Groups refuse to cut programs for disabled

Service groups that help developmentally disabled people in the Edmonton area are ignoring a government request to slash their budgets by the end of the year.

Alberta hopes to cut about two per cent of the People with Developmental Disabilities budget — which amounts to roughly $12 million.

Groups in  the Edmonton area have been asked to find nearly $3 million in savings as their share of the cuts.

The Edmonton Council of Service Providers voted unanimously Tuesday to refuse that request.

Chair Laurie Williams said the organizations felt there was no room for cuts. 

Williams added that many of the groups objected to the cuts because families hadn’t been properly notified of potential changes to services.

"At this point, we are sending a letter not only to the ministry, but we will also advise the Edmonton region that we’re not able to accept a year-end adjustment," Williams said.

Cuts could force 'hasty decisions'

Bruce Uditsky, chief executive officer of the Alberta Association for Community Living, said many agencies across the province took exception to the request for cuts.

"In effect, it’s sort of a retroactive clawback after most of the money has already been spent in providing supports and service," Uditsky said.

"It really does not suggest an appropriate way of a department managing [the] funds that it provides community agencies to support people"

Uditsky said the support groups believe the government should be held to the contracts it signed with them last April — even if it means they might not get contracts next year.

He said any cuts would be the result of a "hasty decision" and would put people with disabilities at risk.

Last week, Mary Anne Jablonski, minister of seniors and community supports, said the cuts are a result of the economic downturn.

The minister of seniors and community supports can step in to override the contracts. A government spokesperson could not be reached for comment.