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“This is such an important camp, it is absolutely critical for her,” Menzies says, explaining the camp is put on by Keira’s school, the Janus Academy, a leader in specialized education and community integration of kids with autism.

“During the school year, there’s always a strong focus on academics. But this summer camp really allows her to grow socially, to make friends and to just have fun. She’s always been very challenged verbally. But this camp has really helped her with that.”

Even though the $4,800 cost of the camp for six weeks won’t be covered by the province this year, Menzies says it’s too critical for Keira so the family will cover the cost themselves, choosing to significantly cut other parts of their household budget.

But their story is part of a concerning trend that has seen many families with disabled youth receive notices of denial or delay over the past month for funding for a wide range of critical services.

Trish Bowman, CEO for Inclusion Alberta, which helps people with disabilities across the province, says they’ve received more than 50 calls from families in the past month who have either been rejected or significantly delayed for funding through the Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) program and the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program, for those over 18.

Applications are normally renewed on an annual basis and provide myriad, much-needed supports to people with disabilities, including help from physical therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and psychologists. The funding also helps families supporting loved ones with disabilities by providing counselling and respite care, which allows caregivers breaks to go out, shop for groceries or just get some sleep. The programs also fund summer development camps such as the one Keira attends.