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May 2025: In This Issue

ACDS News and Updates

• Impact+ 2025 Conference: Sold Out! 
• Emergency Preparedness Week

ACDS Program Updates

• Recently Accredited CET Level 1 and CET Level 2 Service Providers
• Upcoming and Ongoing Training Events: Register today 
• Accreditation Update: Changes to CET Standards  

Sector News and Opportunities

• The Nonprofit Chamber Workforce Strategy Feasibility Study 
• Community Disability Service Professionals Appreciation Week

Scroll down to learn more.

ACDS News and Updates

Impact 2025: Sold Out! 

We are grateful for the overwhelming interest in this year’s conference. We have reached full capacity and registration for Impact 2025 is now closed. 

Thank you to everyone who registered. We look forward to welcoming you in just a few weeks for two enriching days of connecting, learning, and fun! 

If you haven’t already, download the Pheedloop Go! app to explore the full conference program, browse speaker bios, and start planning your personalized schedule for the Impact 2025 conference. 

For questions related to the conference, contact acdsconference@acds.ca. 

Emergency Preparedness Week

Emergency Preparedness Week is a timely reminder to revisit your organization’s emergency and business continuity plans. Explore practical insights drawn from wildfire evacuations and access tools to support your preparedness efforts.

ACDS Program Updates

Congratulations to CET Level 1 Service Providers 

Progressive Alternatives Society of Calgary (PASC) 

ARBI 

Calgary Community Day Services Inc. (CCDS) 

Skills Society 

Resicare Society of Calgary 

Westlock Independence Network 

Congratulations to CET Level 2 Service Providers

We are pleased to announce that the following organizations 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. 

Dove Centre

Accredited Supports to the Community

Arch Enterprises & Training Association of Edmonton

Vantage Enterprises Ltd.

Training and Development 

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 

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

Instructor-Led Virtual Training 

View the listing of upcoming training, including: 

• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) No Holds Training: May 13 
• Foundations in Community Disability Studies Tutor Training: June 5
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) No Holds Training: June 17 
• Foundations in Community Disability Studies Tutor Training: September 4 
• Workplace Investigation Training for CDS Professionals: September 17  

CET Accreditation Update: Revisions to 2025 Standards Now Include Respite  

The 2025 Creating Excellence Together (CET) standards include clarified language and new embedded indicators for Respite. These replace previous indicators and more clearly define which apply to Respite supports. Organizations contracted to provide Respite must now include it in their accreditation survey. When completed within the regular survey cycle, Respite will be funded through the ministry. Minimal changes apply for organizations not contracted to provide Respite. 

Sector News and Opportunities

Building a Stronger Nonprofit Workforce: Feasibility Study Released 

The Nonprofit Chamber has released Building a Stronger Nonprofit Workforce, a feasibility study exploring the potential for a sector-wide workforce strategy. Developed with support from Alberta Arts, Culture and Status of Women, the report identifies shared needs across the nonprofit sector that could benefit from collective action. Nilima Sonpal-Valias, ACDS Director of Strategic Initiatives and Engagement, served on the project’s Workforce Committee, offering insight from the Community Disability Services sector.

Community Disability Service Professionals Appreciation Week

From May 19 to 25, 2025, communities and organizations across Alberta will celebrate the vital contributions of disability workers during Community Disability Service Professionals Appreciation Week.

Officially proclaimed by the Government of Alberta in March 2024, this week recognizes the more than 15,000 professionals in Alberta’s Community Disability Services sector. It’s a meaningful opportunity to honour those who dedicate their work to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. From all of us at ACDS—thank you!

Not yet an ACDS Member?

Discover how ACDS membership can support your organization with advocacy, training, sector resources, and more. Learn more about membership benefits and how to apply today.