Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped
Encyclopedia
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) is the legal name of a social welfare program and service offered in Alberta
to nearly 39,000 Albertan citizens. Former AISH act legislation defined severe handicap as “adult Albertans with a permanent disability
that severely impairs their ability to earn a living.” The legal definition in legislation defines “severe handicap” as an impairment of mental or physical functioning or both that, in a director’s opinion after considering any relevant medical or psychological reports, causes substantial limitation in the person’s ability to earn a livelihood
and is likely to continue to affect that person permanently because no remedial therapy is available that would materially improve the person’s ability to earn a livelihood.
The Minister of Alberta Seniors Community Supports is the Honourable Mary Anne Jablonski
, and she is the minister responsible for the AISH program in Alberta Canada pursuant to the provincial statutes. It is important to clarify the definition of “minister responsible” in so far as Alberta legislation is laden with intricate, interwoven provisions to give considerable legal and discretionary authority to Mrs. Jablonski as provided for in respective acts and regulation but in terms of crown liability Mrs. Jablonski receives indemnity from actions brought against her or the crown. In simple terms, no small claims lawsuit or civil suit may be brought against the honourable minister, the ministry of Alberta Seniors Community Supports, its programs and services and all employees, boards, commissions, or personnel appointed by the AISH Director.
The director's opinion as stated in the definition of severe handicap above, is very poignant as the AISH act, AISH regulation, and AISH ministerial regulation affords considerable power and authority an individual designated as the director.
(f) “director” means a person designated by the Minister as a director for the purposes of this Act;
Delegation by director. Moreover, a director may delegate any power, duty, or function conferred or imposed on a director under this Act to any employee of the Department or of an Indian or Métis organization. AISH supervisor, Calgary delivery services, on November 4, 2006 did indicate that he and all AISH generalists are bound by AISH policy.
In the 2004 provincial election
, AISH was the subject of some controversy following supposedly derogatory remarks made by Premier
Ralph Klein, stating, of a group of AISH recipients, "they didn't look handicapped to me."
After the 2004 election, responsibility for the AISH program was moved from the Human Resources and Employment ministry to the then newly formed Alberta Seniors and Community Supports ministry.
checkup and cleaning. In addition to this, AISH benefits also cover necessary fillings.
service to the nearest hospital which can provide the medical treatment required.
AISH Act proclaimed on June 1, 2007 removed the preamble.
Alberta
Alberta is a province of Canada. It had an estimated population of 3.7 million in 2010 making it the most populous of Canada's three prairie provinces...
to nearly 39,000 Albertan citizens. Former AISH act legislation defined severe handicap as “adult Albertans with a permanent disability
Disability
A disability may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental or some combination of these.Many people would rather be referred to as a person with a disability instead of handicapped...
that severely impairs their ability to earn a living.” The legal definition in legislation defines “severe handicap” as an impairment of mental or physical functioning or both that, in a director’s opinion after considering any relevant medical or psychological reports, causes substantial limitation in the person’s ability to earn a livelihood
Livelihood
A person's livelihood referers to "means of securing the necessities of life". For instance a fisherman's livelihood depends on the availability and accessibility of fish.- In social sciences :...
and is likely to continue to affect that person permanently because no remedial therapy is available that would materially improve the person’s ability to earn a livelihood.
The Minister of Alberta Seniors Community Supports is the Honourable Mary Anne Jablonski
Mary Anne Jablonski
Mary Anne Jablonski is a Canadian politician and current Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta representing the constituency of Red Deer North as a Progressive Conservative.-Early life:...
, and she is the minister responsible for the AISH program in Alberta Canada pursuant to the provincial statutes. It is important to clarify the definition of “minister responsible” in so far as Alberta legislation is laden with intricate, interwoven provisions to give considerable legal and discretionary authority to Mrs. Jablonski as provided for in respective acts and regulation but in terms of crown liability Mrs. Jablonski receives indemnity from actions brought against her or the crown. In simple terms, no small claims lawsuit or civil suit may be brought against the honourable minister, the ministry of Alberta Seniors Community Supports, its programs and services and all employees, boards, commissions, or personnel appointed by the AISH Director.
The director's opinion as stated in the definition of severe handicap above, is very poignant as the AISH act, AISH regulation, and AISH ministerial regulation affords considerable power and authority an individual designated as the director.
(f) “director” means a person designated by the Minister as a director for the purposes of this Act;
Delegation by director. Moreover, a director may delegate any power, duty, or function conferred or imposed on a director under this Act to any employee of the Department or of an Indian or Métis organization. AISH supervisor, Calgary delivery services, on November 4, 2006 did indicate that he and all AISH generalists are bound by AISH policy.
In the 2004 provincial election
Alberta general election, 2004
The Alberta general election of 2004 was the twenty-sixth general election for the province of Alberta, Canada. It was held on November 22, 2004 to elect members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta....
, AISH was the subject of some controversy following supposedly derogatory remarks made by Premier
Premier of Alberta
The Premier of Alberta is the first minister for the Canadian province of Alberta. He or she is the province's head of government and de facto chief executive. The current Premier of Alberta is Alison Redford. She became Premier by winning the Progressive Conservative leadership elections on...
Ralph Klein, stating, of a group of AISH recipients, "they didn't look handicapped to me."
After the 2004 election, responsibility for the AISH program was moved from the Human Resources and Employment ministry to the then newly formed Alberta Seniors and Community Supports ministry.
Monthly Income
Every AISH recipient receives a base monthly payment of $1,188 as of April 1, 2011. No changes occurred on this basic amount for this fiscal year of 2011, like in 2010. In addition to this monthly payment, a recipient can earn up to $400 without his/her AISH income being affected. For any income between $400 and $1,000, 50% of what is earned is deducted from the AISH base income, and any income above $1,000 will be taken off, dollar for dollar, from the AISH base income.Prescription Medications
Most prescription medications are paid for by AISH benefits. The majority of what a doctor will prescribe, from common antibiotics, to such medications as Ritalin and Zyprexa, is covered by AISH. However, there are medications, generally, although not always, newer medications, that are not covered by the benefits. Medication coverage is decided upon by a government committee.Dental Coverage
AISH allows for one yearly dentalDentistry
Dentistry is the branch of medicine that is involved in the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent and associated structures and their impact on the human body. Dentistry is widely considered...
checkup and cleaning. In addition to this, AISH benefits also cover necessary fillings.
Ambulance Service
AISH benefits will cover fees for ground ambulanceAmbulance
An ambulance is a vehicle for transportation of sick or injured people to, from or between places of treatment for an illness or injury, and in some instances will also provide out of hospital medical care to the patient...
service to the nearest hospital which can provide the medical treatment required.
AISH Act proclaimed on June 1, 2007 removed the preamble.