The provincial government’s proposed changes to Alberta Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) bring a sense of deja vu.

In 1999, dramatic changes to AISH were being planned. Existing recipients would remain on the current program, while new applicants would be placed on Open Doors, with lower benefits, asset limits and stricter rules.

People with disabilities soon understood that this was not simply program modernization. It was cutting income support and pushing people with disabilities deeper into poverty. Those on AISH feared they would be removed from the program and that their modest savings could disqualify them from support.

The disability community responded. Organizations of people with physical, intellectual and mental-health disabilities joined with families, churches and community organizations to ensure the government understood the consequences of the proposed policies.

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As executive director of the Alberta Committee of Citizens with Disabilities........

© Calgary Herald