We Advocate

014. Measuring the Impact of ADAP – Why Data, Stories, and Research Matter

Episode Summary: In this episode of the We Advocate Podcast, Gordon and Annie are joined by returning guest Dr. Gillian Petit, along with Phil Ney from Inclusion Alberta, for an important conversation about research, lived experience, and the future of disability supports in Alberta. As Alberta prepares for the rollout of the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), this episode explores a critical question: Are these policy changes actually improving people’s lives? Why this matters: There is currently no formal government evaluation of ADAP’s real-world impact. This study aims to fill that gap by: *  Collecting real lived experiences *  Providing evidence-based insights *  Helping shape better policy decisions Key Takeaways: * ADAP represents a major shift in disability support policy in Alberta  *  There is a real need for independent, long-term evaluation *  Lived experience + data = powerful advocacy  *  Participation in research is a practical way to create impact Memorable lines:  “Lived experience is powerful, but data makes it undeniable.”  "Policy decisions should be based on what’s actually happening, not what we assume is happening.”   “This research connects individual stories to system-wide impact.”  Resources & Links: Participate in the ADAP Research Study:  https://redcap.com/AISHstudy [https://inclusionalberta.org/adap-facts-and-take-action/] Learn more about Inclusion Alberta:  https://inclusionalberta.org [https://inclusionalberta.org]

013. Why Alberta Needs Strong Accessibility Legislation

Episode Summary: In this episode of We Advocate, Gordon and Annie welcome Michelle Christensen and Sam Mason for an important conversation about accessibility, systemic barriers, and why Alberta urgently needs strong, effective accessibility legislation. While disability policy is often discussed in terms of income supports or services, this episode zooms out and asks a broader question: What kind of society are we building if people with disabilities still face preventable barriers in work, transportation, communication, justice, housing, and everyday life? Michelle and Sam bring years of advocacy experience to the discussion and help unpack why accessibility legislation is not just a legal issue, it’s a dignity issue, a participation issue, and a human rights issue. Why this matters: Accessibility doesn’t just affect one narrow group of people. It affects: * people with visible and invisible disabilities * seniors * parents with strollers * people recovering from injury * workers, students, and volunteers * anyone who needs systems, spaces, and services to function well This episode highlights that accessibility is not only about ramps and parking stalls. It’s about whether people can fully participate in society without constantly being forced to advocate for basic inclusion after the harm has already happened. Alberta remains one of the only provinces in Canada without accessibility legislation. That matters. Key Takeaways: * Accessibility legislation is about prevention, not just reacting after discrimination happens * Accessibility affects far more people than many realize * Alberta’s current approach is fragmented and inconsistent * Businesses and institutions often are not trying to exclude people, they simply don’t know how to remove barriers * Accessibility legislation could create consistency, accountability, and better long-term outcomes * A more accessible Alberta would mean more dignity, participation, and opportunity for everyone * The disability community must be included in the design of these systems, not consulted after the fact Memorable lines: “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We just need to bring the wheel here.” “The harm is already done by the time someone reaches the human rights process.” “As a society, we should be judged by how fully we include people.” Resources & Links: Barrier Free Alberta Learn more, sign up as a supporter, and explore their campaign:  https://barrierfreeab.ca [https://barrierfreeab.ca] Disability Advocates More information and podcast episodes:  https://disabilityadvocates.ca [https://disabilityadvocates.ca]

012. Reimagining Disability Supports in Alberta: What Does Real Reform Look Like?

Episode Summary: In this solo episode, Gordon VanderLeek steps back from reacting to policy changes and instead asks a bigger question: If we could redesign Alberta’s disability support system from scratch, what would real reform look like? With the introduction of the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), ongoing concerns about AISH, and limited consultation with the disability community, this episode explores what meaningful change could be, not just administrative adjustments, but structural reform grounded in dignity, stability, and inclusion. Why this matters: Disability supports affect: * Over 79,000 Albertans currently on AISH * Countless caregivers and families * Support workers and community agencies * Employers seeking inclusive workplaces * The long-term dignity and economic stability of disabled Albertans Reform is not about political positioning, it’s about ensuring people can live with dignity, security, and opportunity. Key Takeaways: * AISH currently provides subsistence-level support that does not keep pace with real cost-of-living increases. * Indexing benefits to inflation should be automatic and legislated, not discretionary. * The $100,000 asset limit has never been adjusted and no longer reflects economic reality. * Clawbacks, especially of the $200 Canada Disability Benefit, undermine financial stability. * Families are forced into roles as case managers navigating fragmented systems. * Disability support workers are underpaid, leading to burnout and workforce instability. * Employment should increase quality of life, not create fear of losing benefits. * Alberta lacks accessibility legislation, unlike several other provinces. * Real reform must involve co-design with the disability community: Nothing about us without us. Memorable lines: “Can we get beyond a system of barely getting by?” “Work should increase quality of life. It shouldn’t threaten survival.” “As a society, we’re judged by how fully we include and support people.” Resources & Links: Disability Advocates Website:  https://www.disabilityadvocates.ca [ https://www.disabilityadvocates.ca] AISH Program Information:  https://www.alberta.ca/aish [https://www.alberta.ca/aish?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) Overview:  https://www.alberta.ca [https://www.alberta.ca] Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD): https://www.alberta.ca/persons-with-developmental-disabilities-pdd [https://www.alberta.ca/persons-with-developmental-disabilities-pdd] FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities):  https://www.alberta.ca/fscd [https://www.alberta.ca/fscd]

