ACDS Notes

Enter the ACDS Innovation Awards   
The awards will be handed out at the 2017 Spring Conference in April. Nominees will be recognized and highlighted by ACDS before and during the conference.

This is our chance to promote the innovation of our sector to the public, the media, decision-makers and each other across the province. 

Training and Development Update

Positive Behaviour Supports - Two Day Workshop
Subsidized by Disability Services
A flexible framework for staff around behavioural approaches that are person centred.
Edmonton
 PBS Level 1 & 2
 February 16 and 17
Lethbridge
 PBS Level 1 & 2
 March 2 and 3
Edmonton
 PBS Train the Trainer
 March 16 and 17

For more information go to ACDS Training and Events

Video Testimonial: 


Applying the Canada-Alberta Job Grant to ACDS Training

Accreditation Update

Revised CET Standards Information Sessions
The new 2016 Creating Excellence Together (CET) Standards are here!
Sign up now at accred@acds.ca for one of our CET Information Sessions
 
Each of the five sessions will review the new 2016 version of the:
  • CET Accreditation Standards for Adults with Disabilities
  • The additional indicators for:
    • Services for Children with Disabilities
    • Complex Support Needs Review
    • Respite for Children and Adults with Disabilities <-- NEW to CET
All sessions are from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. and will include Q&A time
 
DATES AND LOCATIONS
 
January 31, 2017 in Calgary
Calgary Construction Association
2725 - 12th Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 7J2
Parking - at front and along side

February 21 in Grande Prairie
Signature Support Services Society
8702 - 113 Street
Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6K5
Parking - available

February 23 in Red Deer
Cosmos Community Support Services Ltd.
1, 7428 - 49 Avenue
Red Deer, AB   T4P 1M2
Parking - in back or along roads

February 22 in Edmonton
Chrysalis: An Alberta Society for Citizens with Disabilities
13325 - St Albert Trail
Edmonton, AB T5L 4R3
Parking - plenty of available parking
February 28 in Lethbridge
Ability Resource Centre
A Division of Rehabilitation Society of Southwestern Alberta
1610 - 29 Street North, Lethbridge T1H 5L3
Parking - North side of building only

RSVP to accred@acds.ca 
 
There is no cost to attend, but space is limited so register soon
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Ministry of Children's Services 
In a government reorganization announced on January 19th, Alberta Human Services become two individual ministries:

Community and Social Services - Minister Irfan Sabir
Services falling under the ministry will include disability services, AISH, employment supports, income supports, FSCD, homelessness initiatives, shelter and anti-violence programs, and other family and community supports.

Children's Services - Minister Danielle Larivee (formerly Minister of Municipal Affairs)
A number of children's programs will be transferring over to the new ministry. This includes foster care and adoption, child intervention programs, indigenous community programs, childcare and early development.

The Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT) is moving to be under the purview of the Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General.

An Assistant Deputy Minister for disabilities will be appointed. This position has been vacant for some time.  

Cabinet changes focus on protecting children, communities - Alberta Government
Premier Rachel Notley splits human services department - CBC News
Discuss the ministerial changes in the Community of Practice

Robin Hood Association Announces CEO Appointment 
As you may be aware, Ed Riediger indicated his intention to retire as the CEO of the Robin Hood Association effective June 30, 2017. With 43 years of outstanding leadership & commitment to the clients, families, and staff at Robin Hood, Ed has helped nurture and grow the Robin Hood Association from a small school-residence program to the vibrant - top of class disability service organization it is today.

The Robin Hood Board of Directors is pleased to announce Ann Marie LePan will be appointed to the position of Chief Executive Office of Robin Hood Association effective July 1, 2017.
Watch Ed Riediger speak on the history of the Community Disability Services workforce.

Self-Advocacy Federation - Leilani O'Malley Award for Self Advocacy 
To be awarded at the 2017 (SAF) Annual General Meeting May 23rd, 2017
 
"Are you a self-advocate who is interested in activism? Are you doing something cool in the community? Are you breaking down barriers?   We want to hear about it!
  
