Is there support for people with disabilities?

Calgary offers a comprehensive and multi-tiered support system for people with disabilities, covering financial assistance, housing services, transportation, employment, recreation, and social integration. This system combines provincial, municipal, and community resources to create an inclusive environment where people with disabilities can live independently and participate fully in community life. According to City of Calgary data, approximately 20% of Calgarians identify themselves as having a physical, sensory, cognitive, communication, or other type of disability. Statistics from previous studies have shown that in 2007, 15% of Calgary's population had a disability, up from 14% in 2006. This makes supporting people with disabilities critically important for a significant portion of the city's population.

Financial support programs

The financial support system for people with disabilities in Calgary is based on several key provincial programs that provide the foundation for independent living and the fulfillment of basic needs. These programs are designed to support people with various types and levels of disabilities, from temporary to permanent conditions. Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) is the primary provincial financial support program for adult Albertans with severe and permanent disabilities. The program was established in 1979 as the first program in Canada designed specifically for people with permanent disabilities. As of March 2025, the total number of AISH recipients in Alberta was 78,737, representing a significant increase from 48,000 in 2013—a 57% increase over a decade. To qualify for AISH, individuals must meet strict medical criteria. The medical condition must substantially limit the ability to earn a living, be permanent or long-term, and there must be no available medical treatment, therapy, rehabilitation, or training that could improve the ability to earn. Applicants must also be between the ages of 18 and the age of eligibility for old age security, reside in Alberta, have Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status, and meet financial eligibility criteria with a liquid asset limit of $100,000. AISH payments include monthly living assistance to cover housing, food, and utility costs; monthly child assistance for dependent children; medical benefits for the client, spouse or partner, and dependent children; and personal benefits for specific needs beyond monthly assistance. The program is indexed to the Consumer Price Index starting in January 2023, after the UCP government initially eliminated indexation and then reinstated it. The application process for AISH has been simplified with the introduction of online applications in 2018. Applicants can apply online through the Alberta.ca website or contact the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 for assistance. Required documents include a completed AISH Applicant form, a medical report from a doctor (AISH Medical Report), and all supporting documents. Doctors may charge a fee for completing the medical report, but for individuals receiving Income Support, this cost may be covered. Alberta Disability Assistance Program provides financial, medical, and personal support to Albertans with permanent and short-term disabilities who are able to work. This program supplements AISH for individuals who are employable but still need support due to their disability. An important issue affecting financial support for people with disabilities in Alberta is the provincial government's decision to withhold the Canada Disability Benefit dollar for dollar from provincial payments. Starting in July 2025, the federal Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) will be introduced in Canada, but Alberta is the only province that has announced its intention to withhold this benefit dollar for dollar from provincial AISH and Income Support payments. This decision will deprive tens of thousands of Albertans with disabilities living in poverty of support.

Programs for people with developmental disabilities

Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) is a provincial funding program for Albertans with developmental disabilities. The program helps people live as independently as possible in their communities by providing personalized support and services. To qualify for PDD, individuals must be at least 16 years of age at the time of application (services begin at age 18), reside in Alberta, and have Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status. Disability criteria include developmental disabilities that began before age 18, significant intellectual disabilities (IQ of 70 or below), significant adaptive skill limitations, and a need for assistance to learn new things and perform daily activities. PDD funds four types of support based on an individual service plan. Community Living Supports provide assistance to people in their homes, including meal planning and housekeeping. Employment Supports provide training, education, and support to obtain and maintain employment. Community Access Supports help with participation in community life through volunteering, clubs, sports, and other activities. Specialized Community Supports provide short-term support for special circumstances. In 2009/10, there were 2,487 individuals aged 18+ with developmental disabilities receiving PDD services in the Calgary region. The vast majority (91%) of the PDD population lived in the Calgary urban area, while 219 individuals receiving PDD funding lived in rural communities in the Calgary region. The Calgary PDD Community Board is responsible for PDD services in the Calgary region by setting regional goals and strategic directions for PDD service delivery and facilitating community involvement to improve programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Housing Programs and Services

