Accessible Widget

January 14, 2025

MEDIA ADVISORY "Let us Speak" for Wednesday, January 15th at Noon

We are shocked and surprised to share our sad news from various parts of the province at our Virtual News Conference tomorrow at noon. 

Please read our joint news release.



For Wednesday January 15th, 12 pm

LET US SPEAK

Call to Support Alberta’s Disability Community
Join our Zoom news conference on Wednesday at 12 pm


Virtual News Conference
https://calgaryscope.zoom.us/j/89814570358?pwd=mzdGSwM91Miy80tVS5tXgmruBNB6cl.1

Meeting ID: 898 1457 0358    Passcode: 449734

 
Who We Are:


Disability rights groups across Alberta, including the Southern Alberta Individual Planning Association (Lethbridge), the Disability Action Hall (Calgary), and the Self Advocacy Federation (Edmonton), have lost their funding from the Government of Alberta. This funding, which totals less than $424,000 annually, was cut 15 months too early. For over 25 years, these groups have helped people with intellectual disabilities speak up for their rights and share their experiences. This sudden loss of funding, with just 90 days’ notice, puts our work at risk.


What’s Happening:


Self advocates from across the province will be addressing the defunding and are asking the Government of Alberta to reconsider its decision and to honour the original contract, which was set to run until March 2026. Our organizations provide unique and critical support that other advisory bodies and service providers cannot replace. Without this funding, individuals who depend on us for advocacy, education, and peer support will lose a vital lifeline.


For decades, we’ve worked to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities have a direct voice in shaping policies on important issues like housing, transportation, and employment. Our efforts have influenced government policies and made essential resources, like the Alberta Persons with Developmental Disabilities webpage, easier to understand by using plain language.

Beyond advocacy, we fill gaps in services by helping people during crises such as mental health challenges, domestic violence, and food insecurity. Our peer support programs improve well-being and prevent more costly interventions from other government departments. Our work benefits not just individuals but the entire province by improving safety, education, and employment opportunities cost-effectively.

Why This Matters:


We understand the need for financial restraint, but cutting funding for these self-advocacy groups delivers more harm than savings. The work we do is vital and comes at a very modest cost. We ask the government to honour the last 15 months of our contracts so we can continue providing these essential services and ensure a smooth transition.

For Media Contact:


Keri McEachern: Self Advocacy Federation 780 907 2575
Colleen Huston: Disability Action Hall 403 717 7630
Leah Dormaar: Southern Alberta Individualized Planning Association 403 320 1515



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