Act NOW Rally Calls for Stronger Accessibility and Disability Support Commitments

EDMONTON, Alberta - May 5, 2025 - PRLog -- Disability advocates, families, and allies from across Alberta will gather at the Alberta Legislature for the Act NOW Rally, calling for meaningful improvements in accessibility legislation, disability support programs, and community consultation.
Organized by Barrier-Free Alberta, the rally will run from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM and will include speakers with lived experience, accessibility experts, and community leaders. The event will be ASL-interpreted and accessible for attendees with disabilities.
"We're calling on the government to ensure dignity and equity through legislation and program reform." says Bean Gill, disability advocate and entrepreneur. "Albertans with disabilities deserve to be heard and included in decisions that directly impact their lives,"
Rally organizers are highlighting three key priorities:
● Enact provincial accessibility legislation. Alberta is the last province to implement comprehensive accessibility legislation that identifies, prevents and removes barriers ensuring everyone has access to participate in all aspects of life.
● Reinstate funding and ensure access to supports. Reverse the decision to make the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) non-exempt income for AISH recipients, eliminate the Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) waitlist and Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) critical and urgent criteria, and restore funding for self-advocacy groups.
● Listen to persons with disabilities before making changes. Pause moving individuals from AISH to the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) until meaningful consultation with people who are affected has been completed.
"Our community is ready to work with government on real, sustainable solutions." says Michelle Kristinson of Barrier-Free Alberta.  "We're coming together to say: no more delays, no more clawbacks, and no more decisions about us, without us."
📍 Event Details
Act NOW Rally
🗓️ Tuesday, May 6, 2025
🕛 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
📍 Alberta Legislature Building, Edmonton
♿ ASL interpretation provided

Media Contact
Michelle Kristinson, Manager, Government Relations & Advocacy
Barrier-Free Alberta
📧 mkristinson@cpalberta.com
📱 403-815-1142
🌐 www.barrierfreeab.ca