Welcome to the ACDS Umbrella, our quarterly newsletter

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ACDS 2023 Conference: Recap

On May 31 - June 1, 2023, over 350 people participated in three days of learning, connecting, and celebrating at our 35th annual conference, Impact 2023. It was another hugely successful event, and we thank all those that participated, including attendees, presenters, exhibitors and sponsors.

Save the Date! Impact 2024 will be held on May 15 to May 16 at the River Cree Resort and Casino, Edmonton, Alberta. Registration will launch in early 2024.

Annual Report Now Available

The ACDS 2022-2023 Annual Report was released at the Annual General Meeting in June. The report highlights ACDS' accomplishments in the past fiscal year towards a more engaged and stronger Community Disability Services sector.

Thank you to our members for your continued support and for your valuable contributions highlighted in this report.

Congratulations to CET Level 2 Service Providers 

ACDS is 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.

CBI Home Health

Wheat Country Special Needs Society

YWCA Disability Services

Congratulations to CET Level 1 Service Providers 

Beehive Support Services Society

Calgary SCOPE Society

Elves Special Needs Society

Hearth Social Profit Company Inc.

Jasper Community Outreach Services

L'Arche Edmonton

Robin Hood Association

Special Development Unit

Signature Support Services Society

Southern Alberta Society for the Handicapped (SASH)

ACDS has launched an online course titled, "Introduction to Complex Support Needs and Secure Treatment" to support organizations in serving individuals with severe and complex needs. Developed in collaboration with the Calgary Scope Society, the course is designed to provide organizations with the necessary resources to effectively serve individuals who have developmental disabilities along with extremely complex mental health, medical, and/or behavioural needs. It consists of 8 modules, including assessments and a final test, and can be completed at the learner's own pace.

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.

In-Person and Virtual Training

View the listing of upcoming training, including:

• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NCVI) Training (No Holds)
• Introduction to Positive Behavior Supports Tutor Training
• Foundations in Community Disability Studies Tutor Training
• CET Surveyor Training (New Standards)
• Complex Support Needs and Secure Treatment

Blueprint CDS: Update

In March 2023, we released the completed the Project Blueprint CDS: Comprehensive Workforce Strategy and its accompanying Technical Document, which provides significant detail on the research and evidence underlying the rationale for the recommendations.

Project Blueprint CDS outlines a suite of 18 recommendations focusing on understanding the workforce context, recruiting and retaining the workforce, and developing the workforce. The final strategy document suggests timelines for implementation, implementation activities, and considerations.

The strategy is the product of several phases of work and a high level of engagement from ACDS members and CDS sector stakeholders. 

CDS Sector Priorities 2023 - 2026

In 2019, ACDS developed a Vision and Impact Framework with three principles that we believe are foundational to impactful and sustainable programs to help Albertans with disabilities participate in and contribute to vibrant communities: respectful relationships, impactful investment, and seamless systems. Within these three principles, we have highlighted seven priorities to guide our advocacy work for the Community Disability Services sector for the foreseeable future.

We have also identified how we can help achieve these priorities through corresponding collaborative opportunities with the Government of Alberta. These priorities were derived from various diverse engagement mechanisms we use to communicate with ACDS members and the CDS sector. They will be evaluated and adjusted as appropriate based on the sector's evolving issues, program developments, and policy opportunities.

Advocacy and Sector Engagement Timeline

ACDS is actively engaged in advocating to raise awareness, influence policies, and secure funding to support the disability services sector. We collaborate with stakeholders, government agencies, and service providers to address emerging issues and drive positive change.

View our Advocacy and Sector Engagement Timeline 2022-2023, which provides a snapshot of our advocacy work within a very successful year advancing on some of the major issues impacting the sector.