Welcome to the ACDS Umbrella, our quarterly newsletter

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ACDS 2022 Conference

On September 28-29, over 360 people participated in ReCharge: Let’s Come Together at the ACDS 2022 Conference for two days of learning, reconnecting, and celebrating.

The conference was a huge success, and we thank everyone who participated - including over 300 delegates from across the CDS sector, 41 speakers, 18 exhibitors, and our event sponsors.

We look forward to announcing the 2023 conference dates very soon!

#ACDS2022Conference #ACDS50Years

ABNN Panel - The Cost of Inflation: Challenges, Sustainability and Recovery

On October 12, 2022, ACDS contributed to a panel discussion on "The Cost of Inflation: Challenges, Sustainability and Recovery" hosted by the Alberta Nonprofit Network (ABNN). Our CEO, Andrea Hesse, shared insights about the impact of rising inflation on staff in the Community Disability Services (CDS) sector, individual service providers, as well as the sector as a whole during the important discussion with Bruce MacDonald (CEO, Imagine Canada) and Todd Hirsch (Former Chief Economist, ATB).

We were able to provide a compelling story about the impact of inflation on our sector at a variety of levels using substantial data collected through discussions, surveys, and recent reports, including "The Perfect Storm."

If you missed the discussion, the recording is now available.

Andrea Hesse Awarded Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal

We are proud to share that ACDS CEO Andrea Hesse was recently awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. Andrea was nominated by Community and Social Services Minister Jason Luan and presented with the award at a ceremony in Calgary on October 4. She is one of 7,000 Albertans recognized for their outstanding contributions to the province.

Congratulations to all medal recipients!

ACDS Art Gallery: Featuring Work from Artists at Chrysalis and URSA

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 b 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.

Since April 2022, the new CET Standards have been in effect for all PDD-funded service providers undertaking accreditation. As a result of the new accreditation standards, the accreditation process has been simplified, the new digital and virtual tools are more effective, and the time spent preparing for a survey has been reduced.

Congratulations to CET Level 2 Service Providers 

ACDS is pleased to announce that the following service provider 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. 

Bluefox Association – Strathmore

Supported Lifestyles Ltd Calgary

Congratulations to CET Level 1 Service Providers 

CommunityAIM – Empowering Citizens with Disabilities Edmonton

Falher Friendship Corner Association

Lac La Biche Disability Services

Olds Association for Community Living

New Services

Journey of Hope Inc.

Stand-alone Complex Support Needs Designation

Excel Society - Calgary

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

Virtual Training

View the listing of upcoming virtual training, including:

• Outcomes
• Introduction to Positive Behaviour Supports
• Facilitating Meaningful Change with Outcomes
• Introduction to Positive Behaviour Supports (Train-the-Trainer)

Blueprint CDS - Upcoming Engagement Sessions: Register Today

In February 2022, ACDS launched the project BlueprintCDS toward developing a multi-prong strategy for the Community Disability Services (CDS) sector workforce.

ACDS will be hosting a series of sector engagement sessions across the province in the coming weeks to seek your input and help refine the high-level recommendations identified in Project Blueprint CDS’ Phase One (Initial Assessment) report prepared by KPMG for ACDS in August. KPMG will facilitate the upcoming engagement sessions. We strongly encourage senior leaders in the CDS sector to attend these in-person sessions and provide your input; your engagement is essential to the success of Project Blueprint CDS. Please see the details below for session information and the registration link.

Note: Each session has limited capacity. We request that each agency registers only 1 or 2 senior executives (e.g., CEO and HR or Program Director.). We encourage you to register as soon as possible.

For questions regarding the sessions, contact Liz Schweighardt at elizabeth@acds.ca.

#BlueprintCDS

New Interactive Advocacy Timeline

We continue to advocate for every major issue related to the pandemic impacting the CDS sector. This comprehensive timeline is updated with ACDS’ advocacy efforts at every crisis stage since the public health emergency was declared in Alberta in March 2020. 

Learn more about ACDS’ advocacy efforts on issues related to COVID-19 and other issues impacting the CDS sector with the new interactive Advocacy Timeline.