What Is PDD in Alberta

What Can PDD Support?

PDD services are based on the individual's assessed needs and approved support plan.
Depending on the person and their approved arrangement, PDD-supported services may include:

Home Living Support

Support can help an adult take part in everyday routines and build independence at home.
This may include support with:

• meal preparation

• household routines and organization

• laundry and everyday home tasks

• planning and decision-making

• developing practical daily living skills

• building confidence with familiar routines

The goal is not to take over tasks a person can do for themselves, but to provide the right level of support so they can participate as independently as possible.
 

Community Access and Participation

PDD can support opportunities for adults to participate in their communities, build relationships, develop skills, and take part in activities that matter to them.
Community-based support may include:

• recreation and leisure activities

• shopping and errands

• social activities

• community programs

• appointments and outings

• practising familiar transit or community routes

• building confidence in everyday community settings

At Avelora Life, community participation is shaped around the person's interests, comfort, communication style, goals, and preferred level of independence.
 

Respite Support

For an eligible adult who lives with a family member or caregiver, PDD may include respite services that provide the caregiver with a temporary break.
Respite should still be meaningful for the person receiving support. It may involve familiar routines, activities at home, community outings, social connection, or other agreed supports based on the person's plan.

Employment and Skill Development

PDD may also fund employment-related supports for some individuals.
These supports can help a person develop employment skills, prepare for work, find suitable opportunities, or maintain paid employment when included in their approved plan.
Avelora Life's primary role is non-medical everyday and community support, so service fit is confirmed before support begins.

 

How Does the PDD Planning Process Work?

Once a person is found eligible, a PDD worker works with the individual and their support team to better understand their strengths, needs, goals, and existing supports.
A PDD Service Plan is developed to identify the services that may be needed.
When services begin, the person, their support team, and the chosen provider or Family Managed Services administrator develop a more detailed Individual Support Plan.
This plan can identify:

• the person's goals

• what support will look like

• who will provide support

• how progress will be reviewed

• how the plan can change when needs or circumstances change

Support should remain person-centred rather than simply following a fixed list of tasks.

 

What Is Family Managed Services?

Family Managed Services, or FMS, is one way eligible individuals can arrange PDD-funded support.
With FMS, the individual, family member, guardian, or another approved person takes greater responsibility for arranging services. The person who signs the FMS agreement becomes the FMS Administrator.
Depending on the arrangement, an FMS Administrator may be responsible for activities such as hiring and supervising workers, maintaining records, managing approved expenses, and working with the person's PDD worker.
PDD services can also be accessed through approved agencies. Alberta allows individuals to use agency-based services, Family Managed Services, or a combination when appropriate.

PDD vs. Family Managed Services: What Is the Difference?

PDD and FMS are not two competing disability programs.
PDD is the provincial program.
Family Managed Services is one way PDD-funded services can be organized and managed.
For example, one individual may receive support through an agency, while another family may use an FMS arrangement to have more involvement in selecting and managing the people providing support.
The best arrangement depends on the person's approved services, goals, preferences, support network, and ability to manage the responsibilities involved.

 

Is PDD the Same as AISH?

No.
PDD and AISH serve different purposes.
PDD focuses on disability-related services and supports.
AISH provides financial and health benefits to eligible Albertans with severe, permanent disabilities.
A person may be connected with more than one Alberta program depending on their individual circumstances and eligibility.
PDD itself does not provide income support.

How Do You Apply for PDD in Alberta?

Applications are handled through the Government of Alberta.
The general process includes:

1. Reviewing the current PDD eligibility requirements.

2. Completing the PDD application.

3. Providing the requested documentation.

4. Providing developmental or psychological assessment information when required.

5. Speaking with a PDD worker if more information is needed.

6. Receiving an eligibility decision.

7. If eligible, beginning service planning with the PDD worker and support team.

Families preparing for the transition from children's services may want to start learning about adult disability programs before the individual turns 18.
Always confirm the current process and documentation requirements directly with Alberta Disability Services.

 

What PDD Does Not Cover

PDD has a specific role within Alberta's disability-support system.
The program does not replace every other government, health, transportation, or income-support program.
For example, the Government of Alberta identifies separate programs or systems for areas such as:

• income assistance

• medical equipment

• regulated health or therapy services

• childcare

• public transportation

• emergency or crisis services

Knowing these boundaries can help individuals and families understand which program to contact for a particular need.

 

How Avelora Life Can Support Adults Using PDD or FMS

Avelora Life provides person-centred, non-medical support for adults with developmental disabilities across Alberta.
Depending on the person's approved service arrangement, goals, location, schedule, staffing availability, and service fit, support may include:

• everyday routines and household organization

• meal preparation and practical skill-building

• shopping and errands

• appointment accompaniment

• community activities

• social connection

• community participation

• familiar-route and transit practice

• building confidence and independence in ordinary daily activities

We begin with the person rather than a standard checklist.
Their preferences, communication, relationships, culture, routines, strengths, goals, comfort, and right to make choices should remain central to the support process.
Avelora Life does not determine PDD eligibility or funding. Those decisions remain with the applicable Government of Alberta program.

Frequently Asked Questions About PDD in Alberta

 

Can someone apply for PDD before turning 18?

Yes. Under current Alberta rules, an individual may apply beginning at age 16, although PDD-funded services begin at age 18.

Does having autism automatically qualify someone for PDD?

No diagnosis automatically guarantees PDD eligibility. Alberta Disability Services considers the program's developmental-disability criteria, assessment information, everyday functioning, and other eligibility requirements.
 

Can PDD pay for respite?

Respite is one of the services PDD may provide when it is part of an individual's assessed needs and approved service plan.

 

Can families choose their own support workers?

Family Managed Services may allow an individual or their FMS Administrator greater involvement in arranging and managing staff. Agency-based services are another option, and some people may use a combination.

 

Does Avelora Life approve PDD funding?

No. Avelora Life does not determine program eligibility, funding levels, or approved services. These decisions are made through Alberta Disability Services.

 

Can Avelora work with an individual's family, guardian, or support team?

Yes, when appropriate consent, authority, and service arrangements are in place. Collaboration can help make support more consistent with the person's goals and everyday life.

 

Is PDD only available in Edmonton or Calgary?

No. PDD is an Alberta provincial program. Service-provider availability, however, varies by community, staffing, schedule, approved services, and individual needs.
 

Looking for PDD Support in Alberta?

Understanding PDD is the first step. The next step is finding support that fits the person's actual life.
Avelora Life provides respectful, person-centred, non-medical support for adults across Alberta. We can discuss the person's goals, approved service arrangement, community, schedule, and the type of everyday support being considered.

 

Explore PDD Support Services in Alberta
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Service availability depends on location, staffing, scheduling, individual support needs, safety considerations, and service fit. PDD eligibility and funding decisions remain with the Government of Alberta. Avelora Life provides non-medical support and is not an emergency response service.
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