ACDS Announces Retirement of CEO Ann Nicol
It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the Board of Directors announces Ann Nicol's retirement as CEO of Alberta Council of Disability Services (ACDS), effective May 15, 2017.

Since 2007, Ann has played a critical role in the development and success of the organization, and while we will miss her and her inspiring leadership, we wish her the best of luck in her retirement and her new ventures. We want to thank her for the 10 years of dedicated service which involved many significant accomplishments.

Please see the attached letter from the Board, and memo from Ann Nicol.

Thank you.

Helen Ficocelli, President
ACDS Board of Directors


Ann Nicol receiving the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for significant achievements and contributions to the community.
In This Issue
ACDS Notes

CEO Recruitment

Alberta Council of Disability Services

GREAT LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Chief Executive Officer
To serve as the collaborative leader, facilitator and principal administrator for the Alberta Council of Disability Services. 
Strategic Focus
  • Government relations & advocacy
  • Sector and member agency engagement
  • Organizational leadership
Work Requirements
  • Passion for Human Services and appreciation for people with developmental disabilities
  • Oversee the Calgary & Edmonton based offices
  • 80% of the work based in Edmonton
  • Ability to work remotely
  • Flexible hours and willingness to travel with own vehicle
     
Qualifications & Experience
  • 10 years of proven leadership in Human Services or voluntary sector
  • Relevant post-graduate degree preferred
  • Effective research & advocacy skills
  • Strong written and verbal presentation skills
Interested candidates are asked to submit their resume prior to March 24, 2017

Brad Kotowich
Email: brad@focusedleadershipgroup.com
  PHONE: 780.983.4965
 
ACDS Training and Development

PBS Train the Trainer - Registration Deadline Extended Until March 9th


31st Annual ACDS Conference 
April 24-26 in Calgary

ACDS Accreditation

CET 2016's Introductory Excursion
ACDS recently took to planes, buses and automobiles to hold CET Information Sessions in five Alberta regions, as a way to introduce Community Disability Services workers to the 2016 version of the Creating Excellence Together (CET) Accreditation Standards. Approximately 120 people attended the sessions and participated in discussions.
 
Thank you to the following organizations for letting us use their spaces and for providing us with the delicious and plentiful snacks during the sessions.
  •  Signature Support Services Society (Northwest)
  •  Chrysalis: An Alberta Society for Citizens with Disabilities (Edmonton)
  •  Cosmos Community Support Services Ltd. (Central)
  •  Ability Resource Centre (South)
  •  and the Calgary Construction Association (Calgary)

T he Info Session has been made into a presentation, available on the ACDS YouTube channel.
Remember to hit "subscribe" while you're there!  
 
 
An Overview of CET
The Creating Excellence Together (CET) Standards are the most widely adopted accreditation standards in Alberta among providers of services to Albertans with developmental disabilities. They were created by Albertans, for Albertans, and reflect the specific requirements of the Government of Alberta's Ministry of Community and Social Services (CSS), as well as the field of Community Disability Services (CDS). Introduced and tabled in the Alberta Legislature in 1999, they have received the Premier's Award of Excellence.
 
The 2016 version of the CET Accreditation Standards continue to focus on Quality of Life, Quality of Service and Organizational Framework. The standards are flexible enough to apply to all service providers in the field, and are directly relevant to a variety of service delivery settings.
 
CET's Accreditation Standards for Adults with Disabilities can offer two levels of achievement, each one designed to help service providers strive for continuous improvement in the provision of services.
  • Accreditation Level 1 is the primary level and shows that a service provider offers quality services and provides an expected level of service outcomes and performance.
  • Accreditation Level 2 is an advanced level of performance achievement and shows that a service provider is striving for excellence in its service performance.
CET also offers additional indicators that can be added to either Level 1 or Level 2, and let service providers receive accreditation for other service areas using just one accreditation process. These service areas include:
  • Services for Children with Disabilities
  • Respite Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities
  • Services to Individuals who have Complex Support Needs
Click here to watch service providers discuss why they believe in CET for their organizations.
News, Links, and Events

Apply to join the Premier's Council or FSCD Advisory Committee
Application deadline is March 9th!

Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities
Created under the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities Act in 1988, the Council is an advisory body accountable to the Premier through the Minister of Community and Social Services. It is responsible for providing advice regarding opportunities for full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in the life of the province.
Alberta.ca Board and Committee Recruitment

FSCD Parent Advisory Committee
Created under section 7 of the Government Organization Act, the PPAC is an advisory committee accountable to the Minister of Community and Social Services and responsible for providing advice and guidance regarding the FSCD program.
Alberta.ca Board and Committee Recruitment

MLA Trevor Horne Hosts Budget Town Hall
Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), healthcare and education were the main priorities brought forward from the 16 people in attendance.
St. Albert Gazette

Lobbyists Act - Call to Action
We ask you to contact your MLA, the Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Resource Stewardship, and the Premier to urge them to keep the current exemption for public benefit nonprofits intact.
Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations

Blind cabinet minister promises Canada's first national accessibility legislation will have teeth
Sport and Disability Minister Carla Qualtrough, a former Paralympian and human rights lawyer, will be introducing Canada's first national accessibility legislation next spring which she hopes will be a game-changer for federal employers and people with disabilities.
The Hill Times

Inclusion advocates irked by Catholic school plan for aggressive students
Edmonton Catholic Schools' decision to congregate students with severe behavioural problems at one school is a troubling step backward, inclusion advocates say.
Edmonton Journal
Picture this...film festival


Everyone Belongs Outside


URSA's Brain Art Gala
Thursday, June 8th, 2017

URSA is hosting our annual fundraising event Thursday, June 8th - the kick off to
Brain Injury Awareness Month. Brain Art is a program our brain injury survivors started to
express what it is like living with a brain injury through painting and photography. Client
art and photography will be for sale at the event. This year's program features former
Calgary Stampeder and two time Grey Cup Champion, Jon Cornish.

WHEN: Thursday, June 8th, 2017
Cocktails & appetizers at 5:00pm
Short program to follow

WHERE: Fort Calgary - (750 9th Avenue SE)

WHY: To help raise funds for URSA's
brain injury and rehabilitation programs.

 
Latest discussion threads:

ACDS has set up this Community of Practice discussion thread to post articles and discussions from members on the contract. We are also asking members and councils to share budget and business case best practices, including metrics that can be referenced to determine minimum wage and compression projections, cost of living metrics, and other elements of a strong business case presentation for funding. 
 
In the past year an ACDS member has seen multiple ransomware attacks on their systems. A form of digital fraud that is increasingly being used against non-profits and government agencies as the groups behind these attacks seek out bigger paydays from their victims.
The ACDS Umbrella is a publication of the
Alberta Council of Disability Services
160 3015-12 Street NE
Calgary, Alberta, T2E 7J2
Phone: 403-250-9495 * Fax: 403-291-9864
© 2017 Alberta Council of Disability Services
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