Alberta Disabilities Forum “A United Voice”

Our Members Accessible Housing SocietyAlberta Association for Community Living AB Association of the DeafAlberta Caregivers Association Alberta Abilities Lodges SocietyAB Council of Disability Services AB Committee of Citizens with DisabilitiesAutism Calgary Association AB Network for Mental HealthAutism Society of AB Autism Society of Edmonton and AreaBrain Injury Association of AB Brain Care CentreCanadian Council of the Blind, AB Division Canadian Deaf Blind and Rubella AssociationCanadian Mental Health Association AB Division Canadian Down Syndrome SocietyCatholic Social Services Canadian Paraplegic Association AB DivisionCentra Cam Vocational Training Association Cerebral Palsy Association in ABCONNECT Society Champions Career CentreDECSA – Alberta Chrysalis - An AB Society for Citizens with DisabilitiesEmployAbilities Easter Seals AlbertaGrande Prairie Residential Society Fetal Alcohol Support SocietyLearning Disabilities Association of AB Goodwill Industries of ABLupus Society of AB Independent Living Resource Centre of CalgaryOn Site Placement Services Kidney Foundation of Canada Opportunity Works Calgary Inc. Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada AB DivisionSchizophrenia Society of AB Muscular Dystrophy CanadaSpina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Northern AB Parkinson Alberta SocietyPLAN Edmonton Paralympic Sports AssociationThe Arthritis Society AB & N.W.T. Division The Steadward Centre

ADF Goals to identify issues common to our members to facilitate communication and cooperation among members and other stakeholders to disseminate information to identify gaps in services and recommend solutions to educate the public about disability related issues to educate policy makers about disability related issues to inform decision making

Achieving Our Goals Influencing Policies & Services Member Services Operational Excellence

Influencing Policies and Services Create strategies to improve services for Albertans with disabilities Work with government to develop and improve policies and programs that affect persons with disabilities Build partnerships

Creating a Change CHANGE Position Paper Establish a Working Group Issues brought forward for consideration

ADF Employment Working Group

“Persons with disabilities will have the same opportunity as non-disabled Albertans to choose from employment options. All Albertans will have the support they require (e.g. personal care, mobility aids) to prepare for and be engaged in employment. All Albertans will have the support and information required to access and make informed choices from a range of employment opportunities and to fully progress along a chosen career path. Persons with disabilities will be valued members of Alberta’s workforce.” Premier’s Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities-Alberta Disabilities Strategy

Two Papers since Accessing Employment Supports and Services 2.Hiring People with Disabilities

Accessing Employment Supports and Services Transitional planning from school to workforce Attitudinal barriers Accessibility, alternate forms of communication, and assistive technology Assessment and Intake Career development Employment supports Government / policies and procedures Ongoing and continuous support Information and referral

Hiring People with Disabilities Assumptions & misconceptions Lack of employer awareness & education Navigating the system Inadequate and inflexible employment policies and standards Wages & career advancement

Position papers available on

“A United Voice”