Calgary family facing re-assessment after daughter moved off AISH

A Calgary family is bracing for the difficult prospect of proving again that their severely disabled daughter is unable to work after being moved off a provincial support program.

Kevin Strange's daughter, Aisha Strange, suffered a severe traumatic brain injury when hit by an impaired driver in 2019 while on her way to work at a summer camp. Now in a wheelchair and unable to move most of her body, she has limited ability to communicate, struggles with short-term memory and requires around-the-clock care. At the time of her injury, Aisha was a University of Victoria student with her sights set on law school.

The family received a letter earlier this month notifying them that Aisha would be moved off Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and onto the government's new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) in July. After a grace period lasting until the end of 2027, the monthly allowance will drop by $200—from $1,940 to $1,740.

"If there was anybody who is severely handicapped, it would be Aisha," said Kevin. "The whole medical system outlined fairly clearly that Aisha's injuries are for life, and she'll never improve."

When Kevin asked about the transition, he was told the family could reapply for AISH, requiring another medical assessment. He was also informed an employment counsellor would visit to determine whether Aisha could work. Kevin said both options felt untenable—reapplying meant reliving the trauma of describing his daughter's permanent injuries, while an employment visit would be humiliating for Aisha.

About 46,000 Albertans are being moved from AISH to ADAP next month. Disability advocate Zachary Weeks said he's hearing from many Albertans facing the transition. "I'm hearing a lot of fear, anxiety, uncertainty. It is yet another blow on people that didn't ask to be disabled," he said.