Inclusion Alberta Applauds Repeal of PDD Safety Standards Regulation

EDMONTON, AB--(Marketwired - April 01, 2016) - Today Minister Irfan Sabir, Human Services and the government of Premier Notley, having heard the persistent voices of individuals with developmental developmental disabilities, their families and allies, took an important first step in respecting the sanctity of home for individuals with developmental disabilities. This action holds the promise of greater safety through more meaningful and inclusive community lives.

Individuals with developmental disabilities clearly expressed their frustration and anger at being coerced to comply, at threat of losing needed supports, with safety standards that at best were confusing and at worse demoralizing. Many felt fearful their homes in community were being institutionalized.

Robin Acton, Inclusion Alberta President and parent of an adult daughter with developmental disabilities who lives at home and is employed, stated, "It is deeply encouraging to know this government sees my daughter and others with developmental disabilities, as valued individuals, with the same rights to a home, in the truest sense of the word, as any other Albertan. Further action is needed in ensuring every government department shows the same respect for the integrity of the homes of people with development disabilities. Future approaches to safety must require enhanced participation in community life and the employment of qualified support staff who are paid commensurate with their qualifications."

Bruce Uditsky, Inclusion Alberta CEO, a member of the Consultation Team that recommended the repeal of the Regulation and the parent of an adult son with developmental disabilities who is married, employed and living in his own apartment, said, "It is time for this government, to listen further and take action accordingly. This includes: eliminating meaningless standardized assessments which are administered by government employees at significant cost only to tell people the government lacks the funding to provide supports; establishing Family Resource Centres across the province; becoming an inclusive employer and putting an end to being the only province in Canada that does not recognize discretionary trusts, which would give parents much greater peace of mind in planning for the day when they are no longer here."

About Inclusion Alberta:

Inclusion Alberta (formerly Alberta Association for Community Living) is a family-governed, registered charity supporting thousands of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families across Alberta for over 60 years.