Support workers in Alberta: has your agency stopped reimbursing mileage and shifted the cost to clients?
I work for an agency in Alberta that supports people with disabilities. Recently, the agency informed us (the disability support staff) that in order to align with PDD policies, clients will now have to pay for any mileage we incur while supporting them.
Up until now, support workers were reimbursed by the agency for mileage when driving clients to appointments and activities, and I assume that funding came from PDD. Most of the people we support during the day don't have room in their budgets for this, so they are opting to take transit instead, which limits where they can go and what they can do.
I'm wondering two things:
Is this happening at other agencies across Alberta, or just mine?
Is there anything published online that documents this policy shift at PDD? I have looked and can't find a formal announcement.
Any insight from other support workers, families, or self-advocates would be appreciated.