for change’: Alberta gov’t draws ire with tabling of AISH overhaul

CBC Radio Edmonton AM (Nov. 26, 2025): Bill 12 amendments clear the way for the Alberta Disability Assistance Program

 

Open letter to cancel ADAP signed by former members of the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilieis

Open letter to cancel ADAP signed by Former members of the Premier's Council

Almost 20 former members of the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, appointed Albertans who understand the government and how it works, all signed and sent an open letter today, Tuesday, November 25th, to request the Alberta government to protect the dignity and livelihood of Albertans with Disabilities. The letter requests:

1. The Alberta Disability Assistance Program ADAP be cancelled.
2. To consult with individuals about the barriers to employment. 
The letter can be viewed on the Action Network website, which also has a petition.

About Bill 12, (1st reading) Tuesday afternoon, November 25th, 2025

In a provincial news release that included Bill 12, Honourable MLA Nate Horner, the Treasury and Finance Minister, tabled the legislation this afternoon.  Bill 12,  Government of Alberta Website, which passed a 1st reading this afternoon. 

Link to news release 

The Alberta website says "If passed, this legislation would enable the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), offering increased flexibility and support for disabled Albertans. ADAP would allow disabled Albertans to receive the highest level of employment income in the country while continuing to receive financial benefits.

This legislation would also modernize the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act and Public Trustee Act to better serve vulnerable individuals requiring assistance with personal or financial matters. 

"With these amendments, we’re opening the door for people with disabilities to build the careers they want without having to sacrifice the supports they rely on, and we’re cleaning up outdated processes so families can get the help they need, when they need it."

-Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services

Let's talk AccessAbility...Attitudinal Shifts cost nothing

We are big into adaptability. Many of the barriers we face are attitudinal and are relatively inexpensive to change. 'AccessAbility' is far bigger than ramps. According to the Job Accommodation Networks 1996 study, the majority of adaptations cost less than $500 —almost nothing. And for those one-time costs, check out the Government of Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund. 

Did you know? 

We are encouraged by the City of Calgary's update to its accessibility policy for the built environment. Having deeper conversations helps everyone feel a stronger sense of belonging. All Calgarians are invited to take part in the Accessibility Policy Update. Visit this link by November 21st, 2025. 

Let's Open Alberta! 

 

Alberta Disability Assistance Program update

 

Open Alberta video 30 second spot

OPEN ALBERTA Video: 

In honour of the UN's International Day to Eradicate Poverty, members of the Disability Action Hlal present our "Open Alberta" 30-second spot video. 

Open Alberta 30 second spot October 2025 by Disability Action Hall

To read the captions, click on the video cc option within the video frame.  
To read along with the audio written description timed with images, click on this link (by Descript) 

Plain text below: 

Frame 1
Image of a white bottle of pills on a kitchen table, as a silver refrigerator opens the door and the fridge has one apple on the shelf. Right side text reads Canadians with disabilities, 78% face one or more barriers with access, we all pay in lost potential. Open Alberta text also on left side.

(Voiceover)
When we ignore the barriers others face, we all pay the price in lost potential, strained services and divided communities. 

Frame 2, 3, 4 

Various scenes with words in yellow text  "Choose understanding" On the right side a blue outline of the province of Alberta reads, Open doors, Open minds, Open Alberta in white text. 

Frame 2 

A teacher high-fives a young 10-year-old student, smiling together with a disability in the classroom, for a lesson learned.

Frame 3

A male store owner of Middle Eastern descent, in his early 40s, walks out with a customer in her mid-30s, black, who holds the leash of a yellow lab guide dog and wears an eye patch, walks out of the store onto an accessible ramp and smiles and waves goodbye. 

Frame 4

A younger female holding groceries in a brown paper bag watches as her female middle-aged customer uses sign language on the front step of her home.  

(Voiceover)

And when we choose understanding over judgment, and inclusion over indifference, everyone benefits.

Frame 5

A diverse group of voters sit in a large public building after a vote party. With the words Alberta has 1.4 million people living with a disability. (Stats Canada)

(Voiceover)

Dignity is not optional. Albertans deserve better

Frame 6

Two people sit on the stairs at the protest, a young black woman wearing a hijab smiles, on her right is a young white male with Down syndrome looks downward to a sign that reads "Access for All" resting on his lap. 

