Select Page

Helping you see the forest and the trees.

AISH & PDD

You are not alone. There are a great many individuals in the adult world who are dedicated to the well-being and potential of individuals with special needs. There will be exciting new opportunities in the land of the unknown. It is time to begin the next phase of the journey. We encourage you to download our handbook to assist you on this journey.

Three Considerations

Capacity Assessment. Because all individuals in the province of Alberta become their own guardians when they reach the age of consent (18 years of age) it is important to consider whether you feel your child is capable of being his or her own Guardian (all personal decision-making) and/or Trustee (decisions regarding financial matters).

Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) application. This is an application for financial support for life to the limitations caused by a particular special need. Details change from time to time, so it’s a good idea to rely on the Alberta Government website regarding the specifics of AISH.

Persons with Developmental Disabilities Program (PDD) application. This process can begin when a student is still 16 years of age. Details of this program change from time to time, so the most accurate resource is the Alberta Government website regarding the specific details of PDD.

Age 14-15
  • Start to familiarize yourself with the resources available on the web. Knowledge is power and can be a good antidote to anxiety created by the unknown.
  • Begin to obtain and/or organize documentation required for each of the three transition areas (PDD, AISH, Capacity). The chart on the previous page is a good place to start.
  • Contact Children’s Link to get a timeline from them as to when they recommend initiating services from their organization.
  • Contact PDD to set up an Intake Meeting with an Intake Coordinator (halfway through the student’s 15th year).
  • Request a meeting our Registered Psychologist, Tim Baragar to map out a game plan for potentially required future assessments
Age 16-17
  • Officially apply for PDD
  • Schedule a meeting with Tim if required
  • Refer to the resource “Key Considerations and Transition Preparation”. It contains very good points to be considered. This is your time to familiarize yourself with programs in postsecondary institutions such as Transitional Vocational Programs and the University of Calgary’s IPSE (Inclusive Postsecondary Education) Program. Most of these programs offer tours and application requirement/process guidance. It will be important to see if one of these programs might be a good fit for your child.
  • Consider whether a Capacity Assessment will be required and should you deem it necessary, connect with Tim to set up a time to have this completed.
  • Work closely with the school to determine a timeline for the transition and potential choices in this regard
  • Organize or obtain the assessment(s)/ letters/ materials (IPP, etc.) required for applications
  • Officially apply for AISH (17 years)
  • Officially apply for guardianship (if applicable) (17 years)
Age 18-19
  • Work closely with PDD (Client Service Coordinator) to fine-tune the plan for transitioning out of the public-school system and into the adult world
  • Work closely with the student’s school to help this transition work as smoothly as possible