Built like a family. Community-led. Disability-driven.
PADA (People’s Alliance for Disabled Albertans) is not a registered nonprofit or charity. We are a grassroots, community-led movement built on the history of disability justice, mutual aid, and collective care.
We are inspired by past movements that understood one truth clearly: when systems fail people, communities step in.
PADA is preparing for income reductions that are expected to begin in July as part of changes to the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP).
One of these changes will reduce the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) benefit by about $200 per month for some disabled Albertans. This is not extra money. For many people, this money is used for:
groceries
special or medical diets
basic medical supplies
transportation to appointments
Losing this money will make it harder for people to afford food.
At the same time, we are hearing from people whose income has already been reduced because of Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) clawbacks.
Some of these people do not qualify for the CDB because they do not have the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). Even so, their monthly income has still gone down. This means some people are losing money when they should not be under the rules of the program.
These reductions are happening now and are leaving people short on money for basic needs, especially food.
Because of this, PADA is doing two things at the same time:
getting ready to support people when ADAP reductions begin in July, and helping
people who are already losing income because of CDB-related clawbacks.
Right now, we are focusing only on food supports, because food is the most urgent need we are hearing about from the community.
We are not fundraising for overhead, salaries, or administration.
Support goes directly to disabled Albertans in the form of:
grocery gift cards
food delivery
small emergency food supports
This is mutual aid, not charity.
Gift cards allow disabled people to buy food that meets their dietary and medical needs.
Common examples:
major grocery stores
pharmacies with food sections
local or accessible food retailers
If you’re unsure what type of gift card to provide, email padainformation@gmail.com before purchasing.
Some supporters choose to give money that is used only for food-related needs, such as groceries or meal delivery.
All food supports are handled carefully and discreetly, with privacy and dignity as priorities.
If you cannot donate financially, sharing this information helps ensure people who can support know how to do so responsibly.
PADA is not a charity and cannot issue tax receipts
All support is voluntary and community-driven
We do not guarantee outcomes, but we act in good faith to support food security
Privacy and safety of disabled people are always prioritized
This work exists because disabled people are being asked to absorb financial harm with no safety net.
If you would like to support food access for Albertans with disabilities or have questions about gift cards or donations, please reach out to padainformation@gmail.com.
We appreciate care that is thoughtful, respectful, and grounded in dignity.