Frame 7 

More people at a protest at the Alberta legislature with signs, a larger sign that reads "Access for All" in a crowd of Albertans, while an interpreter signs near the speaker on the microphone.

(Voiceover)

Inclusion is innovation. Albertans are smart, bold, and ready for more. 

Frame 8

A woman in her early 20s of mixed-race with pale-coloured skin, Asian eyes, and freckles and long dark hair, holds out her hand where a pink wild Alberta rose rests and blows on the petals as the camera zooms tightly into her face and smiles. Words of Open Doors, Open Minds, Open Alberta. 

(Voiceover)

Let's Open Alberta for everyone to live with dignity

Frame 9

Black screen with Disability Action Hall logo and text: 

'Brought to you by the members of the Disability Action Hall, October 2025

The Advantage of Vote Anywhere!

Voting together at a polling place is a powerful way to feel connected to your community. When friends, family, or neighbours go to vote as a group, it helps remind others to vote too. Even when we hold different beliefs and vote for various candidates for our own reasons, celebrating our freedom to choose who represents our voice is important. 

Seeing people you know take part can make you more likely to join in. 

This simple act can raise voter turnout and make the experience more exciting and meaningful. Voting together shows that we all have a role in shaping our future—and that we’re not doing it alone.

Vote Anywhere is available up until October 11th in Calgary. 

Election day is Monday, October 20th. Good luck! 

Good times! by Disability Action Hall

Four ways to recognize 'International Week of Deaf People'

This week marks the United Nations International Week of Deaf People.  A week to celebrate Deaf identity, culture and rights.  This year’s theme is “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights.” It carries a powerful message: true inclusion is not possible unless Deaf people can fully access and use their own languages – sign languages.

1. Sign up for a class! American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf and Hearing, offers Signing Naturally classes here. It is essential to attend classes led by a person who is officially trained in ASL; better yet, when your instructor identifies as part of the Deaf Community, you also get to learn more about Deaf Culture. 

2. Did you know that over 150,000 Albertans struggle with hearing loss? According to Deaf and Hear Alberta's blogger Rosemary, in a September 2, 2025, blog post , a University of Calgary study suggests that hearing loss may be related to one's overall health. Link to the study 

3. Want to test your hearing at home? Try a smartphone app, such as ShoeBox Online, which can help test your hearing. Try it at home using your phone. QR code below. 

4. Celebrate! Deaf and Hear weekly September 23rd post says The World Federation of the Deaf is launching 3 activities to celebrate:

• NEW – Global Deaf Flag Raising in public spaces to celebrate Deaf people and promote the visibility, recognition, and cultural heritage of Deaf communities.
• Global Leaders Challenge inspires global leaders to show their support for Deaf communities by signing a key message in their national sign language.
• Shine a Blue Light on Sign Language invites all public places to be spotlighted in blue light."

And want to be more welcoming to people who are Deaf and hard of hearing? 

Learn more by visiting https://deafandhearalberta.ca/

Many thanks to Deaf and Hear for the excellent information and resources!  

The 2025 Connections fundraising gala is coming up on Saturday, November 1st, 2025

"ADAP vs AISH: A smarter, more efficient path"

After five months of dialogue and review, the Disability Action Hall finds the proposed ADAP design principles risk causing more harm, higher costs, and added red tape. We recommend first passing the Alberta Accessibility Act and strengthening AISH.

We thank the Alberta government for the opportunity to participate in this consultation and look forward to the "What We Heard" report. Please find our submission titled "ADAP vs AISH: A smarter, more efficient path" Plain text version below.

ADAP vs AISH: a smarter more efficient path brief by Disability Action Hall  

ADAP means more bureaucracy, more costs, and more instability.

Fixing AISH is the common-sense, fiscally responsible solution.

