The Alberta Association for Community Living Welcomes Payments to Staff

To view the Social Media Release, click here: http://smr.newswire.ca/en/alberta-association-of-community-living/aacl-additional-funding

ALBERTA, July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - The Alberta Association for Community Living (AACL) welcomes the announcement from Mary Anne Jablonski, Minister of Seniors and Community Supports and Yvonne Fritz, Minister of Children and Youth Services of additional funding.

Agencies contracted by Children and Youth Services to serve children, youth and families and by Seniors and Community Supports to serve adults with disabilities will receive two lump sums of $1,500 per full-time equivalent employee, with pro-rated amounts for part-time employees.

Barbara MacIntyre, AACL President and parent, stated, " I am pleased that the Ministers and the Alberta government have listened to the concerns of families with respect to the need for consistent quality staffing in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. "

This much needed adjustment to staff incomes does not eliminate the serious gap in wages between government employees and community employees, but it is a positive step in addressing this persistent and problematic issue. This funding will help to reduce staff turnover and make the field more attractive as a career option thereby contributing positively to the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

SOURCE Alberta Association for Community Living