Fact Sheet - Priority Actions

PDD Priority Actions

Introduction

Alberta Seniors and Community Supports is introducing changes to strengthen the PDD program, which supports about 9,300 adults with developmental disabilities.

The goal is to improve the PDD program to ensure:

  • there is clarity about the program’s mandate;
  • the program is consistently and fairly applied;
  • the program is effective in responding to individual needs, resulting in positive outcomes for individuals; and,
  • the program operates efficiently and is sustainable into the future.

PDD Community Boards will work with individuals supported by the program, and with their families and guardians, service providers, and communities, as all of them play a role in supporting adults with developmental disabilities.

Vision of the PDD Program

An Alberta that honours and respects the dignity and equal worth of persons with developmental disabilities.

Mission of the PDD Program

The PDD program works with others to support adults with developmental disabilities to be included in community life and to be as independent as possible.

Action Plan for Change

Priority Actions focus on the following areas:

Clarity

  • A common mission for the PDD program has been developed. The mission focuses on working with others, recognizing that the PDD program cannot, and should not, be the sole resource to help adults with developmental disabilities be included in their community and be as independent as possible. Three core businesses have also been identified for the program. The new mission and core businesses will ensure a clearer understanding of the role of the PDD program in supporting adults with developmental disabilities, and will guide decision-making by PDD Community Boards throughout the province.

Consistency

  • A regulation came into effect August 1, 2009 that defines eligibility for PDD services. This will result in greater transparency and consistency regarding who is determined to be eligible for supports from the PDD program.
  • PDD Community Boards will begin using a consistent assessment tool and related funding approach to ensure all individuals being supported by the PDD program – regardless of where they live – are assessed the same regarding their support needs, and provided funding based on the assessed needs. This will result in individuals receiving PDD supports being treated in a fair and equitable manner across the province.

Effectiveness

  • Building on work already underway, the PDD program will provide more flexibility for families who wish to direct and manage supports for their family member with a developmental disability. Improvements will be aimed at minimizing the administrative burden for families, piloting and evaluating a number of “best practices” and reviewing policies to improve flexibility.
  • Many individuals being supported by the PDD program have complex service needs resulting from a developmental disability combined with another need, such as mental illness or serious medical issues. The PDD program will work with stakeholders, including communities and other government departments, to improve the coordination of these supports.

Efficiency

  • A number of areas will be looked at to make the PDD program more efficient, including internally within the program, and externally with community agencies that deliver services on behalf of the PDD program.

Sustainability

  • Implementing these Priority Actions will not only help improve outcomes for individuals being supported, but will also contribute to the sustainability of the PDD program into the future.

General

With these changes, and by working together with our partners and stakeholders, all Albertans can have the opportunity to be active and contributing members of our communities – both today and well into the future.

For more information about the PDD program, contact the PDD Community Board nearest you:

  • PDD South Region Community Board: 403-381-5777
  • PDD Calgary Region Community Board: 403-297-5011
  • PDD Central Region Community Board: 403-340-5003
  • PDD Edmonton Region Community Board: 780-427-2817
  • PDD Northeast Region Community Board: 780-645-6417
  • PDD Northwest Region Community Board: 780-538-5115

Or call 780-427-1177 (outside Edmonton, call toll-free within Alberta by first dialing 310-0000).

PDD contact information and help finding your local PDD Community Board.