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

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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

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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