Thread by @YEG_SLP

Every time I hear the @Alberta_UCP
trying to spin their drastic and cruel cuts to PUF programming, I hear the @dixiechicks in my head.

Even if you are not directly impacted by the decimation to PUF, the entire province of AB should be outraged by this news. #abed #ableg

To clarify, for those that don't share my inclination for angry @dixiechicks music:

Also, it has been bothering me for a while, so I just need to say it:

PUF = Program Unit Funding

So when you write "PUF funding" in a sentence, you are being redundant.

Please stop.
It burns my eyes each time I read it.
#abed #ableg

While I am on the "fun-fact train", did you know that "PUF" programming used to be called "PUG"?

PUG = Program Unit Grant

My sister was a PUG kiddo, and my parents still have exercise equipment in their basement labeled with "PUG".
#abed #ableg

To respect her privacy, I won't disclose my sister's story, but the @Alberta_UCP should really be looking at

SUCCESSFUL, CONTRIBUTING, TAX-PAYING

adults like her as the poster-children for why early intervention & PUF programming matters in this province. #abed #ableg

PUF doesn't just help children.

It helps families.

It helps communities.

And when you take a step back, you realize how much it helps society and the greater good.

Inclusion. It matters.

I wish the @alberta_ucp could see the bigger picture.
#abed #ableg

When you provide adequate $ to implement supports for children to learn and grow alongside their peers, you aren't just making a difference in the life of the child with a label & $ attached to them.

You are also teaching their peers that DIVERSITY MATTERS. #abed #ableg

When the @Alberta_UCP was elected, I told multiple friends,

"We've had plenty of conservative govts before, and they haven't touched early intervention $. It's always been a top priority in this province."

I think that's what has had me most bewildered...
#abed #ableg

I am genuinely curious why the @Alberta_UCP chose to ignore the mountains of early intervention evidence, statistics & research when they opted to slash PUF.

Science, you guys. Believe in it.
#abed #ableg

It has been bothering me that people have been referring to "the evidence supporting early intervention", but I have yet to see anyone (elected officials, media) actually cite any concrete research.

If you want to show AB why they should care, follow the $$$.
#abed #ableg

Q: Why should AB invest in early intervention?

A: "The Heckman Equation"

Google it, trust me.

heckmanequation.org

#abed #ableg

So once again, for the people in the back, even if you don't have:

1. A child with disabilities
2. ANY children
3. An interest in providing social supports to society's most vulnerable

Please know that if we don't pay for PUF now, we will pay 7x that later. #ableg #abed

This link takes you to a nice, tidy 2-pager on The Heckman Equation.

Key point?

For every $1 AB spends on PUF, you save $7 (SEVEN FREAKING DOLLARS) in the future.

#abed #ableg

co.monterey.ca.us/home/showdocum…

The title of this document is literally:

"Invest in early childhood development:
Reduce deficits, strengthen the economy"

Isn't ⬇️ deficits, ⬆️ economy exactly what the @Alberta_UCP wants? Am I missing something here?

co.monterey.ca.us/home/showdocum…

#abed #ableg