Youth: How to Get Supports If You Have a Disability

If you are a youth with a disability, your supports change when you turn 18. Find out about the supports and services you can get as an adult.

Try to get your disability documented before you turn 18. That means it has been diagnosed and recorded. You may qualify for programs and supports. To get this done:

• See a doctor
• contact one of the support agencies listed in this article

Some agencies may be able to help you get other support as you turn 18.

If you’ve been in care of children’s services

You may be able to get support and resources:

• Call your caseworker.
• Don’t remember your caseworker’s name? Call the office where you used to go.
• Live in a different town or region? Find your local office.

If you need fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) resources

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) describes a range of issues. These may include physical birth defects and health problems. Contact a support agency that can help you:

• Alberta FASD Home to learn about FASD and province-wide programs and services
• Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network for resources and advocacy. 403-681-2673
• Edmonton and Area Fetal Alcohol Network for resources and advocacy. 780-940-7108
• FASD Service Networks to find contact information for your local centre.

Look for Work

Self-Employment Planning for Individuals with a Developmental Disability

Self–employment requires hard work, commitment and support from others. Being successful means matching your skills and interests with appropriate self–employment opportunities.

If you need resources for persons with developmental disabilities

A developmental disability begins in childhood. It limits your ability to think and adapt to situations. The most common forms include Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, FASD and autism. If this affects you, contact a support agency that can help:

• Persons with Developmental Disabilities for Alberta Government programs and services
• Inclusion Alberta for advocacy and support for PDD. 1-800-252-7556

If you are severely handicapped

Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) offers help to adults with disabilities. The disability must be permanent and limit your ability to earn a living.

If you’ve been in care, you may be able to get support and resources that will help you as you become an adult. Now is a good time to ask your caseworker.

Find more resources

Check out:

• Disability services for links to Alberta Government programs and services
• Persons with Disabilities: Career, Learning and Work for resources for learners and job seekers