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Inclusion Alberta’s Virtual Family Conference, April 16-17, 2021 featuring Dr. Paula Kluth and Janet Klees. Register through Eventbrite here.
Friday, April 16
 

8:30am MDT

Info Desk/Virtual Coffee Room
Welcome to the Info Desk/Virtual Coffee Room! 
If you have questions or need assistance during the conference, feel free to pop in here. It will be open from 8:30am - 4:30pm daily. Inclusion Alberta Staff will be here to assist you, find answers to any questions you may have and can also facilitate a breakout room should you want to meet one-on-one with any fellow participants or speakers.

Friday April 16, 2021 8:30am - 4:30pm MDT

9:00am MDT

The Problem with Behaviour Problems: Supporting Students with Autism & Other Disabilities
Come and explore fresh ways to think about “behavior problems” in inclusive schools. We will examine where problems come from, who “owns” them, and how our language and approaches can both create behavior struggles and minimize them. We will discuss how educators can avoid challenging moments by listening, teaching, collaborating, including and thinking out of the box. Specific strategies that will be highlighted include video modeling, building on strengths, and encouraging movement. 
 
Dr. Paula Kluth is a consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is a former K-12 special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, co-teacher, and inclusion facilitator. Paula has also been a university professor and has taught courses on both inclusion and disability studies. Most recently, Paula’s work has centered on helping teachers and administrators educate all students in their schools and classrooms. She also frequently works with families and advocacy groups to support goals related to inclusion. In addition to inclusive education, her professional interests include Universal Design for Learning, co-teaching, and educating students with complex support needs.

View the workshop brochure here

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Paula Kluth

Dr. Paula Kluth

Owner / Consultant, Inclusion Rules LLC
Paula (she/her) is a consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is a former K-12... Read More →


Friday April 16, 2021 9:00am - 12:00pm MDT

9:00am MDT

The Unique Role of Support Staff in Enabling a Meaningful and Inclusive Life
Janet will offer a practical and reflective workshop designed specifically for support staff focused on their unique and essential role in the lives of the people with developmental disabilities. Janet will provide a guiding framework for powerfully and effectively taking up the role of a support staff in advancing the quality of an individual’s life regardless of their current circumstances. This workshop will also be of value to those responsible for leading and directing support staff, such as supervisors, managers and directors, including family members who may be in this position when utilizing or planning to access Family Managed Supports (FMS). The workshop will offer a meaningful and satisfying way to think about the support role as a committed and enduring approach to enabling a good life in community rather than viewing the role as just another job.  
 
Janet will share strategies on the support role as a bridge to relationships and participation in community life, including the critically important work in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in decision-making and in making the place they live a true home. She will use examples of working in complex situations and others where capitalizing on the wisdom of families can be of immense value. As the vast majority of adults with developmental disabilities in Alberta rely on staff as their primary means of support the content of this workshop is important and relevant. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, share and discuss how people in this unique and critical role can make an invaluable difference.

View the workshop brochure here
 

Speakers
avatar for Janet Klees

Janet Klees

Executive Director, Durham Association for Family Resources and Support
Janet Klees has worked in the field of developmental disabilities for over 35 years. Janet is the Executive Director for Durham Association for Family Resources and Support which is a values-based organization that supports families to design and implement good lives in neighbourhoods and communities for and with their sons and daughters. Supporting over 300 families and individuals by providing: long term planning, budgeting guidance, assistance... Read More →


Friday April 16, 2021 9:00am - 12:00pm MDT

1:00pm MDT

Family Conversation: Community Networking
Families leveraging their networks in pursuit of the good things in life.

About Family Conversations:
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of families, Family Conversations are small, informal discussions where families can come together to hear what others have done, share thoughts and generate new ideas on a particular topic. Experienced families and moderators will be on hand to guide discussion, answer questions and facilitate a safe space for open thought.

Friday April 16, 2021 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT

1:00pm MDT

Family Conversation: Home
Families sharing creative approaches in supporting their son/ daughter to create a home of their own.

About Family Conversations:
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of families, Family Conversations are small, informal discussions where families can come together to hear what others have done, share thoughts and generate new ideas on a particular topic. Experienced families and moderators will be on hand to guide discussion, answer questions and facilitate a safe space for open thought.

Friday April 16, 2021 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT

1:00pm MDT

Family Conversation: K-12 Inclusive Education
Families sharing the experience of collaborating with schools through the pandemic.

