Definition of Disability

2024-2025 Operational Policy & Procedures

Introduction

Chapter 1:
Eligibility for Student Loans and Grants

Chapter 2:
Full-Time Student Loans and Grants

Chapter 3:
Part-Time Student Loans and Grants

Chapter 4:
Disability: Permanent Disability or Persistent or Prolonged Disability

Chapter 5:
Review Process

Chapter 6:
Repayment

Chapter 7:
Designation for Student Loans and Grants

Definition of a Permanent Disability

The Alberta Student Financial Assistance Regulation defines a Permanent Disability (PD) as:

any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication, or sensory impairment, or a functional limitation that restricts the ability of a person to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at a post-secondary level or to participate in the labour force and that is expected to remain with the person for the person’s lifetime.

Definition of a Persistent or Prolonged Disability

The Alberta Student Financial Assistance Regulations defines a persistent or prolonged disability (PPD) as:

any impairment, including a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment, or a functional limitation that restricts the ability of a person to perform the daily activities necessary to pursue studies at a post-secondary level or to participate in the labour force and has lasted, or is expected to last, for a period of at least 12 months but is not expected to remain with the person for their lifetime.