The disabled community does not approve’: Edmonton man starts petition against ADAP
One man has started a petition against the provincial government’s new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) which is scheduled to take over the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program next summer.
“You’re starting from such a small pot, a small income to begin with, so any change is a big change relative to you,” said Darryl Learie, who has been relying on AISH for nearly 30 years. Learie has severe anxiety, chronic depression and is autistic.
Learie’s petition points out five main concerns with ADAP, including a $200 reduction in the monthly benefit and a reduction in the amount people can earn before the benefits are clawed back.
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“The more I look into the program, the more it concerns me,” he said. “I feel like I’m drowning and this petition is me flapping my arms trying to stay afloat.”
Learie initially had 900 signatures on the online petition before finding out that the province only accepts hard copy petitions. Now he has nearly 200 signatures.
“If I succeed with one thing, I want it known that the disabled community does not approve of the ADAP program,” he said.
I don’t have any information on where to sign this petition but when that becomes available I will post it here! Bernd