011. The Disability Tax Credit (Part 2): Why It’s a Gateway Benefit

Episode Summary: In Part 2 of our Disability Tax Credit series, we move beyond eligibility and focus on why the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) matters so much - not just for taxes, but as a gateway to critical federal supports. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, we recommend starting there to understand who qualifies and how the application works. This episode builds on that foundation and explores how DTC eligibility unlocks financial supports, long-term planning tools, and protections that many families rely on. Why this matters: The Disability Tax Credit is often misunderstood as a modest tax break. In reality, it is a key that opens the door to multiple federal programs that can significantly impact financial security, estate planning, and long-term care for people with disabilities. Without DTC eligibility: * Families may lose access to federal benefits * Long-term savings tools may be unavailable * Trusts may be taxed at the highest possible rate * Caregivers may face unnecessary financial strain This episode explains how missing the DTC can quietly limit supports, even when someone clearly lives with a long-term disability. Key Takeaways: * The Disability Tax Credit is a gateway benefit, not just a tax measure * Eligibility for the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) requires DTC approval * An approved DTC is required to open a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) * RDSPs can include up to $70,000 in grants and $20,000 in bonds over time * Without a DTC, disability trusts are taxed at the top marginal rate * With a DTC, certain trusts may qualify as Qualified Disability Trusts (QDTs) and be taxed at lower rates * Approval letters must be read carefully, some DTCs expire and require renewal * A denial does not mean the end: reapplications, reviews, and appeals are possible * Strong applications rely on storytelling, documentation, and functional evidence, not just checkboxes Memorable lines: “The Disability Tax Credit isn’t just about taxes, it opens doors to everything else.” “It’s not filling out a form. It’s telling a story.” “Without the DTC, families can lose access to supports they didn’t even know existed.” Resources & Links: Factsheet: Applying for the disability tax credit (DTC) https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/income-tax/personal-income-tax/help-others/outreach/outreach-materials-print-share/factsheet-applying-disability-tax-credit-dtc.html [https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/income-tax/personal-income-tax/help-others/outreach/outreach-materials-print-share/factsheet-applying-disability-tax-credit-dtc.html] Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP): https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability/savings.html [https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability/savings.html] Canada Disability Benefit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/disability/canada-disability-benefit.html [https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/disability/canada-disability-benefit.html]

010. The Disability Tax Credit (Part 1): What It Is, Who Qualifies, and Why It Matters

Episode Summary: In this episode of We Advocate, Gordon and Annie VanderLeek unpack one of the most misunderstood, and increasingly important, disability supports in Canada: the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Often dismissed as “just a small tax break,” the DTC is actually a gateway benefit that unlocks access to other critical federal and provincial programs. With upcoming changes to Alberta disability supports and the introduction of the Canada Disability Benefit, understanding the DTC has never been more important. This episode provides a practical, plain-language overview of how the Disability Tax Credit works, who qualifies, and why families should prioritize applying, even if there is little or no immediate tax benefit. Why this matters: * Clears up harmful myths about who qualifies * Explains the real value of the DTC beyond taxes * Helps families avoid missed opportunities and unnecessary stress * Encourages proactive planning instead of crisis-driven applications Key Takeaways: * The Disability Tax Credit is a gateway benefit, not just a tax break * You can qualify even if you pay little or no tax * Eligibility is based on functional limitations, not diagnoses * Mental health and cognitive impairments now have clearer pathways to approval * There are four eligibility routes, not just one * The application requires accurate, honest storytelling, not optimism * Strong documentation and record-keeping can make or break an application * Having the DTC in place protects future access to: * RDSPs * Canada Disability Benefit * Long-term estate and caregiving plans Memorable lines: “The Disability Tax Credit isn’t about the tax, it’s about what it unlocks.” “If you wait until you need the Disability Tax Credit, you’re already behind.” “CRA isn’t asking what your diagnosis is, they’re asking how you live your life.” Resources & Links: Canada Revenue Agency – Disability Tax Credit Overview https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html [https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/segments/tax-credits-deductions-persons-disabilities/disability-tax-credit.html] Disability Tax Credit Application (Form T2201) https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/t2201.html [https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/t2201.html] Canada Disability Benefit (Federal Program Info) https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disabilities-benefits.html [https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disabilities-benefits.html] Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability/savings.html [https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/disability/savings.html] Alberta Disability Supports (AISH / ADAP context) https://www.alberta.ca/aish.aspx [https://www.alberta.ca/aish.aspx]