Overview

To understand the context of the community rehabilitation sector, it is important to consider the population of persons with disabilities in Canada and in Alberta—particularly those children, youth, and adults who receive supports and services. This Section describes what Workforce 2010 has found.

Support to Adults

Adults with developmental disabilities in Alberta access public funding through the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Community Boards (PDD). In 2004, 8,812 adult Albertans accessed supports funded through PDD. The following two sections provide information regarding the location and age of these adult Albertans.

Individuals Receiving PDD Support Today
In 2004, there were 8,812 individuals with developmental disabilities receiving support from PDD. Here is where they were located:

Individuals Receiving PDD Support Today
This is the age breakdown of individuals receiving support from PDD in 2004:

AGE:

Future Trends
By 2010, it is predicted that there will be about 11,000 adults with developmental disabilities requiring services. Based on the Service Provider Survey, service providers believe that there will be:

• more older individuals with developmental disabilities


• more individuals with complex needs, FAS, and dual diagnosis


• greater diversity of diagnoses and ethnic backgrounds

To meet these needs, community rehabilitation workers will need to be:

• well trained and skilled in supporting inclusion


• working collaboratively with family members and self-advocates


• creative and innovative in offering services

Documents (available in .pdf format)

Service Expectations for the Future: Results of Family Focus Groups (.pdf)

Facts for a Solid Foundation: Essential Intelligence for Planning the Future Workforce (.pdf)

Trends, Issues and Best Practices: A Synthesis of the Labour Market Intelligence About the Rehabilitation Field in Alberta (.pdf)

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