Housing support for people with disabilities in Calgary is provided by a variety of programs and organizations offering everything from emergency housing to long-term supportive housing. These programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of people with different types of disabilities and levels of independence. Accessible Housing Calgary is a Calgary-based charitable organization that opens doors to accessible, safe housing for people with limited mobility. The organization was founded in 1974 to meet the housing needs of young people with severe physical disabilities resulting from spinal cord injuries, but now helps a variety of people with mobility limitations through a range of housing and support options. The organization offers several key programs. Bridge to Home quickly moves people from homelessness into independent and permanent housing with additional services and support, including rent subsidies and case management with a focus on meaningful community participation and supportive relationships. Chinook House is a collaboration with Calgary Housing Company to support long-term clients with accessibility needs who are mostly independent but require some assistance in the mornings and evenings, as well as potential emergency overnight care. Inclusio is the first multi-unit residential building in Canada to receive Rick Hansen Foundation Gold Certification for high standards of accessibility. Located in Calgary's Capitol Hill neighborhood, the building contains 45 studio apartments and is fully accessible supportive housing for adults with limited mobility who require some assistance with daily activities but also value autonomy and independence. The building features common areas and patios on every floor with beautiful views of Confederation Park, concrete construction, Wi-Fi throughout the building, cable TV, smart technology, and emergency alert systems. Residents have access to medical assistants and case management services. RAD Renovations is an industry leader in transforming Calgary and surrounding areas into a safer and more accessible community for its citizens. The team of experts facilitates accessibility renovations from start to finish, from residential homes to businesses and community centers. Entrust Disability Services provides group homes for adults with disabilities in Calgary. The Residential Care program helps adults aged 17 and older by providing 24-hour care in group homes for three residents. The organization creates homes for its clients that are safe and surrounded by friends and family, with peers selected based on shared interests and needs. Other housing programs include the CMHA Calgary Supportive Living Program for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. The Apartment Program supports clients who live independently in Horizon Housing with CMHA Calgary coordinators who assist clients with routines, skill development, and well-being. The Independent Living Support Program provides personalized skill development and support for independent living.

Transportation Services

Transportation access is critical to ensuring that people with disabilities can fully participate in community life. Calgary offers several transportation options designed specifically to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Calgary Transit Access (CTA) is a specialized transportation service for Calgarians with physical or cognitive disabilities who are unable to use regular Calgary Transit buses or the C-Train. CTA is a shared-ride service that provides door-to-door transportation for Calgary residents with disabilities who are unable to use regular public transportation due to their disability. The service operates from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, with reservations required up to four days in advance. Rides can be booked by calling 403-537-7777 and pressing 2, or online through the City of Calgary's myID account. Reservations require name and registration number, dates and times of travel, full pick-up and drop-off addresses, and information about mobility aids. Eligibility for CTA is based solely on the ability to use Calgary Transit, not on age, income, language barriers, fear, or inability to drive. Individuals must be unable to use regular transportation due to a disability, and a medical professional must confirm this inability. The application process includes completing a Calgary Transit Access application, providing medical confirmation from a licensed health care professional, and completing an in-person interview to determine eligibility. However, the system has its limitations. Research shows that CTA serves the transportation needs of 15,000 eligible Calgarians with disabilities through 3,000 daily trips. Users must plan trips at least one day in advance, which limits spontaneity and independence. The eligibility process can also be complex and costly for applicants, including the cost of travel to Calgary Transit's main office for an in-person interview. Calgary Transit also offers accessible transportation options through its regular fleet. The entire fleet is accessible to people with varying levels of mobility, with buses and C-Trains equipped with ramps that can be lowered to facilitate boarding for customers with mobility issues. All 45 CTrain stations are equipped with elevators, ramps, or are ground-level accessible. Low-floor buses serve all 155 city routes.