The Self Advocacy Federation will be awarding one major $300 bursary and two runners up awards of $100 each to self -advocates who best represents Leilani O'Malley's activism and the Self Advocacy Federation's vision of Leadership, Development, Education and Advocacy."
Click for more information 
 
 
2017/18 Budget Telephone Town Halls 
January 30th & 31st. 6:30-8:00
Alberta.ca
 
Minister Sabir - Letter Regarding Contracting and Procurement 
January 2017
For families and guardians
For individuals
 
Applying for the Non-Profit Energy Efficiency Transition (NEET) Program
The NEET Program will provide funding to help non-profit organizations determine how efficient their current lighting, heating, cooling and hot water systems are, and explore efficiency opportunities to reduce energy use and costs.

Once equipped with audit information, organizations can then take advantage of other  Energy Efficiency Alberta programs.
How to Apply

Calculate your carbon levy rebate and costs
Find out the estimated cost of the carbon levy for your household and the rebate you will receive.
Alberta.ca

Vital Statistics and Life Events Modernization Act
The Act is transformative legislation that responds to Albertans' expectations for modern service delivery and an inclusive, compassionate approach to major life events, such as births, marriages, legal changes of name, and deaths.
Changes would include:
  • clarifying that parents may choose any last name for their child
  • enabling a future online birth registration system that would save parents time and taxpayers nearly $460,000 over four years
  • respecting the dignity of represented adults by removing the requirement for a doctor's letter to marry the person of one's choice
From the Disability Action Hall:
Members of the Right to Love Group are very pleased the Alberta Government has amended the "Vital Statistics and Life Events Modernization Act" (Bill 29)
 
"It is a real step forward for all Albertans and rights a wrong from many years ago."
-Denise Young
 ActionHall.ca

Summer Temporary Employment Program (STEP) open for 2017
STEP is a 4 - 16 week wage subsidy program that provides funding to eligible Alberta employers to hire high school or post-secondary students into summer jobs from May to August. Summer positions created through STEP provide students with the opportunity to build meaningful work experience, increase their skills and workplace insight and help prepare them for the future.

Application deadline is February 24.
AlbertaCanada.com/STEP
John Ivison: Millions of Canadians will pay at least $1,000 more if Ottawa taxes health and dental plans, study finds 
"The Conference Board study for the CDA suggests someone earning $45,000 in full-time employment in Ontario, with family coverage, would pay an extra $1,167 in tax. Those earning $60,000 in that province would pay an additional $1,043, while workers earning $90,000 would pay $1,277 more. Those numbers are reasonably consistent across the country, except (it almost goes without saying) in Quebec, where those earning $90,000 would pay a combined $1,729. Obviously, if two wage-earners in the same family have coverage, that amount will double."
National Post

From the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE)
"For the past few weeks there have been discussions that the Federal Government is considering adding Health & Dental benefits to the list of taxable items for individuals. This would result in a large tax burden to all group benefits plan participants and many will struggle to maintain current levels of quality care. This is a significant tax imposition to employees if implemented by the Federal Government. In addition, some employers may decide to scale back on their programs if the tax is implemented. 
 
A number of associations have come together to address this issue and CSAE has offered to help in this regard. A website has been set up through which members and their staff can have their say to prevent this tax proposal from happening. The site is www.donttaxmyhealthbenefits.ca and I encourage you to visit it today and share the link. CSAE will also be writing to the Minister of Finance about the issue and liaising with the noted group of associations as well."

Online Security Measures For Nonprofit Organizations
"A big misconception of many nonprofit startups is that cyber security is a persevere of only well-established major organizations or firms. In fact, this is further from the truth. Startups require more security measures right from its inception because cyber criminals are more inclined towards grassroot organizations, as they are typically easier targets than large enterprises."
TechSoup Canada

Why Funding Overhead Is Not the Real Issue: The Case to Cover Full Costs
"Paying nonprofits their full costs is how we prevent crises and interrupted services for communities and allow leadership to stay focused on mission and outcomes. Anyone who has worked in a cash-constrained nonprofit knows that when a cash-flow crisis hits, mission stops, strategy stops, and all the energies of management and board are diverted to moving up receivables, delaying payables, and securing cash however they can. "
Non-Profit Quarterly
The ACDS Umbrella is a publication of the
Alberta Council of Disability Services
160 3015-12 Street NE
Calgary, Alberta, T2E 7J2
Phone: 403-250-9495 * Fax: 403-291-9864
© 2016 Alberta Council of Disability Services

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