Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD)
What is PDD?
Please refer to the Human Services Alberta website and links provided for full details about the PDD program and to apply online.
PDD ( Persons with Developmental Disabilities Program) is an Alberta government funding program. Its target population is adult Albertans ( over 18 yrs) with developmental disabilities. This program aims to assist them to be a part of their communities and live as independently as they can.
Individuals who qualify, receive a yearly renewable contract with specific benefits, based on the specific disability-related needs and circumstances, different individuals will have different contracts. PDD aims to fund individualized services for each individual. This program can also remain flexible as the person grows and their needs change. The decisions on what benefits will be funded, is made as a result of ongoing collaboration process between the department and the individual or his/her representative.
The program funds four kinds of staffing supports based on an individualized service plan:
- Community Living Supports help individuals in their home (for example: meal planning and housekeeping)
- Employment Supports train, educate and support individuals to get and keep jobs
- Community Access Supports help individuals participate in their community (for example: volunteering, going to clubs, sports and other activities)
- Specialized Community Supports are generally short-term supports to help with special circumstances (for example: extra help when a person is having trouble)
Who can get help from PDD?
To be eligible for PDD, a person must be an adult (18 or older) and meet these three criteria:
- The individual must have a “significant limitation in intellectual capacity.” This means an IQ score of 70 or below.
- The individual must have a “significant limitation in adaptive skills.” This means the individual needs help with daily living activities like making food.
- The individual must have had both of these two limitations before they turn 18.
For more detailed information about these eligibility criteria, see the Developmental Disabilities Guidelines.
How does it work?
PDD services are provided by service providers in the community. PDD service providers are agencies that specialize in helping people with disabilities. PDD gives these agencies money to pay for the staff supports that individuals need. Services provided by an agency are part of an individualized service plan.
PDD services can also be provided through a Family Managed Services agreement. With Family Managed Services, an individual with a developmental disability, their family, or a close friend can directly hire staff or a service provider that has been approved by the PDD program.
A family can also have a blend of both, Agency and Family Managed Services models.
How do I get help from PDD?
To apply for funding through the PDD Program, please click on the myAlbertasupports link to complete an application for the PDD program. Once the form is recieved, someone from the PDD Program will contact you as soon as possible to talk to you about how we can help you. If you need help filling out this form, call 1-877-644-9992 (your call is free if you are in Alberta).