Employment and professional support

Employment support for people with disabilities in Calgary is provided by a variety of organizations and programs that help people develop skills, find jobs, and maintain employment. These services recognize that meaningful employment is a key component of independent living and community participation. Calgary Alternative Employment Services (CAES) serves adults with disabilities or multiple barriers to employment who need support in finding and maintaining employment. The program is funded by various provincial and federal government departments. CAES helps job seekers overcome barriers, understand workplace culture, and meet the staffing needs of inclusive employers in Calgary. CAES works with each client to identify their ideal work environment and employment support needs. Interviews and job placements are facilitated according to the client's goals, with ongoing support for both the client and the employer to strengthen skills and working relationships, as well as ensure job satisfaction and retention. All job searches are client-directed based on their interests, abilities, and opportunities, with work environments ranging from office clerical, customer service, automotive/mechanical, retail, security, support professions, and crafts to manufacturing. Columbia Community Support Services offers a full range of employment services for adults with developmental disabilities. The program includes preparation and placement phases for skill development, offering community work experience to help individuals gain exposure, acquire new skills, and increase their attractiveness to potential employers. A follow-up phase supports individuals who are already employed by providing on-the-job assistance to maintain and improve their positions. The program has an impressive success rate: over 80% of individuals in the program secure employment, and over 80% retain their positions after a 3-month probationary period. The WORX provides employment search services to Calgarians with all types of disabilities. In addition to information resources and assistive technology, The WORX also offers a variety of employment services, including career counseling, education and skills training, job placement, and job search assistance. Other notable employment support organizations include Calgary Progressive Lifestyles Foundation (CPLF), which is a leading service provider in Calgary that supports people with disabilities at work, at home, and in the community. The Calgary Society for Persons with Disabilities (CSPD) provides support to individuals with developmental disabilities to achieve their greatest potential. The Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre (DDRC) offers Career and Leisure Services programs to support individuals in employment, club participation, volunteering, and friendship building.

Recreational Programs and Services

Recreational programs and services for people with disabilities in Calgary are designed to provide inclusive opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and personal development. These programs recognize the importance of an active life for the overall well-being of all people, regardless of ability. The Calgary Adapted Hub powered by Jumpstart (CAH) is the primary resource for inclusive and accessible sports and recreation programming in Calgary. The hub supports children, youth, and families living with disabilities, including physical, intellectual, sensory, developmental, or other types. Calgary Adapted Hub brings together municipal recreation, sports programming, and academic stakeholders to collaborate on developing and offering more inclusive programs at more facilities across Calgary. Programs supported by Calgary Adapted Hub include adapted sports and recreation programs for children and youth with disabilities, inclusive programs for children and youth of all abilities, and recreational, developmental, and high-performance adapted sports opportunities. The hub also provides free consultations with experienced team members to help select an appropriate sport or activity, connect with specialized equipment, and accessible facilities. The City of Calgary provides inclusive and accessible opportunities in all areas of Calgary through its recreation programs. People with disabilities are encouraged to participate in any recreational program at a level appropriate to their abilities and program choice. Programs range from arts, culture, dance, fitness, and sports to day camps, preschool programs, and certifications. Adapted fitnessprograms include adult programs such as boxing, cycling, sports, water polo, and floor curling, as well as adapted activities for adults, including dance aerobics, drum aerobics, music aerobics, drumming, and scrapbooking. Activities for children and youth include badminton, basketball, dance, karate, soccer, and swimming. The city's recreational facilities have varying levels of accessibility, with detailed information about the accessibility of each facility available on the city's website. Accessibility symbols indicate access for people with limited mobility (wheelchair accessible), access for people who are blind or have low vision (white cane), and access for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Vecova offers adapted recreational programs in Calgary for anyone with a disability or support needs. Their adapted recreational offerings are designed for everyone in YYC with a disability or support needs, regardless of whether they use a wheelchair, have developmental disabilities, or other needs.

