Welcome to the ACDS Umbrella, our quarterly newsletter
In This July 2022 Issue
ACDS News
  • ACDS 2022 Conference: Registration Now Open
  • ACDS Annual Report 2021-2022: Released in June
  • New ACDS Art Gallery: Featuring work from artists at Chrysalis and URSA

ACDS Program Updates
  • CET 2021 Accreditation Standards: Currently in effect
  • CET Level 1 and 2 Service Providers: Recently accredited
  • Upcoming and Ongoing Training Events: Register today

Advocacy and Research
ACDS News

ACDS 2022 Conference: Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for ReCharge: Let's Come Together at the ACDS 2022 Conference to be held on September 28 to 29, 2022 in Edmonton, Alberta. After a two-year pause, ACDS looks forward to reuniting the Community Disability Services sector and our supporters through an invigorating and celebratory in-person conference experience. With engaging and inspiring presentations and activities, this conference will facilitate sharing of innovative ideas, knowledge, and expertise to strengthen our capacities to support the individuals we serve.

Register today to benefit from the early bird registration rate. The early bird registration deadline is August 15, 2022. Once registered, we encourage you to download the conference app on your phone or other mobile devices to access conference information easily and readily. You can also use the app to connect with other attendees.

Visit the conference website to learn more about the conference, including:
  • Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities.
  • Presenter opportunities. We are currently seeking presenters for concurrent sessions through a Call for Presenters form. We encourage you to share this form with individuals you feel may offer strong presentations that are aligned with the conference theme.
#ACDS2022Conference #ACDS50Years
ACDS Annual Report 2021-2022: Released in June
The ACDS 2021-2022 Annual Report was released at our AGM in June. The report reflects on how the strong foundations we have built over the past 50 years allow us to provide the impactful programs and services we offer today.

Our members are a strong part of this foundation and we thank them for their continued trust and support towards ACDS' success, including the significant accomplishments highlighted in this year's report.
New ACDS Art Gallery: Featuring Work from Artists at Chrysalis and URSA

In celebration of our 50th anniversary, we launched the new ACDS Art gallery at our office open house in May. We have been honoured with the opportunity to showcase art pieces created by some wonderful 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.
ACDS Program Updates

CET 2021 Accreditation Standards Currently in Effect
Since April 2022, the new CET Standards have been in effect for all PDD-funded service providers undertaking accreditation.

Here's a summary of what we are hearing from participating service providers.

  • The new Standards offer a streamlined accreditation process: they are relevant, and focused, and have made the accreditation process more efficient and smooth. In addition to customized tools, providers have appreciated customized self-study guides.
  • The new digital and virtual tools are effective: The new digitized tools have been very well received. Service providers have commented on the ease of using the new digital tools and the effectiveness of virtual platforms (for example, in survey interviews).
  • The pre-survey preparation time is shorter: given the reduction in overall standards, the quality of support from ACDS Accreditation staff, and digital and virtual tools, the survey preparation time has significantly reduced.
More than 10 service providers have been accredited at CET Level 1 or 2 with these new standards.
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. 


Congratulations to CET Level 1 Service Providers 

Falcon Enterprises
L’Arche Association of Lethbridge
Leduc LINX Connect Centre
March of Dimes (MODC)
Michener Services
National Access Arts Centre (NaAC)
New Beginnings Association of Southern Alberta
Northern Lights Ranch
Resicare Society of Calgary
Skills Society
St. Paul Abilities Network (SPAN)
Wainwright Association for Community Living (WAFCL)
Westlock Independence Network (WIN)
Vegreville Association for Living in Dignity (VALID)

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.
 
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 learners' 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)
Advocacy and Research
Blueprint CDS: Towards a Skilled and Sustainable Workforce
In February 2022, ACDS launched project BlueprintCDS, toward the development of a multi-prong strategy for the Community Disability Services (CDS) sector workforce.

This landmark project will address the sector’s chronic human resource challenges and new pressures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing that the sector’s current workforce crisis is a consequence of complex and long-standing issues, BlueprintCDS will create a strategy for both immediate measures and long-term action.

#BlueprintCDS
Advocacy Timeline 2021-2022 Summary

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

Learn more about ACDS’ advocacy efforts on issues related to COVID-19, as well as other issues impacting the CDS sector.