Opinion: No one should have to struggle to live because they can't find accessible affordable housing
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As we mark National AccessAbility Week from May 25 to 31, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of Canadians with disabilities. But we must also acknowledge a sobering reality: Alberta's affordable housing crisis continues to push people with disabilities into poverty, isolation and unsafe living conditions, especially when accessible options are so few and far between.
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For more than 50 years, Accessible Housing has worked to ensure that Albertans with physical disabilities can live safely and independently in homes that meet their needs. But today, the challenge has never been greater. Demand for accessible, affordable housing far exceeds supply and the consequences are serious.
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Across Alberta, people with disabilities are disproportionately affected by housing instability. Many rely on the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), which provides a maximum monthly income of $1,787. With average rents for a one-bedroom unit in Calgary now at almost $1,700, there simply isn't enough money left over for necessities such as food and medication, let alone accessible features that support independence.
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The problem isn't only affordability — it's access. In Calgary and Edmonton, just two to three per cent of affordable housing units are fully accessible. For people with mobility challenges, that can mean living in a unit where they can't use the bathroom independently, reach kitchen counters or safely exit during an emergency. Others may be forced to remain in hospitals or care facilities longer than needed because no accessible housing is available in the community.
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This is more than a housing shortage. It's a human-rights issue.
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When people cannot find housing that meets their physical needs — or afford it even when they do — their health, safety and quality of life are all at risk. They become isolated. They lose autonomy. Their physical and mental health deteriorates. And their sense of inclusion and dignity — something we celebrate during AccessAbility Week — becomes harder to sustain.
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A recent United Nations report raised serious concerns about Canada's support systems for people with disabilities, including the lack of accessible housing and other essential services. These concerns are also reflected in ongoing legal and policy debates across the country, as we ask ourselves whether we are truly doing enough to support the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.
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Global News
9 hours ago
- Global News
Health-care workers urge Alberta to halt plan limiting free COVID-19 vaccines
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Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The people who are most at risk or most marginalized are the ones who least can afford these vaccines." Story continues below advertisement Smith said the new policy aims to prevent wastage, recover costs and protect those who need the vaccine most by giving it to them for free. Speaking Saturday on her call-in radio show the morning after her government announced the move, Smith said $135 million got 'flushed down the drain' last year with doses wasted in part because Albertans are increasingly choosing to not take them. 'I think it's because it doesn't work particularly well, if you want the truth,' Smith said. Just under 14 per cent of Alberta's 4.8 million residents got vaccinated for the virus last season. 'We believe in vaccine choice, but we don't pay for everything,' Smith said. Going forward, the vaccines will still be covered by the province for select groups of high-risk individuals such as seniors, people who live in congregate living, those with underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised, and Albertans who require social support such as AISH or are homeless. However, most Albertans, including health-care workers and seniors who live independently, will have to pay out of pocket. 2:18 Majority of Albertans to pay for COVID-19 vaccine The United Nurses of Alberta (UNA) called it a 'politically motivated move.' Story continues below advertisement 'This is an extremely dangerous policy that will increase health-care costs as well as stress on the health-care system,' said UNA president Heather Smith. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'The government's claim that this is being done to save money and recover costs makes no sense from a moral or logical perspective. This policy is wrong for health-care workers and wrong for all Albertans.' 'Once again this government has completely ignored both the expertise and safety of health-care workers.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Once again this government has completely ignored both the expertise and safety of health-care workers." In addition to adding a fee, in most cases, the COVID-19 vaccine will only be available through public health clinics and pharmacies will no longer be administering the vaccine. While the province said work is underway to determine what the final cost will be per vaccine, it noted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimates a cost of $110 per vaccine dose. In making the announcement on Friday, the government pointed out that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the United States — which is headed by longtime anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — recently stopped recommending routine COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women and healthy children. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada countered that COVID-19 vaccination 'remains safe and strongly recommended' during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Alberta doctors say these days, this province should not be taking advice from any medical association based in the United States. Story continues below advertisement 'We have ongoing disinformation from the Alberta government,' Markland said. 'We have our health providers taking information from the FDA, which is under some pretty nefarious leadership right now. 'We have a very anti-science government. There's a reason why people aren't hearing about vaccines. 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Cision Canada
9 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Government of Canada provides support for ParticipACTION to promote active lifestyles Français
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Winnipeg Free Press
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Health-care union calls for Alberta government to halt plan to limit free vaccines
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