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009. Looking Back at 2025 And What Comes Next for Disability Supports in Alberta
Episode Summary:
In this reflective year-end episode, Gordon and Annie look back on a tumultuous year for Alberta’s disability community and look ahead to what 2026 may bring.
What began as conversations around Bill 12 and proposed changes to AISH has evolved into a year marked by uncertainty, fear, increased workload for families, and a growing sense of distrust between the disability community and government decision-makers.
This episode isn’t just about policy, it’s about people, lived experience, and the emotional toll of navigating constant change without clear answers.
Why this matters:
- Disability policy doesn’t exist in a vacuum, it affects real lives every day
- Uncertainty can be just as damaging as cuts
- Families deserve clarity, respect, and a seat at the table
- Advocacy doesn’t stop when legislation passes
Key Takeaways:
- 2025 was marked by uncertainty, not clarity, for people relying on disability supports
- Bill 12 has passed, but critical details remain unknown
- Regulations not legislation will determine real-world impact
- Families and caregivers are facing increased workload and emotional strain
- Repeatedly “proving disability” is dehumanizing and exhausting
- Government messaging often does not reflect lived reality
- Advocacy must continue after legislation passes
- Personal stories are one of the most powerful tools for change
Memorable lines:
“It wasn’t just the change it was the uncertainty around how it would be implemented.”
“Stories make us real. They remind government that we’re not numbers.”
“Even if we can’t control the outcome, we still have a responsibility to speak.”
Resources & Links:
AISH Program Overview (Government of Alberta)
https://www.alberta.ca/aish
Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) – General Information
https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-disability-assistance-program
Bill 12 – Alberta Legislature
https://www.assembly.ab.ca/assembly-business/bills/bills-by-legislature
Disability Advocates – VanderLeek Law
https://disabilityadvocates.ca
Find and Contact Your MLA
https://www.assembly.ab.ca/members/members-of-the-legislative-assembly
View all episodes
By Gordon & Annie VanderLeekEpisode Summary:
In this reflective year-end episode, Gordon and Annie look back on a tumultuous year for Alberta’s disability community and look ahead to what 2026 may bring.
What began as conversations around Bill 12 and proposed changes to AISH has evolved into a year marked by uncertainty, fear, increased workload for families, and a growing sense of distrust between the disability community and government decision-makers.
This episode isn’t just about policy, it’s about people, lived experience, and the emotional toll of navigating constant change without clear answers.
Why this matters:
- Disability policy doesn’t exist in a vacuum, it affects real lives every day
- Uncertainty can be just as damaging as cuts
- Families deserve clarity, respect, and a seat at the table
- Advocacy doesn’t stop when legislation passes
Key Takeaways:
- 2025 was marked by uncertainty, not clarity, for people relying on disability supports
- Bill 12 has passed, but critical details remain unknown
- Regulations not legislation will determine real-world impact
- Families and caregivers are facing increased workload and emotional strain
- Repeatedly “proving disability” is dehumanizing and exhausting
- Government messaging often does not reflect lived reality
- Advocacy must continue after legislation passes
- Personal stories are one of the most powerful tools for change
Memorable lines:
“It wasn’t just the change it was the uncertainty around how it would be implemented.”
“Stories make us real. They remind government that we’re not numbers.”
“Even if we can’t control the outcome, we still have a responsibility to speak.”
Resources & Links:
AISH Program Overview (Government of Alberta)
https://www.alberta.ca/aish
Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) – General Information
https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-disability-assistance-program
Bill 12 – Alberta Legislature
https://www.assembly.ab.ca/assembly-business/bills/bills-by-legislature
Disability Advocates – VanderLeek Law
https://disabilityadvocates.ca
Find and Contact Your MLA
https://www.assembly.ab.ca/members/members-of-the-legislative-assembly