Financial Assistance and Subsidy Programs

In addition to basic income support programs, Calgary offers several financial assistance and subsidy programs designed to reduce the financial burden on low-income individuals, including many people with disabilities. The City of Calgary's Fair Entry Program provides access to subsidized city programs and services for low-income residents. The program was launched in 2015 as a single application process for low-income Calgarians applying for subsidized City of Calgary programs and services. Prior to Fair Entry, Calgarians who needed access to any fee subsidy program in the city had to apply and prove their eligibility separately for each program. The subsidy programs currently included in Fair Entry cover Calgary Transit Low Income Youth and Adult Monthly Passes, Calgary Transit Low Income Seniors Yearly Pass, Recreation Fee Assistance, No Cost Spay/Neuter Program, Seniors Services Home Maintenance, Property Tax Assistance Program, Calgary Parking Low-Income Market Permit, and High-Speed Low-Cost Internet and Other Telecom Services. Eligibility is based on income and residency in Calgary, with Fair Entry clients approved for 12 months. Acceptable income documentation includes Assured Income for Severely Handicapped (AISH) payments, Alberta Works: Income subsidy/support, Alberta Works: Learners, Alberta Works: Alberta Health Benefit, Resettlement Assistance Program, Independent Youth Letter, and Canada Revenue Agency: Notice of Assessment. In 2023, the program experienced significant growth, with a 34% increase in participation compared to 2022 levels. As of early December 2023, 113,000 Calgarians were registered in the program, up from 84,000 in October and 97,000 in November. This growth may be related to more people being on provincial support programs such as Alberta Works or AISH, as well as an increase in the number of people migrating to Calgary from other parts of Canada and other countries.

Advocacy and support organizations

Calgary has a strong network of advocacy and support organizations working to protect the rights of people with disabilities and provide a variety of support services. These organizations play a critical role in navigating complex systems, advocating for change, and providing direct support to individuals and families. The Calgary Society for Persons with Disabilities (CSPD) provides individualized support and training to enable adults to live independently in their own homes. The organization offers person-choice housing options, support for individuals in their own homes with the person responsible for their own housing costs and management to the extent possible, individualized skill development training and support for individuals living in the community to increase or maintain their current level of personal independence, and support workers funded through Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD). Rise Calgary provides advocacy support for issues related to Alberta Works appeals and AISH applications. The service includes support from a specialized income support volunteer, assistance with Alberta Works appeals, and guidance on AISH applications and eligibility requirements. The service is available to individuals after receiving an initial denial letter with an AISH application and individuals who need support with Alberta Works questions and appeals. The Calgary Police Service has a dedicated disability liaison officer who builds relationships between the police, people with disabilities, and organizations that provide services to people with disabilities. The liaison officer strives to create meaningful partnerships through trust, understanding, and shared knowledge to support safety and security in communities, and responds to community questions and concerns, promoting two-way communication and education between the police and the public. The Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC) not only provides programs and services to support children and adults with developmental disabilities, but also exists as a resource center for the general public to support the inclusion of all people. The centre offers several key services, including the Community Living Network (CLN), which helps adults with disabilities live in the community of their choice, independently or with a roommate, Career and Leisure Services (CLS), which supports people in finding work, joining clubs, volunteering, and forming friendships in their communities; and the Resource Centre for Inclusion, which includes disability awareness training and community development.

