PDD & AISH

Understanding PDD and AISH Assessments

At Embark Psychology, we provide assessments that support applications for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) and Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) programs in Alberta. These assessments help determine eligibility for important government supports, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to the essential services, resources, and accommodations they need to thrive.

Who We Work With?

We provide PDD eligibility assessments and AISH eligibility assessments for individuals aged 16 and older. These funding and programs are to support adults with disabilities, but applications can begin at age 16 to reduce wait times and avoiding gaps in services.

We support:

  • Teens (16–17): Beginning the assessment process early helps families prepare for adult supports. Funding begins at 18, but early application ensures services can start without delays.

  • Young adults (18+): Accessing supports and services as they transition into adulthood.

  • Adults of all ages: Seeking updated documentation or supports for new or ongoing PDD or AISH applications.

When is a PDD or AISH Assessment Helpful?

You may want to consider a PDD or AISH assessment if you or your loved one:

  • Has a disability that significantly affects daily living or independence.

  • Requires documentation for PDD eligibility in Alberta.

  • Needs updated assessment results to apply for AISH funding in Calgary.

  • Is preparing to transition from the school supports into adult services.

Our approach is respectful and strengths-based. We know that applying for these programs can feel overwhelming, and our goal is to make the process as clear, supportive, and empowering as possible.

Psychologist providing supports for individuals in Alberta needing government funding for intellectual or physical disabilities PDD AISH

What’s Included? Our Process

Our team Psychologists specialize in providing developmental disability assessments in Calgary, Alberta for funding and supports. The reports include all necessary information for your application, which includes:

  • Cognitive assessment – An overall IQ, including verbal understanding, problem-solving skills, overall reasoning, memory, and processing

  • Adaptive functioning assessment – daily living skills looking at the level of independence or support needed, communication skills, social skills, etc.

  • History – factors affecting well-being and day-to-day functioning throughout their lifetime, establishing challenges in the developmental period (required in applications)

  • Comprehensive written report – formatted specifically for PDD and AISH applications in Alberta

The fee for PDD/AISH Assessment is $1,680. Direct-billing to your insurance provider is available. The assessment may be covered partially, or in full, by your insurance provider. Check with your insurance provider for more information.

The assessment includes:

1. Intake Meeting

We begin with an intake meeting with the parent or legal guardian; the individual is welcome to join too. Together, we go over information about the assessment process, and gather information about the individual’s developmental, medical, and learning history. We also discuss current skills and functioning.

2. Assessment Sessions

Testing is completed in 1 or 2 sessions, depending on age, attention, and stamina. Testing is done in-person testing at the office to measure cognitive skills (IQ). We take breaks as needed.

3. Rating Scales

We send online rating scales for the family to complete. This looks at the person’s current level of independence or support needed in their daily life activities.

4. Feedback Session

We review the results with you in plain language, answer questions, and provide guidance on next steps.

A comprehensive report is shared with the family at the feedback meeting.

 FAQs

  • Yes! Assessments and applications can begin at age 16. Applications for PDD and AISH are reviewed by the Government of Alberta. While PDD and AISH funding only starts at 18 years old, applying early helps reduce wait times and ensures a smoother transition into adult supports without gaps in funding or services.

  • The fee for PDD/AISH Assessment is $1,680. Direct billing to insurance is available (if you have applicable coverage).

  • Yes! Embark Psychology can direct-bill to your insurance provider (if you have applicable coverage).

    Your insurance may cover a full or partial amount. Check with your insurance provider for more information.

  • An assessment typically includes:

    • Cognitive testing (problem-solving, reasoning, memory)

    • Adaptive functioning measures (daily living, independence, self-care)

    • Documented History

    • A written report that can be submitted with your application

  • The assessment usually takes one or two sessions of testing, depending on age, attention span, and stamina. Once all the information has been gathered (testing and rating scales), we can schedule a feedback meeting in 2 weeks time. The report is given at the feedback meeting.

    • PDD (Persons with Developmental Disabilities): Supports adults 18+ with developmental disabilities that significantly impact daily living.

    • AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped): Provides financial and health-related benefits for adults 18+ with a permanent disability that prevents them from earning a living.

  • We provide clear, respectful, and strengths-based assessments. Our reports are written with both families and government reviewers in mind—making it easier to navigate the application process. We also take time during feedback meetings to answer questions and discuss next steps.

PDD & AISH Resources

Unsure Where to Start? Click here to go to our PDD/ AISH Resources page to help you with the process from start to finish.

Have Questions?

We’re Here to Help!

contact@embarkpsychologycalgary.com
(587) 887-9636

or schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our psychologists here