About Family Conversations:
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of families, Family Conversations are small, informal discussions where families can come together to hear what others have done, share thoughts and generate new ideas on a particular topic. Experienced families and moderators will be on hand to guide discussion, answer questions and facilitate a safe space for open thought.

Friday April 16, 2021 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT

1:00pm MDT

Family Conversation: Relationships
The experience of families supporting their son's/daughters’ friendships.

About Family Conversations:
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of families, Family Conversations are small, informal discussions where families can come together to hear what others have done, share thoughts and generate new ideas on a particular topic. Experienced families and moderators will be on hand to guide discussion, answer questions and facilitate a safe space for open thought.

Friday April 16, 2021 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT

1:00pm MDT

Family Conversation: Staffing
Creative hiring practices in finding quality staff.

About Family Conversations:
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of families, Family Conversations are small, informal discussions where families can come together to hear what others have done, share thoughts and generate new ideas on a particular topic. Experienced families and moderators will be on hand to guide discussion, answer questions and facilitate a safe space for open thought.

Friday April 16, 2021 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT

1:00pm MDT

Family Conversation: Utilizing FSCD/FMS
Sharing of lessons learned through the pandemic through the experience of families.

About Family Conversations:
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of families, Family Conversations are small, informal discussions where families can come together to hear what others have done, share thoughts and generate new ideas on a particular topic. Experienced families and moderators will be on hand to guide discussion, answer questions and facilitate a safe space for open thought.

Friday April 16, 2021 1:00pm - 1:45pm MDT

2:00pm MDT

Family Conversation: Community Networking
Families leveraging their networks in pursuit of the good things in life.

About Family Conversations:
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of families, Family Conversations are small, informal discussions where families can come together to hear what others have done, share thoughts and generate new ideas on a particular topic. Experienced families and moderators will be on hand to guide discussion, answer questions and facilitate a safe space for open thought.

Friday April 16, 2021 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT

2:00pm MDT

Family Conversation: K-12 Inclusive Education
Families sharing the experience of collaborating with schools through the pandemic.

About Family Conversations:
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of families, Family Conversations are small, informal discussions where families can come together to hear what others have done, share thoughts and generate new ideas on a particular topic. Experienced families and moderators will be on hand to guide discussion, answer questions and facilitate a safe space for open thought.

Friday April 16, 2021 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT

2:00pm MDT

Family Conversation: Local Associations
Contributing to family leadership in your community!

About Family Conversations:
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of families, Family Conversations are small, informal discussions where families can come together to hear what others have done, share thoughts and generate new ideas on a particular topic. Experienced families and moderators will be on hand to guide discussion, answer questions and facilitate a safe space for open thought.

Friday April 16, 2021 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT

2:00pm MDT

Family Conversation: Romantic Relationships
The experiences of families supporting their son's/daughters’ romantic relationships.

About Family Conversations:
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of families, Family Conversations are small, informal discussions where families can come together to hear what others have done, share thoughts and generate new ideas on a particular topic. Experienced families and moderators will be on hand to guide discussion, answer questions and facilitate a safe space for open thought.

Friday April 16, 2021 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT

2:00pm MDT

Family Conversation: Staffing
Creative hiring practices in finding quality staff.

About Family Conversations:
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of families, Family Conversations are small, informal discussions where families can come together to hear what others have done, share thoughts and generate new ideas on a particular topic. Experienced families and moderators will be on hand to guide discussion, answer questions and facilitate a safe space for open thought.

Friday April 16, 2021 2:00pm - 2:45pm MDT

3:00pm MDT

Family Conversation: Home
Families sharing creative approaches in supporting their son/ daughter to create a home of their own.

About Family Conversations:
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of families, Family Conversations are small, informal discussions where families can come together to hear what others have done, share thoughts and generate new ideas on a particular topic. Experienced families and moderators will be on hand to guide discussion, answer questions and facilitate a safe space for open thought.

Friday April 16, 2021 3:00pm - 3:45pm MDT

3:00pm MDT

Family Conversation: Local Associations
Contributing to family leadership in your community!

About Family Conversations:
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of families, Family Conversations are small, informal discussions where families can come together to hear what others have done, share thoughts and generate new ideas on a particular topic. Experienced families and moderators will be on hand to guide discussion, answer questions and facilitate a safe space for open thought.

Friday April 16, 2021 3:00pm - 3:45pm MDT

3:00pm MDT

Family Conversation: Relationships
The experience of families supporting their son's/daughters’ friendships.

