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December 2025: In This Issue

News and Updates

• Impact 2026: Call for Proposals
• New Leadership in the Sector
• Welcoming New Staff
• ACDS Office Closure for Holidays

Program Updates

• Recently Accredited CET Level 1 and CET Level 2 Service Providers
• Upcoming and Ongoing Training Events: Register Today 
• AI Toolkit for Disability Service Providers
• SIVA Crisis Prevention Training

Sector News and Opportunities

• PDD Funding Review
• Inclusion Alberta Resources: ADAP
• The Nonprofit Chamber: 2025 State of the Sector Report

Scroll down to learn more.

ACDS News and Updates

Impact 2026: Call for Proposals

May 27 to 28, 2026

We are now accepting presenter proposals for Impact 2026, the ACDS annual conference, to be held at the River Cree Resort and Casino in Edmonton, Alberta from May 27 to May 28, 2026. The deadline for proposal submissions is January 23, 2026. Submit your proposal today to help us create an exceptional program and fantastic learning experience.

New Leadership in the Sector

We are pleased to welcome the following executive leaders to the CDS sector.

• Brenda Mitchell, ED (Interim) of Wheat Country Special Needs Society
• Edward Souriol, ED of Peak Support Services

Welcoming New Staff

Natalia Enns

In late 2025, we welcomed Natalia as Accreditation Coordinator. She graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Social Work and brings experience in residential and employment services, with backgrounds in both frontline and leadership roles. Natalia is passionate about the work we do at ACDS and is excited to be part of the Accreditation Team.

Sheethal Mathew

Sheethal joins ACDS as Training & Development Administrative Coordinator. She holds an international degree in Pharmacy and an Administrative Professional Certificate, and brings previous experience in administration and as a Certification Advisor with TESL Canada. She supports the development and delivery of relevant and effective training programs that build skills and empower staff in the CDS sector.

ACDS Office Closure for Holidays

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year!

Note: Our office will be closed beginning at noon on December 24 and will reopen on January 2. We look forward to connecting with you in 2026!

ACDS Program Updates

Congratulations to CET Level 1 Service Providers 

Alberta Adaptabilities Association

Alfred Egan Home

Association Supporting Choices of People Edson

Blue Heron Vocational Training

Key Support Services

L’Arche Calgary

Living Independently for Equality (LIFE)

Loramar Services Ltd.

Mill Woods Society for Community Living*

Next Step Residential Services Ltd.

Northern Lights Ranch Ltd.

Springboard Centre for Adults with Disabilities

Tralee Residential Services

Wainwright Association for Community Living

Congratulations to CET Level 2 Service Providers

We are pleased to announce that the following organization has 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. 

Calgary Progressive Lifestyles Foundation

*Note: We would like to specially recognize Mill Woods Society for Community Living for achieving CET Level 1 Accreditation. This important accomplishment was missed in our previous issue, and we are pleased to properly celebrate their work in this edition.

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: 

• Workplace Investigation Training for CDS Professionals: January 13 to 14
• Foundations in Community Disability Studies Tutor Training: February 19 to 27
• Introduction to Positive Behaviour Supports Training: March 2 to 4

AI Toolkit for Disability Service Providers

ACDS has launched a toolkit to help disability service providers navigate the safe, ethical, and effective use of artificial intelligence in their organizations. The toolkit provides a practical framework to guide decision-making, shape policy, and ensure AI use reflects organizational values and legal obligations.

Cost: ACDS Members: $30.00 + GST; ACDS Associate Members & Non-Members: $45.00 + GST

In addition to the AI toolkit, the purchase includes access to the recorded webinar The Future Is Now: Embracing AI in the Social Services Sector, hosted by ACDS, along with the accompanying presentation slides.

SIVA Crisis Prevention Training

ACDS now offers Crisis Prevention Training in partnership with SIVA (Supporting Individuals through Valued Attachments). This trauma-informed, relationship-based approach focuses on proactive strategies to promote safety, collaboration, and empowerment for individuals with complex needs and challenging behaviours.

The SIVA model emphasizes prevention over crisis response, encouraging informed decision-making, healthy connections, and systemic approaches to creating safe and supportive environments across community disability services.

Additional Sector News and Resources

PDD Funding Review