ADAP vs. AISH: 
A Smarter, More Efficient Path

1. Strengthen AISH, 
Don’t Replace It with ADAP

• ADAP risks creating harm and instability.
• AISH is already established. 
• — fix what doesn’t work instead of reinventing the wheel.
• Income exemptions reward work and reduce dependence, rather than punishing people for earning more. (On average, it costs $3294* a month to maintain a modest standard of living, where 29% of AISH recipients reside in Calgary. (May 2024)

2. Cut Red Tape, Simplify Access

• Endless costly reapplications waste government resources, medical professionals’ time, and frustrate Albertans.
• Creating another program creates more red tape and delays essential support.
• Maintaining AISH’s stable social assistance rates costs taxpayers less, as evidence shows food bank use strongly predicts future homelessness.**
• Improving AISH means less paperwork, fewer delays, better accountability and tax dollar savings and less strain on an overwhelmed system.

3. Invest Upfront to Save 
on Health & Emergency Costs

• When people fall into poverty, taxpayers foot the bill for ER visits, homelessness programs, and crisis services.
• A stable, livable income prevents higher downstream costs. 
• Strengthening AISH is the fiscally responsible way to protect both vulnerable Albertans and taxpayers, as AISH falls $576 short**** of Calgary’s poverty market basket measure for 2024.

4. Smarter Job Supports,
Not One-Size-Fits-All Programs

• Job programs should connect people to work they can succeed in — not push them into dead-end or unsafe positions.
• Providing job coaches and flexible arrangements helps people become taxpayers, not long-term dependents.
• Alberta economist*** states, “Working with businesses expands access; controlling individuals takes it away.”

In summary...
ADAP creates more harm, increased costs, and red tape.
Fix the system first; pass the Alberta Accessibility Act and strengthen AISH.

www.actionhall.ca 

References for Policy Brief feedback for the ADAP Consultation, September 12^th, 2025

** Losing the Canada Disability Benefit means losing hope for many Albertans, (Survey results and policy recommendations brief), July 2025.

** Food Bank Use and Homelessness, School of Social Public Policy, June 2025.

*** The new Alberta assistance program will it fulfill its promises? G. Petite, August 15, 2025 

**** Statistics Canada, Market Basket Measure for Calgary, May 2025. 

A letter from the Alberta Government about applying for the Disability Tax Credit and the Canada Disability Benefit

As a community partner, we received a letter from the Alberta government, Assisted Living and Social Services South office of AISH, addressed by the Director Ryan Puczko. By sharing this letter,  we hope it helps people find the right resources to apply for the Disability Tax Credit and then for the Canada Disability Benefit. Many organizations also provide disability benefit navigation services. Here is the link to the organizations providing this federal support. 

The AISH office is available to answer questions. 

The 1st letter is for people on straight AISH and the second letter is for people on modified AISH... 

Letter from Ryan Puczko: 

Dear Community Partner,

 

Thank you for supporting vulnerable Albertans.

 

Alberta’s government knows how important financial benefits are to help Albertans meet their basic needs and live independently. We are providing information to improve awareness of how Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) clients can apply for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) and how it affects their AISH benefits.

 

Please find enclosed two recently mailed letters that provided AISH clients with information on the federal CDB launched on June 20, 2025. The Standard AISH CDB Letter was sent to AISH clients who are living in the community receiving standard living allowance AISH benefits. This letter clarifies that the CDB will be non-exempt income for clients receiving standard AISH and the AISH client’s overall monthly government disability support will remain unchanged when AISH is combined with CDB. The Modified AISH CDB Letter was sent to AISH clients who are residing in a facility (e.g., continuing care home) receiving modified AISH benefits. CDB income will be treated as exempt income for AISH clients who reside in a facility. This means that CDB funds received will be in addition to their monthly benefits.

 

To access the CDB, individuals must have filed their 2024 federal income tax return and be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The federal government has committed to reimburse individuals for the cost of the DTC medical assessment. Details of this reimbursement model have not yet been announced. More information will be shared when it becomes available. In the interim, AISH clients are expected to pay the DTC medical fee up front. In cases of financial hardship, clients may request consideration by the AISH program to cover this cost, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Clients who have this cost covered by the AISH program will repay the program upon reimbursement by the federal government.

