Welcome to the ACDS Umbrella, our quarterly newsletter   Reading this online? Subscribe today

In This December 2021 Issue

ACDS News ACDS 2021 Highlights Staffing Updates   ACDS Program Updates CET 2021 Standards Launch CET Virtual Surveys Congratulations to CET Level 1 and 2 Service Providers Upcoming and Ongoing Training Events   Advocacy and Research COVID-19 Year 2: Stories from the CDS Sector   Sector News and Updates Plain Language Version of PDD Steering Committee Report Released CSND and Secure Treatment Survey Now Mandatory

ACDS News

?ACDS 2021 Highlights

As this calendar year draws to close, we our proud to highlight and share our many accomplishments of 2021, despite another challenging year related to the pandemic. We thank you all for your ongoing support and trust, and we commit to building on these achievements in 2022. #ACDS2021Highlights   We wish you a restful and happy holiday season.

View the ACDS 2021 highlights video

Staffing Updates

Brittany Rogers Accreditation Coordinator ? Brittany most recently worked for Progressive Alternatives Society of Calgary (PASC) where she served for over 3 years as a Community and Employment Facilitator. Brittany has a diploma in Business Administration from SAIT and is currently completing a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Athabasca University. ACDS is pleased have Brittany join the team!

Danielle Mazerolle Accreditation Coordinator ? Danielle has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Winnipeg. She began her career in community and social services in Winnipeg and has continued working in the field since she moved to Calgary in 2002. Danielle brings over 25 years of experience to her new role and ACDS is thrilled to have her on team.

Debbie Casper Accounting Clerk/Receptionist ? Debbie comes from a diverse background in accounting having worked at a plastics group, oil & gas company, in addition to municipal government. Debbie is currently working on her finance degree on a part-time basis. ACDS welcomes Debbie!

ACDS Program Updates

?Creating Excellence Together 2021 Accreditation Standards

Following a comprehensive review process, ACDS launched the new CET Standards in September. The new CET Standards:    Are more relevant to participating service providers and the individuals they serve Involve a more streamlined process for participating service providers pursuing accreditation  Will have impact. The new Standards will ultimately ensure quality services for individuals with developmental disabilities

Read the new CET Standards factsheet

CET Virtual Surveys and Digital Options   87 service providers have completed virtual surveys since the virtual survey process was launched in July 2020. ACDS launched the virtual process in July 2020 to allow organizations to complete their CET accreditation given pandemic-related restrictions. Learn more about the virtual CET process

Congratulations to CET Level 2 Service Providers    ACDS is pleased to announce that the following service providers 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.    Care Human Services Ltd: Care Human Services also met the requirements for the Complex Support Needs Designation   Lacombe Action Group for the Handicapped: The Action Group also met the requirements for the Complex Support Needs Designation, Respite for Children and Adults with Disabilities, and Services for Children with Disabilities   Life Empowerment Inc: Life Empowerment also met the requirements for the Complex Support Needs Designation, Respite for Children and Adults with Disabilities, and Services for Children with Disabilities   Vecova Centre for Disability Services and Research: Vecova also met the requirements for the Complex Support Needs Designation, and Respite for Children and Adults with Disabilities   Congratulations to CET Level 1 Service Providers    ACDS is pleased to share that the following service providers achieved CET Level 1 Accreditation.   Advance Society Innisfail: Support for Developmentally Disabled Ever Bright Complex Needs Support Services New Age Services Inc. Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts Optional Rehabilitation Services Inc. (OPTIONS) Passionate Home Caregivers Inc. (maybe, maybe not) Providing Residential Options and Services (PROS) Rocky Support Services Society (formerly COPE, Rocky Mountain House Society for Persons with Disabilities) Wild Rose Caregivers Ltd. Winnifred Stewart Association

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 supports 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.