The Alberta government is replacing AISH with a new system called ADAP.

On paper, it may look like progress.

But for many — especially Deaf individuals — this change feels like being pushed backward, not forward.

This is not just policy.

This is about real lives, real barriers, and real survival.

The Truth Behind the Change

• Up to $200 less per month

• More pressure to work

• Less stability

• Limited consultation with people most affected

  
  

For many Deaf people, this is not “adjustment.”

This is risk.

What About the $200 Canada Disability Benefit?

The federal government of Canada introduced the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) to support people with disabilities who have low income.

Some discussions suggest eligible individuals may receive around $200 per month.

This sounds helpful — but here is the concern:

• Alberta may reduce AISH by $200

• Federal benefit may add about $200

That means people may gain nothing overall.

If money is given with one hand, but taken away with the other —that is not real support.

Why Deaf Canadians Are More Affected

Deaf individuals already face daily barriers that hearing society often does not see:

• Communication gaps in workplaces

• Lack of accessible hiring processes

• Limited interpreter availability

• Social and economic exclusion

  
  

Now imagine adding less income + more pressure to work.

That is not support. That is system pressure.

The Real Impact

1. Financial Instability

Losing $200/month can mean:

• Skipping meals

• Struggling with rent

• Choosing between health and survival

2. Forced Expectations

Not everyone can work consistently:

• Some have fluctuating health

• Some face communication discrimination

• Some are simply not given equal opportunities

Expecting equal output without equal access is not fairness.

3. Mental Health Risk

Stress, anxiety, and burnout increase when:

• Income is uncertain

• Pressure is high

• Support is unclear

This can lead to serious emotional and mental health struggles.

Pros vs Cons

Possible Benefits (Government View)

✔ Encourages participation in work

✔ Expands support to more people

✔ Offers flexible income options

Reality for Many (Community View)

❌ Reduced monthly income

❌ Pressure without proper support

❌ Accessibility gaps ignored

❌ Deaf voices not fully included

❌ Risk of deeper inequality

Cities Are Speaking Up

Cities like:

• Calgary

• Edmonton

• Red Deer

are asking the government to pause and rethink

Because this change may harm the very people it claims to support.

Hard Questions That Must Be Answered

• Where is Deaf accessibility in this new program?

• Will workplaces provide interpreters and equal communication?

• Why reduce income for vulnerable people?

• Why were disabled and Deaf voices not fully included?

• What happens to those who simply cannot work?

Strong Message to Government

Equality is not giving everyone the same rules.

Equality is giving everyone the right support to succeed.

You cannot expect Deaf individuals to “fit” into a system

that was not designed with them in mind.

Message to the Deaf Community

Do not stay silent.

Your voice matters.

Your experience matters.

Your rights matter.

You deserve:

• Accessibility

• Fair income

• Respect

• Inclusion

Not pressure. Not reduction. Not being overlooked.

Call to Action

• Share this message

• Educate others

• Speak up for accessibility

• Support Deaf advocacy organizations

Powerful Conclusion

This is more than a policy change.

This is a test of fairness, inclusion, and humanity.

If a system reduces support, ignores accessibility,and increases pressure on vulnerable communities…

Then it is not progress.

It is inequality in disguise.

The Deaf community in Canada does not need pity.

We need equal opportunity, real support, and a system that listens.

And real support means more help — not equal trade-offs that change nothing.

The Deaf community in Canada does not need pity. We need equal opportunity, real support, and a system that listens.