Alberta mother says disabled son was denied AISH before decision changed

Kristi Hall-Busque says her son Ben, 18, was initially denied Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped despite requiring round-the-clock care. The province changed the decision Tuesday morning after learning she had spoken with media.

Kristi Hall-Busque says Alberta initially denied Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped benefits to her 18-year-old son, Ben, who has severe disabilities and requires round-the-clock care. The decision was changed Tuesday morning after the province learned Hall-Busque had spoken with media; she spoke to media that afternoon, Global News Edmonton reported.

Ben uses a wheelchair, is non-verbal and needs 24/7 care, including an overnight nurse. Hall-Busque said she was dumbfounded when AISH told her son was employable. “He is dependent in every single area for the quality of his life,” she said Tuesday.

AISH provides basic benefits to Albertans with permanent medical issues and developmental disabilities that prevent them from working. Earlier this year, Alberta began moving many people with disabilities from AISH to the Alberta Disability Assistance Program, or ADAP, which is designed to let recipients earn more employment income. Hall-Busque is speaking out about the denial and its reversal. Global News Edmonton's Katherine Ludwig reported on the case in a video.

Based on reporting by Global News Edmonton.