Welcome to the ACDS Umbrella, our quarterly newsletter

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ACDS 2023 Conference: Registration Now Open

Due to unforeseen logistical issues with the original conference venue, Impact 2023: the ACDS Annual Conference will now be held on May 31-June 1, 2023 at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino. We look forward to hosting Impact 2023 at this exciting new venue.

Stay tuned... Conference registration will open soon!

#ACDS2023Conference #IMPACT2023

Welcoming New Staff

Nujhat Adrita joins ACDS as our Training and Development Manager. She graduated from the University of Calgary with a Master’s in Adult and Continuing Education, specializing in Educational Research. As Training and Development Manager, her goal is to improve existing, and create new training opportunities for facilitators and in-service professionals informed by the current professional development needs of the Community Disability Service (CDS) sector.

In late 2022 we welcomed Carrie Thiessen as our new Accreditation Administrative Coordinator. Carrie joins us from the Calgary Real Estate Board where she served in various positions for 19 years, including as Admin Assistant, Training Coordinator and most recently as Event Coordinator. She is very passionate about the work we do at ACDS and thrilled to be a part of the Accreditation Team. 

Farewell to Linda McLean, Commission on Accreditation

Linda McLean recently retired from the Commission on Accreditation. Linda joined the Commission following an extensive career in the CDS sector. For several years she served as a supervisor at the Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary (DDRC), then as Executive Director at Handibus, and finally as the Executive Director of Calgary Society of Community Opportunities before she moved over to consulting. She is also a guardian of an individual with a developmental disability.

Linda served as a CET survey team leader for five years in early 2000, and since 2013 has participated on the Commission on Accreditation. Her deep knowledge of the sector and analytical mind have been a huge asset to the Commission. Her input and feedback has resulted in a stronger Commission review process, and and overall stronger Commission on Accreditation.

?We are sincerely grateful for Linda's service. She will be missed!

Welcoming New Members

ACDS is delighted to welcome Calgary Progressive Lifestyles Foundation to our membership. We thank you for trusting ACDS to support your organization, and the wider sector.

Established in 1993, Calgary Progressive Lifestyles Foundation provides innovative supports to adults with developmental disabilities and complex needs. Their multi-disciplinary team provides comprehensive services which focus on community inclusion and holistic planning.

News Additions to ACDS Art Gallery

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In May, we launched the ACDS art gallery in celebration of our 50th anniversary. We have been honoured with the opportunity to showcase art pieces created by artists at Chrysalis and URSA. There are many pieces currently available for purchase. Email acds@acds.ca if you are interested in purchasing any of the artwork featured.

Congratulations to CET Level 2 Service Providers 

ACDS is pleased to announce that the following service providers have achieved CET Level 2 Accreditation. Level 2 service providers are recognized for their innovative and creative approaches in delivering quality services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Key Support Services Inc.

Living Independently for Equality (LIFE)

Supported Lifestyles Ltd.

Congratulations to CET Level 1 Service Providers 

Alberta Adaptabilities

Alfred Egan Home

Camrose Assoc for Community Living (CAFCL)

Columbia Training Center

Edenbridge Family Services Inc.

Health Care Homes

L’Arche Calgary

Padnoma Support Services

Quest Support Services Inc.

Southern Alberta Community Living Association (SACLA)

SS I*C*E*

Tralee Residential Services

Training and Development

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ACDS offers several courses and other learning opportunities to disability organizations and staff, giving them the knowledge and tools to provide quality support to individuals with developmental disabilities.

These courses are designed for leaders and frontline staff working in the disability sector and are available to members and non-members. Many courses are relevant to and may be of interest to staff and organizations outside of Alberta.

Online Training

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Ongoing courses that can be completed and started at a learner's own pace.