Disability Related Employment Supports (DRES)

• Be an Alberta resident legally entitled to work or train in Canada.
• Be 16 years of age or older.
• Be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or Convention Refugee.
• Be employed or employment-destined.
• Have a documented disability that is permanent or long-term and creates a barrier to education, training, or employment.

Who is not eligible

• Individuals attending Alberta Education (kindergarten – grade 12) funded programs.
• Individuals attending publicly funded post-secondary institutions in Alberta (for education supports).

Eligible expenses

• Assistive devices, equipment and technology such as specialized software, magnifiers and assistive listening devices.
• American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting and captioning services.
• Assistive services for education or training such as an academic aide or note taker.
• Communication and hearing devices related to work.
• Workplace access and modification.
• Vehicle modifications for work-related purposes.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Medical treatments and therapies.
• Items for daily living.
• Employment services such as job matching, employment and skills training, or wage subsidies.

Eligible geographic areas

• Alberta

• Step 1: Contact Alberta Supports Centre
  • Visit or contact your nearest Alberta Supports Centre to initiate the application process.
• Step 2: Eligibility Verification
  • Provide documentation of your disability and meet program eligibility requirements.
• Step 3: Assessment and Planning
  • Work with an Alberta Supports advisor to identify needed supports and services.
• Step 4: Funding Approval
  • Receive approval for funded supports and services based on identified needs.

• Application review and eligibility assessment conducted by Alberta Supports.
• Decisions based on documented disability and employment or education goals.
• Funding agreement required before receiving supports.
• Payment arrangements coordinated through Alberta Supports Centre.

• Supports are available for job searching, workplace transitions, and education or training purposes.
• Funding covers assistive devices, technology, sign language interpretation, and workplace modifications.
• Applications are processed through Alberta Supports Centres across the province.