Getting Started With PDD

An individual with a developmental disability who is 18 or older may be eligible for supports and services funded through PDD. You don’t have to use PDD supports but there may be some areas in a person’s life where they can be useful.

Connecting with PDD to learn more about the available options or to apply can occur in a number of ways. Here are some key steps you can consider in Getting Started with PDD.

1. Collect and organize any documents or information that has accumulated throughout the life of the person who may require supports.
   • Ensure that the individual has a Social Insurance Number, Passport (or other Photo ID), and Separate Bank Account. Apply for AISH, and, if needed for Guardianship and/or Trusteeship.
     
     
2. Contact a Community Supports Coordinator
   • A Community Supports Coordinator can provide a great deal of information about PDD, available supports, community resources, and is the key connecting point for any questions that may come up.
     
     
3. Think about the person’s current family, friends, and other circumstances (this can be helpful in thinking about where PDD supports could be useful and help build on what is already positive in the individuals life)
   • Consider arranging to become involved in Person Centered Planning to explore things about a person’s situation, dreams and desires that can help in making sure PDD funded supports are provided in a way that the person thinks is most useful.
     
     
4. Read though Start Here: A Guide to PDD Supports and Funding in Central Alberta and the many other resources available in the Features and Resources section of the PDD Central Alberta Community Board website
   • This can provide information on a number of topics relevant to PDD supports, services, and funding.
     
     
5. Consider contacting and visiting local Service Providers to learn about the options they provide
   • This can give you a sense of the wide variety of supports that are provided to meet the unique individual needs and desires of the people being supported.
     
     
6. Connect with other families who may be able to share their experiences in thinking about and obtaining supports.
   • Talking with other families can add to your knowledge, give you some ideas about what works and what doesn’t. The Family Voices group in Central Alberta may be able to provide support and ideas.
     
     
7. Explore other resources that may be available.
   • This can be helpful in longer term planning (eg. Further Education Supports, Employment Supports, Wills, Estate Planning) and if the person has some specific and unique circumstances.
     
     
8. Complete a PDD application and get supports in place.
   • A formal PDD application is required to establish a person eligibility for supports and to outline the types and amounts of supports and funding that are to be provided. A Community Supports Coordinator can provide you with information about the application process.
     
     
9. Get on with life.
   • PDD supports are intended to assist people in pursuing their lives in the manner that they desire. PDD supports are not intended to replace the many other important people, groups, activities, and relationships that are part of lives of persons with developmental disabilities. Living Life is the goal and if PDD can assist a little that’s great!