Are there additional services for people with disabilities?
Calgary offers a comprehensive range of municipal, provincial, and community programs designed to ensure that people with physical, sensory, intellectual, and mental disabilities can participate fully in city life. Below is a detailed list of the most important services, organized by key needs: finance, housing, mobility, employment, recreation, child and family support, as well as advocacy and community initiatives.
1. Financial support and social programs
| Program | Administrator | Main benefits | Basic requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped) | Alberta Government | Cash assistance (up to $1,685/month), medical and dental benefits | Permanent severe disability, ages 18–64, residing in Alberta |
| PDD (Persons with Developmental Disabilities) | Alberta Ministry of Social Development, Calgary Region | Funding for housing, day programs, vocational support | Intellectual/developmental disability, age 18+ |
| FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities) | Alberta Ministry of Social Development, FSCD Calgary office | Payment for assistants, respite care, medical procedures, “Nurses on the Bus” | Child under 18 with a long-term disability |
211 Alberta and FSCD/AISH specialists in Calgary will help with applications.
2. Accessible housing and supported living
2.1 Accessible Housing Society
- A non-profit organization with over 50 years of experience in barrier-free housing.
- Inclusio project (1129 23rd Avenue N.W., Capitol Hill):
- 45 studios with touch-controlled lighting, blinds, and doors
- Rent ≤ 70% of gross income
2.2 Calgary Housing Company
- Subsidized apartments and Rent Supplement program
- Online application, waiting list based on need
3. Mobility and transportation
| Service | Description | Contact information | Cost / Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary Transit Access (CTA) | Door-to-door minibuses and taxis for those who cannot use regular transportation | 403-537-7777; online booking | Ticket $3.60; companion free |
| Preferential parking | 20 street spaces and dozens of spaces in lots marked with blue signs | Blue Service Alberta placard required | Public parking rates apply |
| Residential Disabled Parking Zone | Individual spaces in front of homes with placard and need | [email protected] | Free |
| Calgary Transit | 100% low-floor buses, all 45 CTrain stations with elevators | 403-262-1000 | Regular fare; children under 12 free |
4. Employment and professional integration
| Provider | Services | Target group |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary Alternative Support Services (CASS) | Skills assessment, action plan, resume, interview training, job search assistance, job coaching | Adults (18+) with PDD or self-identified disabilities |
| Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre (DDRC) | Community Living Network, Career & Leisure Services, CHOICES — social integration, volunteering | Individuals with intellectual disabilities (PDD) |
The city is participating in the Employment First pilot program, opening up jobs for candidates with intellectual disabilities.
5. Inclusive recreation and sports
- Recreation Calgary: arts, sports, camps, fitness with free admission for a support assistant
- Calgary Adapted Hub (Jumpstart): adaptive clubs for children and youth
- Wildflower Arts Centre: pottery wheel adjustable for wheelchairs or standing
6. Child and family support
| Program / Provider | What it covers | Examples of services |
|---|---|---|
| FSCD | Funding for individual and family needs | After-school care, Nurses on the Bus, overnight supervision, medical procedures |
| Ohana Care (FSCD provider) | Home care, mobile nurses | Transportation assistance, overnight care, special procedures |
7. City accessibility services and advocacy
7.1 City of Calgary 311
- 24/7 hotline and mobile app, ASL support, captions, alternative print formats
7.2 Advisory Committee on Accessibility (ACA)
- Policy and infrastructure design advisory board
- Annual awards for inclusive design
- Access Design Subcommittee reviews major municipal projects
8. Parking and infrastructure
- 20 official street zones for people with disabilities to display their placards
- Residential Disabled Parking Zone: online application for a space near your home if needed
9. Key contacts
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| Calgary Transit Access | 403-537-7777; calgarytransit.com/access |
| AISH Helpline | 1-877-644-9992 |
| FSCD Calgary Office | 403-297-6022; alberta.ca/fscd |
| CASS / CAES | 403-283-0611; c-a-s-s.org |
| DDRC | 403-240-3111; ddrc.ca |
| Accessible Housing Society | 403-282-1872; accessiblehousing.ca |
| Calgary 311 (within city limits) | 3-1-1; calgary.ca/311 |
| Alberta Health Services — Disability Services | 1-855-306-8252 |
| 211 Alberta | 2-1-1; ab.211.ca |
Conclusions
Calgary demonstrates a comprehensive approach to supporting people with disabilities: from AISH and PDD payments to innovative Inclusio housing, from CTA personal transportation to free leisure accompaniment. However, only ~3% of housing meets accessibility standards, and 58% of adults with disabilities have an annual income of less than $30,000. Despite the challenges, a broad network of financial, housing, transportation, and social supports helps most families find the right mix of services.
Recommendation: New users should start by calling 211 Alberta or 311 Calgary, then work with AISH, PDD, or FSCD professionals to maximize the use of available resources.