Welcome to the ACDS Umbrella, our quarterly newsletter

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Impact 2024: Registration Now Open

Registration is now open for Impact 2024, the ACDS annual conference. This year’s conference will be held from May 15 to May 16, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta. Watch the above video for a sneak peek of what this year's conference will offer.   

The deadline for early bird registration is April 5, 2024. Register today to benefit from the early bird registration rate. 

Thank you to our major conference sponsor, Belairdirect for generously supporting Impact 2024.



For questions related to conference, contact acdsconference@acds.ca.

Congratulations to CET Level 2 Service Providers 

We are 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.

Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre (DDRC)

Drumheller & Region Transition Society (DARTS)

Rehoboth Christian Ministries - Northwest Region

Rehoboth Christian Ministries -Edmonton Region

Rehoboth Christian Ministries - Central Region

Rehoboth Christian Ministries - Calgary Region

Rehoboth Christian Ministries - South Region

Congratulations to CET Level 1 Service Providers 

Home Within a Home 

The Bea Fisher Center Inc 

Employment Placement and Support Services (EPSS) 

Salvation Army START 

Residential & Support Services (RSS) 

Wetaskiwin & District Assoc for Community Service (WDACS) 

Cardston Support Services 

Lamoureux Support Services 

Connections to Family Society 

Connect Society 

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:

• Advanced Skills in Positive Behavior Support Training
• Mandt Training Without Physical Restraint
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) Training (No Holds)
• Foundations in Community Disability Studies Tutor Training
• Introduction to Complex Support Needs and Secure Treatment

Sector Scanner

The inaugural issue of our Sector Scanner is now available. This document updates and expands on the data reported in our March 2022 report, “The Perfect Storm,” presenting well-informed insights into ongoing pervasive issues and emerging concerns within the Community Disability Services sector. 

Thank you to the 68 organizations that participated in the survey informing the report.  

Alberta’s New Health Care System: In-Person and Online Engagement Sessions

The Government of Alberta is currently seeking input from Albertans on the province’s new health care system. Several in-person engagement sessions have been scheduled across the province and we encourage you to attend and ensure the challenges and needs of service providers and individuals with disabilities are heard in this restructuring. We also encourage you to reinforce the message we have shared for the need to have specific consultations related to community disability services.

To supplement the in-person sessions, the government released an online survey earlier this week. The online survey addresses the same topics as the in-person engagement sessions. 

News for AISH and Income Support Recipients

Starting March 2024, benefit payments for recipients of AISH and Income Support will be issued four business days before the first of each month. The GoA made the adjustment in response to feedback from Albertans who receive AISH and Income Support payments and aims to to provide recipients with additional time to manage financial responsibilities and avoid late charges. 

Benefit recipients will be informed to update automatic payments upon receiving their February 2024 deposit, with online access to the full payment schedule for planning. 

New Web Platform for PDD Policy Manual 

Disability Services, Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services, announced that the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) Policy Manual has been modernized and moved onto a new and improved web platform as of January 24, 2024. The new web platform has improved accessibility and navigation functions to promote a more user-friendly experience for the public and program staff.  

Key features include: 

• new printing and sharing capabilities 
• an improved search tool 
• meets the current standards of website accessibility  
• enhanced translation and screen reader capabilities  
• supported on all devices including mobile and desktop  
• alignment with Government of Alberta web standards and corporate branding 

Note: No changes were made to the content or meaning of the PDD policies.

Connect With Us on Social Media

ACDS has a strong and active presence on X, Facebook and LinkedIn. Social media is an effective way for us to share timely news and information related to ACDS and the Community Disability Services sector. If you aren’t already, follow us on social media today!