Re: Editorial: One step good, two better March 23, Advocate.
I would like to commend MLA Cal Dallas and Premier’s Council Chairperson Marlin Styner on their commitment to visitability! Greg Neiman’s editorial regarding Dallas’s Motion on Visitability made an excellent point about helping people to continue to live in their own homes by helping to “cover at least some part of retrofitting existing homes, to allow people to continue living in the house they paid for, when the only real barrier to doing so is the size of the doorways, lack of a roll-in tub/shower or the need for a new toilet”.
The government of Alberta remains committed to supporting Albertans with disabilities, especially those most in need, and programs, such as the Residential Access Modification Program (RAMP), are in place to do exactly that.
RAMP provides grants of up to $5,000 to modify homes for eligible wheelchair users. RAMP grants are for permanent and/or temporary wheelchair modifications that facilitate access into or movement within a home by the wheelchair user. The program funds exterior modifications that enhance access to homes and interior modifications like wheel-in showers, accessible vanities, and high-rise toilets.
RAMP works with federal programs, such as the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Disabled (RRAP-D), and the Home Adaptations for Seniors’ Independence (HASI) to coordinate maximum funding for an eligible applicant.
In addition to RAMP, the Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program helps approximately 85,000 Albertans to obtain health related supports such as wheelchairs and mobility aids.
These health related benefits assist individuals with a long-term disability, and a chronic or terminal illness to maintain their independence in their communities.
Hon Mary Anne Jablonski
Minister of Seniors and Community Supports
MLA Red Deer North