Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ODI's role or function?

The ODI provides stronger coordination of programs and policies for Albertans with disabilities, without consolidating existing programs. Specifically, the ODI will:

  • provide a reference point for enquiries concerning matters affecting persons with disabilities;
  • improve communication with the community to identify issues affecting person with disabilities;
  • be available to assist with the development and implementation of policies across government departments, including issues such as removing barriers and creating accessible programs and services;
  • promote positive attitudes and raise awareness of disability issues;
  • assist with efforts to ensure that the concerns and issues affecting Albertans with disabilities are represented in the federal/provincial/territorial processes;
  • evaluate the status of Albertans with disabilities; and
  • promote additional accountability of government programs.

What financial supports are available to persons with disabilities?

Provincial Supports:

  1. Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) — AISH is for people who have a severe and permanent disability and are unable to work full time for at least minimum wage.
  2. Alberta Works (including Supports for Independence) — The goal of Alberta Works is to help unemployed people find and keep jobs, help low-income Albertans cover their basic costs of living, and help employees meet their need for skilled labour.

Federal Supports:

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Benefits —CPP Disability is a federal government pension provided to people who have a severe and prolonged mental or physical disability.

The amount of your pension depends on the amount you have contributed to CPP during your employment history. To be eligible, you must have worked and contributed to CPP for a minimum number of years and be between the ages of 18 and 65. People who are eligible for CPP disability may also be eligible for AISH, but the combination of benefits cannot exceed the maximum AISH benefit. Remember that before you apply for AISH, you must apply for CPP-Disability.

For additional information about CPP Disability Benefits, call Canada Pension Plan at 1 (800) 277 9914. 

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Can the ODI help with my AISH (or WCB or Home Care) appeal?

The ODI does not have the resources to enable staff to advocate on behalf of individuals. If you need help with your appeal, you may contact us and we can refer you to various appeal advisors or advocacy groups. Our toll free number is 1 (800) 272 8841 (in Edmonton, call (780) 422 1095).

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Where can I get funding for equipment?

Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL), under Alberta Seniors and Community Supports, provides medical equipment and supplies that allow more independent functioning for persons with disabilities. They can be reached at (780) 427 0731; toll free by dialing 310 0000.

Alberta Easter Seals is a non-profit service organization that works with physically disabled persons in Alberta.

Upon receipt of an Easter Seal application for funding assistance to purchase specialized equipment, a caseworker meets with the individual to clarify needs and obtain further information. Each request is assessed according to physical need for the equipment and financial need for assistance.

For further information about the Alberta Easter Seals and their programs, please contact the Edmonton office at (780) 429 0137 or the Calgary office at (403) 235 5662. 

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How do I apply for a parking placard for persons with disabilities?

If you are unable to walk 50 metres unassisted, you may qualify for a parking placard, which allows you to park in specially designated parking stalls.

To apply, pick up an application form at any Registry Agent or on the website at  www.trans.gov.ab.ca. A certified medical/health professional (e.g. physician, occupational therapist or physiotherapist) will be required to fill out a section of the application.

There are temporary (up to 12 months) and long-term (5 years) placards. If you are issued a long term placard and it expires, you may renew it without a medical/health professional completing the application if your condition has not changed from your initial application.

For more information, contact Alberta Government Services at (780) 427 7013 (toll free by dialing 310 0000 first). 

Please note that there is a fee of $5.35 to process these applications.

In many communities, having a disabled parking placard means that you are entitled to park at parking meters free of charge, for the maximum time allowed. Check with your municipal office for details of local policy.

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What kinds of funding or grants are available for installing wheelchair lifts, ramps, etc.?

There are a few government programs that provide funding for improving accessibility to private homes or public buildings.

Residential Dwellings

  1. Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP)

    A RAMP grant for up to $5,000 is available to modify the personal principal Alberta residences for eligible wheelchair users. The applicant must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada and the application must be the applicant’s personal principal residence in Alberta. The total gross household income for the prior year must be $35,900 or less. An additional spousal deduction of $7,505 is allowed, as well as $7,505 per dependent child under 21 years still living at home, and an additional $6,741 per disabled child under the age of 18 years still living at home.

    Grants are for permanent modifications that facilitate access into or movement within a home by the wheelchair user. Only one wheelchair user per household may apply for assistance. If the principal residence is a rental unit, the landlord is required to approve the modification by completing the Landlord Letter of Acknowledgement (Permanent) form. Applicants are encouraged to apply prior to the start of the project but applications with completed projects are eligible if the application is received by the program within 365 days from the completion date.

