The Southern Alberta Individualized Planning Association (SAIPA) in Lethbridge has announced its programming and workshops for people with disabilities have been suspended following recent funding cuts by the Alberta government.
This impacts SAIPA, the Disability Action Hall in Calgary and the Self Advocacy Federation in Edmonton.
“This comes 15 months before they were set to end in March 2026,” said Leah Dormaar, SAIPA executive director. “This decision came without warning, leaving our organizations and those we serve in uncertain and vulnerable positions.”
In total, nearly $424,000 of annual funding was cut on Jan. 7.
“Alberta’s government is committed to supporting Albertans most in need, which is why resources saved from this decision will be repurposed toward direct services for individuals and families,” Seniors, Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon said in a statement.
“Due to increased demand on the province’s disability programs, Alberta’s government is ensuring that resources are allocated to connecting individuals and families to supports and services as quickly as possible.”
The province said, “No cuts have been made to direct services delivered by contracted community disability service providers.”
Dormaar says a majority of operating funding for SAIPA comes from contracts and outside funding sources.
Those that use the programs say they’re devastated to learn they’ve been halted.
“It was a shock to me when one of my friends told me,” said Melodie Scout, who has used services at SAIPA for more than 20 years.
“Being involved with SAIPA has helped me open up and speak out on the things that I’m struggling with on a daily basis.”
According to Dormaar, “SAIPA provides education and workshops around knowing your rights, around abuse prevention, about how to be a self-advocate, living in the community.”
The non-profit serves those in the Lethbridge area while working with the South Region Self-Advocacy Network (SRSAN) to reach those across southern Alberta.
SAIPA has 90 days until funding runs out to find alternative options to continue to offer its programs.
The timeline has left those in the community like Scout without a clear future.
“We need these programs for us to survive and get to be out there in the community as much as we can,” said Scout.
