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September 2024: In This Issue

ACDS News and Updates

• Impact+ Webinars: Save the Dates, October 21 - 25, 2024
• Reduced-Cost Programs for ACDS Members

ACDS Program Updates

• Recently Accredited CET Level 1 and CET Level 2 Service Providers
• Upcoming and Ongoing Training Events: Register today 
• New Course: Workplace Investigation Training for Community Disability Services (CDS) Professionals 

ACDS Advocacy and Research

• Suspension of Canada-Alberta Job Grant and the CDS Sector: ACDS Advocacy Brief 
• The Chronic Wage Issue: ACDS Advocacy Brief 
• About Project Blueprint CDS: Webinar for Frontline Professionals and Mid-Managers 

Sector News and Opportunities  

• GoA Announcement: Canada-Alberta Job Grant Program Suspension
• Calgary SCOPE Society and Care Human Services Merger 

Keep scrolling to learn more.

ACDS News and Updates

Impact+ Webinars: Save the Dates

October 21 - 25, 2024

Join us for Impact+ Webinars from October 21-25, 2024! This series will dive deeper into some of the most popular and impactful sessions from the Impact 2024 conference, including Trauma Informed Care, Emergency Preparedness, Sexuality and Support for Adults with Developmental Disabilities, Intercultural Competency Skills, and more.

Sessions will run throughout the week with expert presenters and interactive Q&A sessions.

More details and session times coming soon.

Reduced-Cost Programs for ACDS Members

ACDS has partnered with select organizations to offer members exclusive discounts on essential services.

• HR Support with Salopek & Associates: Get discounted access to HR templates and consulting services tailored to your organization’s needs.
• Home and Auto Insurance with belairdirect: Enjoy special savings on home and auto insurance, plus enhanced coverage options for members and staff.
• First Aid Training with St. John Ambulance: Access affordable first aid and CPR training to strengthen workplace safety.

ACDS Program Updates

Congratulations to CET Level 1 Service Providers 

New Age Services Inc. 

Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts 

Wildrose Caregivers Ltd. 

Congratulations to CET Level 2 Service Provider

We are pleased to announce that Vecova Centre for Disability Services and Research has 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. 

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. 

Instructor-Led Virtual Training 

View the listing of upcoming training, including: 

• Foundations in Community Disability Studies Tutor Training: September 19
• Mandt Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) Training Without Physical Restraint: September 24
• Introduction to Positive Behavior Supports Tutor Training: October 1
• Workplace Investigation Training for Community Disability Services (CDS) Professionals: October 1
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) No Holds Training: October 8

New Course: Workplace Investigation Training for Community Disability Services (CDS) Professionals 

We're pleased to launch a new, specialized workplace investigation training designed for Community Disability Services (CDS) professionals. 

This training is essential for organizations serving adults with disabilities, as it addresses the specific challenges of this sector, including legal and ethical considerations. By completing this course, participants will be better equipped to handle investigations with confidence and professionalism, fostering trust and ensuring compliance with regulations. 

Training Sessions: 

• Day 1 – Tuesday, October 1, 8 am - 3 pm MDT - Focus on workplace investigation fundamentals: planning, interviewing, ethical issues, and sector- specific scenarios. 
• Day 2 – Wednesday, October 2, 8 am - 3 pm MDT - Emphasis on managing evidence, assessing findings, writing reports, and investigating systemic issues.

ACDS Advocacy and Research

Suspension of Canada-Alberta Job Grant and the CDS Sector: ACDS Advocacy Brief 

Following the announcement of the suspension of the Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG) on August 7, ACDS deployed a survey to assess the suspension's impact on the sector. The brief outlines findings that reveal that nearly 80% of organizations relied on CAJG for essential training and are now facing an average shortfall of $20,000. ACDS has communicated these concerns to key ministers and encouraged service providers to support advocacy efforts by contacting their MLAs and and voicing their concerns.

The Chronic Wage Issue: ACDS Advocacy Brief 

The Chronic Wage Issue, ACDS Advocacy Brief provides a comprehensive overview of average wages within our sector, including comparisons to competing sectors. Despite the January 2023 wage funding increase of 10%, low wages remain a critical issue, with 90% of our sector's workers earning an average of $21.77 per hour. This brief is designed to support our collective advocacy for fair wages. If you use this document for advocacy purposes, please inform us (email nilima@acds.ca) so we can gauge its effectiveness.

About Project Blueprint CDS: Webinars for Frontline Professionals and Mid-Managers 

In July and August, ACDS hosted a series of webinar presentations about Project Blueprint CDS. These webinars were designed to provide key insights into workforce strategies and innovative solutions for the Community Disability Services (CDS) sector. We were thrilled to see strong engagement across the sector, with over 350 attendees representing 55 organizations from across Alberta. 

We thank all attendees for their participation and look forward to continued discussions and collaborations as we work together to build a skilled and sustainable workforce in the CDS sector. 

Sector News and Opportunities

GoA Announcement: Canada-Alberta Job Grant Program Suspension

On August 7, 2024, the Government of Alberta announced an indefinite suspension of the Canada-Alberta Job Grant program. This decision could significantly impact those relying on this funding for essential staff training. This funding cut threatens service quality and staff safety, potentially leading to reductions in crucial training. ACDS has expressed concerns about the effect this will have on the CDS sector and has been actively advocating for continued funding.

Calgary SCOPE Society and Care Human Services Merger 

Calgary SCOPE Society and Care Human Services have merged to enhance service delivery to individuals with complex needs across the province. Both organizations are strong and longstanding members of ACDS. We applaud this bold move and wish them continued success. 

To learn more about nonprofit mergers and collaborations, IntegralOrg is hosting "Beyond Collaborations: The Process and Possibilities of a Nonprofit Merger" session on October 2, 2024, where the merger will be discussed in detail.