 

The AISH program requires clients to access all sources of income for which they are eligible, including federal programs. AISH clients who have not communicated the status of their CDB application to their AISH office prior to September 5, 2025, may see an equivalent amount to the CDB benefit, $200, deducted from their monthly AISH benefits, beginning with the October 2025 period of assistance. AISH benefits will not be held or terminated if a client does not communicate the status of their CDB application.

 

If an Albertan needs assistance to apply for and navigate federal disability services, they are encouraged to access the federal government’s disability benefits navigation services. Voice of Albertans with Disabilities is an Alberta organization funded by the federal government to provide direct disability benefit navigation services to persons with disabilities, their families and caregivers.

 

If you have any questions or are seeking further information, please feel free to respond to this email.

 

Sincerely,

 

Ryan Puczko

Director

South Zone, Calgary

Assisted Living and Social Services

Government of Alberta

Attachment 1: Straight AISH

July 4, 2025 

Name 

Address1 

Address2 

City, AB Postal code 

Dear , 

Alberta’s government understands how important financial and health benefits are to help Albertans meet their basic needs and live independently. On June 20, 2025, the federal government launched the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), which will provide up to $200 per month for eligible Canadians with disabilities. To access this new federal benefit, individuals must have filed their 2024 federal income tax return and be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The federal government has committed to reimburse medical certification costs for the DTC. Additional information about the DTC and how to apply can be found on the federal government’s website at canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-personsdisabilities/disability-tax-credit. Additional information about the CDB, including eligibility criteria, a benefit estimator and how to apply can be found on the federal government’s website at canada.ca/en/services/benefits/disability/canada-disability-benefit. Income from the new federal CDB will be treated as non-exempt for AISH recipients. This means that, with the addition of the CDB, an AISH client’s overall monthly government disability support will remain unchanged. As a legislated program, AISH will remain fully funded and available to all eligible Albertans. The federal government has stated that the intention of the CDB is to see the combined amount of federal and provincial or territorial income supports for persons with disabilities grow to the level of Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. This works out to $1,814 per month. Alberta is one of only two provinces to exceed this federal benchmark. The AISH core benefit rate will remain the same at $1,901 per month in 2025—the highest disability support rate of any province in Canada. AISH clients are required to access all sources of income they may be eligible for, including federal programs. Please update your local AISH office to update them about the status of your DTC and CDB applications prior to September 5, 2025. Given the statutory requirement to access all sources of income you may be eligible for, clients who have not communicated the status of their CDB application to their AISH office prior to September 5, 2025, may see an equivalent amount to the CDB benefit, $200, deducted from your monthly AISH benefits, beginning with the October 2025 period of assistance. Sincerely, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped Program

Attachment 2: for Modified AISH 

July 4, 2025 

[First Name] 

[Last Name]

[Job Title] 

[Organization] 

[Address] [Address] [City], [Province] [Postal Code] 

Dear [First Name] [Last Name]: 

Alberta’s government understands how important financial and health benefits are to help Albertans meet their needs and live independently. On June 20, 2025, the federal government launched the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB), which will provide up to $200 per month for eligible Canadians with disabilities. This letter is intended to clarify information provided to Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) clients in a letter dated April 8, 2025. Please be advised that the CDB will be treated as exempt income for AISH clients who reside in a facility (e.g., a continuing care home) and receive the modified AISH living allowance. As an AISH client who currently resides in a facility, this means that any CDB funds you receive will be in addition to your currently monthly AISH benefits. CDB income received by your spouse or cohabiting partner, if applicable, will be considered as partially exempt income. AISH clients are required to access all sources of income they may be eligible for, including federal programs. To access this new federal benefit, individuals must have filed their 2024 federal income tax return and be approved for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The federal government has committed to reimburse medical certification costs for the DTC. Additional information about the DTC and how to apply can be found on the federal government’s website at canada.ca/en/revenueagency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-taxcredit. Additional information about the CDB, including eligibility criteria, a benefit estimator and how to apply can be found on the federal government’s website at canada.ca/en/services/benefits/disability/canada-disability-benefit. Please contact your local AISH office with any questions. Sincerely, Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped Program