About Family Conversations:
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of families, Family Conversations are small, informal discussions where families can come together to hear what others have done, share thoughts and generate new ideas on a particular topic. Experienced families and moderators will be on hand to guide discussion, answer questions and facilitate a safe space for open thought.

Friday April 16, 2021 3:00pm - 3:45pm MDT

3:00pm MDT

Family Conversation: Romantic Relationships
The experiences of families supporting their son's/daughters’ romantic relationships.

About Family Conversations:
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of families, Family Conversations are small, informal discussions where families can come together to hear what others have done, share thoughts and generate new ideas on a particular topic. Experienced families and moderators will be on hand to guide discussion, answer questions and facilitate a safe space for open thought.

Friday April 16, 2021 3:00pm - 3:45pm MDT

3:00pm MDT

Family Conversation: Utilizing FSCD/FMS
Sharing of lessons learned through the pandemic through the experience of families.

About Family Conversations:
Drawing on the wisdom and experience of families, Family Conversations are small, informal discussions where families can come together to hear what others have done, share thoughts and generate new ideas on a particular topic. Experienced families and moderators will be on hand to guide discussion, answer questions and facilitate a safe space for open thought.

Friday April 16, 2021 3:00pm - 3:45pm MDT

7:00pm MDT

President's Reception
Inclusion Alberta hosts its annual President’s Reception. There will be an awards ceremony to honour several individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. Many find the President’s Reception to be an inspiring celebration of community inclusion.

**RSVP: Please RSVP your attendance to RSVP@inclusionalberta.org or by calling Kim at 780-451-3055 ext 412 by Monday, April 12, 2021 to receive the event Zoom link.

Friday April 16, 2021 7:00pm - 8:30pm MDT
 
Saturday, April 17
 

8:30am MDT

Info Desk/Virtual Coffee Room
Welcome to the Info Desk/Virtual Coffee Room! 
If you have questions or need assistance during the conference, feel free to pop in here. It will be open from 8:30am - 4:30pm daily. Inclusion Alberta Staff will be here to assist you, find answers to any questions you may have and can also facilitate a breakout room should you want to meet one-on-one with any fellow participants or speakers.

Saturday April 17, 2021 8:30am - 4:30pm MDT

9:00am MDT

Opening Plenary: Inclusion Benefits All
Our keynote presenters will share this opening plenary providing an inspiring start to a day of exciting learning and engagement. Paula and Janet will link their individual perspectives, knowledge and experiences to create a bridge between the benefit of inclusive education for all students and the benefits of inclusive communities for all its members. 

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Paula Kluth

Dr. Paula Kluth

Owner / Consultant, Inclusion Rules LLC
Paula (she/her) is a consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is a former K-12... Read More →
avatar for Janet Klees

Janet Klees

Executive Director, Durham Association for Family Resources and Support
Janet Klees has worked in the field of developmental disabilities for over 35 years. Janet is the Executive Director for Durham Association for Family Resources and Support which is a values-based organization that supports families to design and implement good lives in neighbourhoods and communities for and with their sons and daughters. Supporting over 300 families and individuals by providing: long term planning, budgeting guidance, assistance... Read More →


Saturday April 17, 2021 9:00am - 10:00am MDT

10:00am MDT

Youth for Inclusion
This session is open to youth aged 16-22. Space is limited but please make sure you register early.
Tickets: $20 (plus applicable service fees)
Youth for Inclusion members continue to develop their knowledge and capacity in pursuing advocacy and action related to the promotion of inclusion of youth with intellectual disabilities. Building on themes from the Fall 2020 Youth Conference, youth participants will explore the impacts of COVID-19 and the importance and value of relationships during these uncertain times. Youth participants will explore the intersectionality of other current social movements and the necessity of ensuring the voice of youth with intellectual disabilities are heard. We welcome youth with and without disabilities committed to social justice, action, advocacy and inclusion to join us virtually for this day!

Feedback Form: 
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ia-oegEKOUeCcO-ZrY0inkXABaoUffFJgwu6kDlMhqxURUlOUEFBSTlERkJUQkhWU0pOWUszMVRMNS4u

Speakers
avatar for Laura Gerow Burrin

Laura Gerow Burrin

Coordinator, Family Resource Centre- Grande Prairie & Area, Inclusion Alberta
Coordinator of the Inclusion Alberta Family Resource Centre- Grande Prairie & Area since its inception in May 2021. Previously, Laura worked for Inclusion Alberta at Northwestern Polytechnic (Grande Prairie Regional College) since she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at... Read More →
avatar for Darren Beach