Municipal Accessibility Initiatives

The City of Calgary has several initiatives and policies designed to ensure accessibility and inclusivity for people with disabilities. These efforts demonstrate the city's commitment to creating an environment where all residents can fully participate in community life. The Advisory Committee on Accessibility (ACA) focuses on broad policy issues related to municipal property, information, and services. The committee serves as a resource for the city council and city administration in addressing accessibility issues, with individuals and organizations encouraged to raise access issues with the city council through the Advisory Committee on Accessibility. The ACA's mandate is to provide recommendations on accessibility and advise the council on the rights and service needs of Calgarians with disabilities. The City of Calgary's Corporate Accessibility Policy governs the provision of services to meet the needs of people with disabilities. The policy ensures that all city services and programs take into account the needs of people with disabilities in the following areas: physical access to city services, access to transportation services, and access to communications. By reducing barriers that exclude people with disabilities from participating in the community, all citizens will be able to move freely and participate in economic, social, and cultural life. Access Design Standards (ADS) supplement the National Building Code – Alberta Edition to improve and exceed minimum accessibility codes. The standards apply to all new municipal buildings and major renovations, ensuring that city facilities are built with the needs of people with disabilities in mind from the outset. The Advisory Committee on Accessibility Annual Awards celebrate individuals, groups, and organizations whose work and projects improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. The awards are presented annually around December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, recognizing the winners of the annual accessibility awards. The city has also developed the Accessibility Strategy 2021, which aims to improve coordination of accessibility work across the corporation and further embed accessibility into the city's planning, policies, practices, and systems. The result of this updated strategy will be a city that is accessible to all. The updated strategic areas have been consolidated into five key areas of accessibility for the City of Calgary: physical infrastructure, transportation, programs and services, communications and information, and culture and attitudes.

Challenges and current issues

Despite a comprehensive support system, people with disabilities in Calgary still face significant challenges. The most pressing current issue is the Alberta government's decision to withhold the Canada Disability Benefit dollar for dollar from provincial payments. Alberta is the only province to announce such an intention, which will deprive tens of thousands of Albertans with disabilities living in poverty of support. The growing number of people receiving AISH is also putting pressure on the system. The number of AISH recipients has increased by 57% over the past decade, from 48,000 in 2013 to 75,554 in October 2023, while Alberta's population has grown by only 24% over the same period. This increase is linked to the impacts of COVID-19, which have been particularly unfavorable for people with disabilities, rising costs of living, and national health factors. Transportation accessibility remains a challenge despite Calgary Transit Access. The system requires reservations at least one day in advance, limiting users' spontaneity and independence. The eligibility process can also be complicated and expensive for applicants, including the cost of traveling to Calgary Transit's main office for an in-person interview. Housing needs continue to be a significant challenge. The lack of affordable housing continues to push people with disabilities to the margins of society. While specialized housing programs such as Inclusio and Accessible Housing exist, demand exceeds supply.

Future Development and Innovation

Despite the challenges, Calgary continues to take innovative approaches to supporting people with disabilities. Inclusio represents a model for the future of accessible housing, demonstrating how fully accessible housing complexes with the highest standards of accessibility can be created. The success of this project could be a catalyst for similar developments in the future. Technological improvements are also making services more accessible. The introduction of online booking systems for Calgary Transit Access and online applications for AISH demonstrates a move toward greater digital accessibility. These technological improvements make services more accessible to people with disabilities, allowing them to access support and services with greater ease and convenience. Calgary Adapted Hub continues to expand opportunities for inclusive sports and recreation. Calgary Adapted Hub powered by Jumpstart Play It Forward Fund offers up to $10,000 for an adapted sports and recreation project to help connect key partners with community sports and recreation groups to bring inclusive programs to life. Calgary's disability support system is one of the most comprehensive in Canada, combining provincial, municipal, and community resources to create a support network that covers all aspects of life. From basic financial needs through AISH and PDD to specialized services such as accessible transportation, adapted recreation programs, and supportive housing, the system is designed to support people with disabilities in achieving maximum independence and participation in community life. Key strengths of the system include comprehensive financial support, specialized transportation services, innovative housing solutions, a wide range of recreational and sports programs, a strong network of community organizations and advocacy groups, and progressive municipal accessibility policies. While challenges remain, particularly around the province's decision on the Canada Disability Benefit and the need for more accessible housing, Calgary continues to be a leader in creating an inclusive city where people with disabilities can live independently, fully, and with dignity.