PDD – How to resolve concerns

Overview

If you disagree with a decision the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) program makes and the decision affects you, there are a few options for you to bring forward concerns. Some have time limits and the timing for one may affect another.

You and your guardian can choose one or more of the options:

• talk to the PDD program
• PDD program decision review
• mediation
• appeal

The first 3 options make up the PDD dispute resolution process. They usually happen before you file an appeal. Appeals are the role and responsibility of the Appeal Secretariat.

Talk to the PDD program

• Start by talking to your PDD worker and asking them why the decision was made.
• Explain why you disagree with the decision.
• Try to reach an agreement that satisfies both of you – if you cannot, ask to talk to their supervisor, and if needed, a manager.
• Try to reach an agreement that satisfies everyone – if you cannot, consider the other options below.

PDD program decision review

• You can have the decision you disagree with reviewed by a senior PDD worker who was not involved in making the decision.
• Ask your PDD worker for an administrative review within 30 days from the date you were told about the decision in person, by phone, letter or email.
• This review is completed within 15 working days from the date you asked for it. You will get the results by letter.

Mediation

• Mediation is when a person who does not work for the PDD program helps you and the PDD program reach a decision that is agreeable to everyone involved.
• You must ask for mediation within 30 days from the date you were told about the PDD program’s decision in person, by phone, letter or email.
• Contact your PDD worker to request mediation and they will make arrangements.

Appeal

• An appeal is when you ask an appeal panel to review a PDD program decision you disagree with and you are affected by the decision.
• Unless you choose mediation first, you can appeal within 45 days from the date you:
  • got the PDD program’s decision in person, by phone, email or letter
  • were told about your right to appeal
• If you chose mediation and were not happy with the outcome, you can still file an appeal up to 30 days after the mediation process ends.
• Find out more about appealing a PDD decision.

Contact

Disability Services offices

Alberta Supports