By Alexandra Noad , Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lethbridge Herald
The new Alberta Disability Assistance Program went into effect at the beginning of the month with a $200 transition benefit scheduled to end in December.
The government’s stated goal of ADAP is to allow disabled Albertans to work without it jeopardizing them being kicked off the program. The set amount for ADAP clients is $1,740, which will take effect next December, $200 less than currently paid out to recipients of the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped.
Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi has been among critics of the ADAP program since it was first introduced last year. Most recently he has shared concerns about those on ADAP finding meaningful employment.
“We have the highest youth unemployment rate in our history,” says Nenshi. “The overall unemployment rate has gone up by a percentage point since Danielle Smith became premier, we have the highest unemployment rate in Western Canada. Where are these magical jobs going to appear that are accommodating to people with disabilities?”
Local nonprofit 5th on 5th Youth Services, which is funded to by the federal government, provides tools for those with disabilities skills they need to acquire and keep a job.
One of these services includes a wage reimbursement program, where businesses can be reimbursed up to minimum wage to employ someone with a disability.
Trevor Wagenvoort, program co-ordinator at 5th on 5th, says while this program has been successful, with up to 82 per cent of clients being able to maintain employment, when it comes to the economy many employers are in a difficult situation.
“The biggest problem right now is businesses (are) having a hard time just to stay afloat, because the economy itself is not as strong as it could be.”
He adds many businesses are more than willing to help, but with the economy the way it is some don’t have the resources needed to accommodate those with disability.
“Employers are also in a really hard position when it comes to hiring, because it comes down to the training and it takes an employer that has a big heart to work with individuals with disabilities.”
Wagenvoort estimates that between 40 to 50 per cent of those living with disabilities are unemployed due to them not having the skillset needed to be in the workforce.
After watching many people obtain a job through services provided from 5th on 5th, Wagenvoort says the accomplishment individuals with disabilities feel after they receive their first paycheque is second to none. It’s just a matter of clearing the hurdle of being hired in the first place.
“When they do get a paycheque that sense of pride and accomplishment, it’s fantastic to watch, it’s fantastic to be a part of and it will help them long term.”
