Welcome to the ACDS Umbrella, our quarterly newsletter

Reading this online? Subscribe today

Impact 2024: Thank You for Participating!

Thank you for joining us for our 36th ACDS Conference from May 15 to 16. This sold-out conference hosted 450 conference participants, featuring: 

• 32 presentations 
• 54 speakers presenting on diverse topics 
• 8 sponsors 
• 18 exhibitors 
• Art gallery featuring artists from Nina Haggarty Center for the Arts 

We opened with an amazing keynote presentation by Paul Huschilt and had two full days of conference sessions on engaging topics relevant to the CDS sector. Day one ended with a night of “Glamour and Glitz” as an early kick off to the CDS Professional Appreciation Week to celebrate our sector’s amazing workers for their incredible work every single day to support individuals. We closed the conference with an inspiring presentation by speaker, Allan Kehler, who - through his personal reflections - 

shared why and how we should take control of our journey towards personal fulfillment.

Thank you to our attendees, presenters, exhibitors, sponsors and door prize donors for your participation and support. 

Emergency Preparedness: Resources and Updates for CDS Sector Service Providers

Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week, observed from May 5 to 11, was a critical time for organizations and families to review emergency plans. In collaboration with Seniors, Community and Social Services (SCSS), ACDS has been actively identifying resources and best practices to aid service providers in preparing for emergencies. Following debrief sessions with service providers affected by wildfire evacuations in 2023, key insights emerged: 

1. Regularly inspect and update emergency backpacks. 
2. Engage in ongoing conversations with guardians and families. 
3. Assess staffing resources and limitations in advance. 
4. Utilize online systems for client information. 
5. Establish a single point of contact and communication with PDD 
6. Establish clear contacts within your municipality 
7. Develop specific plans for individuals living alone or in Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangements. 

Additional resources and reminders have been shared to support service providers in their emergency preparedness efforts. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay safe! 

Since the last issue of the Umbrella, our Accreditation Team has completed over 22 surveys, comprising 10 CET surveys and 12 CSN stand-alone surveys. 

Congratulations to CET Level 2 Service Providers 

We are 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.

Community Living Alternative Services (CLAS) 

Entrust Disability Services 

LoSeCa Foundation 

REDI Enterprise Society 

Congratulations to CET Level 1 Service Providers 

The Canadian Mental Health Association – Alberta East Central Region 

Graduated Supports 

Leduc Community Living Association 

McMan Youth, Adult & Community Service – South Region 

Selections Career Support Services 

Taber Special Needs Society 

Westward Goals Support 

Winder Inclusive Communities Service (WICS) 

WJS Canada – Edmonton Region 

WJS Canada – Northeast Region 



We are recruiting for the CET Standards Review committee. If you are interested in participating, please contact our Director of Accreditation & Services, Clova Lehr at clova@acds.ca. 

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:

• Introduction to Positive Behavior Supports Training
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) Training (No Holds)
• Introduction to Positive Behavior Supports Tutor Training
• Mandt Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) Training Without Physical Restraint
• Introduction to Complex Support Needs and Secure Treatment

New Course: Mandt Training Without Physical Restraint

In response to the sector's increasing need for nonviolent crisis intervention techniques and the accreditation requirements for the Complex Support Needs (CSN) designation, ACDS has launched “Mandt Training Without Physical Restraint.” The course will provide essential nonviolent strategies widely to the Community Disability Services (CDS) sector, as well as other human services organizations and networks. With its comprehensive design, this new training is tailored to a broad spectrum of participants, including CDS professionals, caregivers, and anyone interested in mastering nonviolent crisis management.    

ACDS is offering this training in collaboration with Mandt System Training. It meets the CET accreditation standards and is created for staff seeking effective strategies in crisis intervention without the use of physical restraints. Participants will engage in interactive sessions focused on prevention, deceleration techniques, and the development of supportive communication and behavioral strategies to proactively manage potential crises.

Webinar: Project Blueprint and the Opportunity with Industry Pathways Program 



Since the release of Project Blueprint CDS: Comprehensive Workforce Strategy in April 2023, we have explored cross-ministry opportunities aimed at implementing priority recommendations outlined in the strategy. On March 12, ACDS hosted a webinar in which we shared information on the Industry Pathways Program (IPP), a new initiative led by Alberta Advanced Education’s Apprenticeship, Industry and Trades (AIT) branch. 

Watch the webinar to learn more.

ACDS Survey 2023: Workforce Fundamentals  



The ACDS Annual Workforce Survey is a collection of vital information about Alberta's Community Disability Services sector workforce, from 2013 to the present. The data supports sector organizations to develop evidence-based human resource strategies in pursuit of their respective organizational goals. The information is also used by ACDS, sector organizations, and funders, to help inform policies and processes at provincial and regional levels. 

In February of this year, we sent a call out to our membership to complete this survey so that we can gather current statistics concerning the Community Disability Services (CDS) sector workforce wages, turnover, and demographics. The ACDS Survey 2023 gathers information on these three areas and updates our knowledge following pandemic-related shifts, funding infusions, and the constant flux of the CDS sector workforce. 

Community Disability Services Professional Appreciation Week 

From May 20 to 26, 2024, communities and organizations across the province celebrated disability workers during Community Disability Services Professional Appreciation Week. 

The week was officially proclaimed by the Government of Alberta in March 2024 to recognize the incredible 15,000+ individuals employed in the Community Disability Services sector in Alberta. The week was a wonderful opportunity to honour and celebrate those who work so hard to support individuals with developmental disabilities.

From all of us at ACDS, we thank you for your hard work! 

Government of Alberta Provides Funds Towards Permanent Supportive Housing for Individuals with Disabilities - Winnifred Stewart Association 

Earlier last week, the Government of Alberta announced its plans to fund Joey's Home, a Winnifred Stewart Association permanent supportive housing project for people with disabilities. As part of the Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP), this $340,000 investment will facilitate the creation of two new units alongside the renovation of Joey's Home, now also known as the Mindful Hearts Memory Care Centre. Scheduled to open in 2025, the facility will offer 17 specialized housing units, specifically designed to accommodate individuals facing dementia-related challenges and intellectual disabilities. 

Connect With Us on Social Media

ACDS has a strong and active presence on X, Facebook and LinkedIn. Social media is an effective way for us to share timely news and information related to ACDS and the Community Disability Services sector. If you aren’t already, follow us on social media today!