Families of children and adults with developmental disabilities respond to
Speech from the Throne

CALGARY , Feb. 4 /CNW/ - Once again we are pleased to see Premier Stelmach state that support for vulnerable Albertans will be a key priority of his government. While recent attempts and some actual cuts to services and supports for Albertans with developmental disabilities raise questions as to the government's past commitment, we remain hopeful the Premier and his government will reverse these actions and that future decisions will faithfully reflect the intent expressed in today's Speech from the Throne.

Wendy McDonald, AACL President and parent of a child with developmental disabilities, said, "Families and individuals with developmental disabilities who are currently having their supports and services reduced deserve to be treated fairly and justly. It's time their desperate concerns for their vulnerable sons and daughters were heard and respected."

AACL is also pleased to see the government's expressed interest in addressing the current gaps in the transition for children with disabilities to adult supports. Currently thousands of children with disabilities and their families have access to needed and helpful supports that are not available in adulthood, leaving them vulnerable and with little hope.

We are disappointed that the Speech from the Throne did not address the current review of education and the need for families of children with disabilities to have the right to choose an inclusive education. We will continue to pursue this dream.

For further information: Bruce Uditsky, Chief Executive Officer, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Wendy McDonald, President, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]