Alberta Council of Disability Services

10/19/2026

Present in every community and woven into everyday life, nonprofits make the world around us better and help us all make a difference, whether we realize it or not.

Canadians often view nonprofits as only supporting those most in need, when in fact, nonprofit services are essential for everyone. From childcare programs to pet adoption centres to local museums, nonprofit services are everywhere, even when we don’t see them.

Learn more at www.alreadypartofit.ca.

10/16/2026

Hard to believe it has already been a week since the ACDS team was at the DEAM IDEA Conference!

It was an incredible gathering filled with powerful learning, inspiring conversations, and valuable opportunities to connect with diverse organizations. From inclusive employers to passionate leaders within and beyond the disability services sector, the energy and commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and meaningful inclusion were truly inspiring.

A big thank you to the Alberta Employment First Network, speakers, and everyone who stopped by our table to chat, share ideas, and connect. We are excited to build on these connections and continue working together toward a more inclusive future!

10/16/2026

To wrap up our Impact+ Webinar speaker spotlights, join us on Day 5 (October 23) for our final session with Ryan Geake, CEO of Scope Society of Alberta.

Ryan has been in the disability field for over 30 years. He is interested in the newest research around wellbeing and the practical ways we can improve the lives of the folks we support as well as our own.

Learn more about Ryan and register for his session, A Wellbeing Agenda for the Disability Sector: What Could Happen if Wellbeing Becomes the Measure for Success?, at https://site.pheedloop.com/event/EVEFVRSUTZEBF/home/.

10/15/2026

Up next in our Impact+ Webinar speaker spotlight, join us on Day 4 (October 22) for an insightful session with Deena Martin, PhD, Registered Psychologist.

Deena is an educator and consultant with more than 35 years of experience in mental health, disability, rehabilitation, and workplace wellbeing. Much of her work has focused on the human side of caring roles: how we stay grounded, connected, and compassionate while doing work that can ask a great deal of us. Her approach brings together psychological science, mindfulness, and practical reflection, with a particular interest in the small, everyday practices that support wellbeing, resilience, and sustainable care.

Learn more about Deena and register for her session, The Work of Caring: Small Practices for Our Wellbeing, at https://site.pheedloop.com/event/EVEYEWBDUCDHL/home/.

10/15/2026

Join us on Day 2 (October 20) of the Impact+ Webinars for an insightful session with Brooke Leifso, Accessibility and Inclusion Research Chair at the NorQuest College.

Brooke has been a social change and EDIA consultant for 15 years, working with small non-profits to large municipalities. She holds a Master's in Expressive Art Therapy with a focus on global health, conflict resolution, and peace building. In her role at the Colbourne Institute for Inclusive Leadership, she conducts research with communities to create practical data and recommendations.

Learn more about Brooke and register for her session, Path to Inclusive Leadership, at https://site.pheedloop.com/event/EVEJMZIKNQGZF/home/.

10/15/2026

Continuing our speaker spotlight series for the upcoming Impact+ Webinars, join us on Day 3 (October 21) for an insightful session with Shannon Harris, Registered Psychologist.

Shannon has over 25 years of clinical experience supporting individuals with complex trauma, mental health concerns, and concurrent disorders. Her practice is grounded in a compassionate, person-centred approach that emphasizes resilience, collaboration, and evidence-based care. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate complex challenges while supporting professionals and organizations to build trauma-informed, inclusive practices.

Learn more about Shannon and register for her session, Mental Health Strategies in Trauma Informed Practice, at https://site.pheedloop.com/event/EVEXIEYJXDIFX/home/.

10/14/2026

Impact+ webinars are just around the corner! This week, we are shining a spotlight on the panel of speakers for the upcoming Impact+ Webinars. Join us on Day 1 (October 19) and Day 4 (October 22) of the Impact+ Webinars for an insightful session with Melissa Clarke, Director of Employee Resource Center at Quest Support Services.

With more than 15 years of experience in the disability and community services sector, Melissa has specialized in supporting individuals with complex needs, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), concurrent disorders, and diverse community support needs. She provides leadership across disability services, employee resources, health and safety, and organizational operations at Quest Support Services, a disability support agency serving Southern Alberta.

Learn more about Melissa and register for her session, Building Psychological Safety in Disability Services: From Policy to Practice, at https://acds.ca/events/impact-_webinars/index.html.

10/09/2026

10/08/2026

Yesterday, we marked World Cerebral Palsy Day. We remain committed to championing rights and inclusion for individuals living with cerebral palsy. This day serves as an important reminder of the work being done across our sector to break down barriers, enhance accessibility, and support individuals in leading full, meaningful lives.

10/08/2026

Today, October 6th, is World Cerebral Palsy Day! 🌎

is about recognition, inclusion, and action for the 50 million people worldwide living with cerebral palsy. It’s a day to celebrate the achievements of the CP community, challenge barriers, and push for a more accessible, inclusive world.

Cerebral palsy is the most common lifelong physical disability, affecting a person's ability to walk, move, or communicate. It is caused by an injury to the developing brain, but every individual’s experience with cerebral palsy is unique. Together, we're .

What's the change you wish to see for the cerebral palsy community? Comment with your thoughts below! 💚