    For further information about RAMP, contact Alberta Seniors and Community Supports at 427 5760 in Edmonton, or call toll free at 310 0000 then dial (780) 427 5760.

  2. Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP)

    RRAP is funded by the federal government and operated by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). RRAP for Persons with Disabilities provides assistance to low income home-owners who require modifications to improve accessibility. The loan amount depends on household income and the cost of the modifications.

    Funds are also available for major home repairs, and to owners of rental units undertaking repairs or modifications for low-income tenants.

    For detailed information on programs provided by CMHC, call (780) 423 8700 (Northern Alberta) or (403) 515 3000 (Southern Alberta).

  3. Federal Income Tax Deduction

    Paragraph 55 of the Income Tax Act, under section IT-519R2 (Medical Expense and Disability) addresses renovations and alterations to a dwelling.

    In the case of an individual who lacks "normal physical development" or who has a "severe and prolonged mobility impairment," reasonable expenses relating to renovations or alterations to the individual’s dwelling can be claimed as medical expenses.

    To qualify, these expenses must be paid to enable the individual to gain access to the dwelling or be mobile or functional within it. Expenses pertaining to a particular structural change may also include payments to an architect or a contractor.

    For more information, please contact Canada Customs and Revenue Agency at 1 (800) 959 8281, or visit their Medical Expense and Disability website at www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/disability (click on IT519R2: Medical Expense and Disability Tax Credit)

    Note: the amount would be entered on line 330 of the income tax return form

Public-Use Facilities

  1. Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP)

    CFEP provides funding to build, purchase, repair, renovate, upgrade or otherwise improve sports, recreational, cultural or other related family and community wellness facilities. Examples of projects that could be funded by CFEP are wheelchair ramps within community halls, creating wheelchair-accessible washrooms in community sports facilities, etc.

    Eligible organizations (municipalities, First Nations and Metis settlements, and community not-for-profit groups) may apply for funding for the following:

    • renovations or repairs to the structural, electrical or mechanical systems in their facilities
    • to modernize facilities to increase efficiency or enhance programs
    • to expand facilities to increase public use
    • to develop new facilities to meet changing needs and expectations of the community.

    The maximum level of funding is $125,000 per fiscal year. If you have questions about CFEP, or would like assistance in completing the application form, please contact a CFEP office:
    Toll Free at 1 (800) 642 3855
    Edmonton area at (780) 447 8818
    Calgary area at (403) 297 8676

  2. Local Lions’ Clubs and Rotary Clubs

    Often, local service groups are able to provide funding for community enhancement projects. Contact your local organization for more information about initiatives in your community.

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Are there any tax credits or deductions that I am entitled to because I have a disability?

For information on federal tax relief programs, view the publication "Information Concerning People with Disabilities 2001." It is available on-line at www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/rc4064eq/README.html, or by calling 1 (800) 959 8281.

Persons who use a teletypewriter (TTY) can access information by dialing 1 (800) 665 0354.

Visually impaired persons can get information on services available to them, and can order publications in Braille or large print, or on audio cassette or computer diskette, by calling 1 (800) 267 1267.

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I am Deaf; do I have to pay for a sign language interpreter when I visit my doctor?

If a person who is Deaf needs to access government services, such as medical services, or the justice system, etc., the cost of the interpreter should be paid for by the relevant government department. This is in accordance with the Alberta Government’s Alternative Communications Policy.

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Which disability types does the ODI represent?

The ODI represents all persons with disabilities from all over Alberta, regardless of age or type of disability.

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What is the definition of disability?

The following definitions of impairment, disability and handicap are taken from the World Health Organization:

Impairment: any disturbance to the body’s mental or physical structure or functioning. The impairment is characterized by a permanent or temporary loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological or anatomical structure or function in a tissue, organ, limb, functional system or mechanism of the body.

Disability: reduction or loss of functional capacity or activity resulting from an impairment. Disability is characterized by excesses or deficiencies of customarily expected behavior or functions and represents the objectification of impairments through their effects on everyday activities.

Handicap: the disadvantage resulting from impairment and/or disability, entailing a divergence between the individual’s performance or status and that expected of him by his social group. Handicap therefore represents the social and environmental consequences of impairments and disabilities.

Source: Council of Europe (1989) The Use of the international Classification of impairments, disabilities, and handicaps (ICIDH) in rehabilitation.

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