Darren Beach

Regional Coordinator, Inclusive Post-Secondary Education, Inclusion Alberta
“Darren Beach is a Regional Coordinator of Inclusive Post-Secondary Education. He provides leadership and support to three Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Initiatives across the province (MacEwan University, University of Lethbridge, Lakeland College) as they support students... Read More →
avatar for Jess Brandsma

Jess Brandsma

Regional Coordinator, Inclusive Post Secondary Education, Inclusion Alberta
Jess is a Regional Coordinator for Inclusive Post-Secondary Education and loves her role supporting students in pursuing their dreams of furthering their education and developing career goals and aspirations.  Jess has been an employee with Inclusion Alberta for almost 10 years and... Read More →
avatar for Tadiwa Nemutambwe

Tadiwa Nemutambwe

Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Facilitator, Inclusion Alberta
Tadiwa Nemutambwe is an Educational Facilitator with the Inclusive Post-Secondary Initiative at Inclusion Alberta as well as a fourth-year Psychology major at MacEwan University. She is also a member of the Peer Health Education Team at MacEwan University and enjoys participating... Read More →
avatar for Annelise Lyseng

Annelise Lyseng

Registered Psychologist, Heroic Counselling



Saturday April 17, 2021 10:00am - 3:00pm MDT

10:30am MDT

Don’t We Already Do Inclusion? Creating Better Schools for All
Are you trying to grow the inclusive schooling model in your community? Do you feel like you have tried everything to create change in your school? Do you want to “sharpen the saw” and become reenergized as an advocate or educator? This workshop is focused on addressing all these goals and is designed to help a range of stakeholders learn new skills and ask new questions. 
 
This presentation is not only filled with ideas for teaching diverse learners but is also focused on change itself and, more specifically, on how those invested in inclusion can create opportunities that allow all learners to thrive. Come and learn tried and true techniques (e.g., creating a culture of differentiation, focus on benefits for all) as well as some out-of-the box solutions (e.g., “radical” role sharing, using social media to inspire inclusion). Ideas for virtual inclusion will be addressed as well. 

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Paula Kluth

Dr. Paula Kluth

Owner / Consultant, Inclusion Rules LLC
Paula (she/her) is a consultant, author, advocate, and independent scholar who works with teachers and families to provide inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities and to create more responsive and engaging schooling experiences for all learners. She is a former K-12... Read More →


Saturday April 17, 2021 10:30am - 12:00pm MDT

10:30am MDT

Enabling Hopeful and Inclusive Lives in Difficult Times
In times of economic constraints, global pandemic and uncertainty, families and individuals with developmental disabilities may fear the future or believe an inclusive life is not possible or sustainable. It is vitally important that the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities not be placed on hold or slip backwards given the inevitable ups and downs of the economy or government policies. Using examples and proven strategies this session will illustrate how a life-enhancing vision and a meaningful life can still be realized by capitalizing on community capacity, relationships and community connections. 

Speakers
avatar for Charmaine McIntyre

Charmaine McIntyre

Executive Director, Community Initatives, Inclusion Alberta
Charmaine McIntyre is the Executive Director of Community Initiatives with Inclusion Alberta. Charmaine provides mentorship to the Employment and Inclusive Post-Secondary Directors. Charmaine is part of the leadership group that cultivates the growth and learning of team members... Read More →
avatar for Billie Jack

Billie Jack

Executive Director, Advocacy and Family Initiatives, Inclusion Alberta
Billie has worked with families and individuals with developmental disabilities for over 20 years in varying roles. Billie is the Executive Director of Advocacy and Family Initiatives and previously was the Director of Inclusive Education and has been working at Inclusion Alberta... Read More →


Saturday April 17, 2021 10:30am - 12:00pm MDT

10:30am MDT

First Nations: Challenges, Progress and Aspirations
Centuries ago, before the arrival of Europeans, many First Nations held positive views of children and adults with disabilities seeing them as having “gifts” they brought to their communities. However, some of that history and cultural understanding has been lost given past practices, such as residential schools, and the lack of culturally relevant support for families and their family members with disabilities living on Reserves. Inclusion Alberta is working with a number of First Nations to enable families to have support and children and adults with developmental disabilities to have meaningful opportunities for an inclusive life. In this session come hear from First Nations advocates and family members about existing challenges, progress to-date and future aspirations all can contribute to. 

Speakers
avatar for Barbara Nish

Barbara Nish

Advocate, Inclusion Alberta
Barbara and Robert Nish live in Lethbridge, Alberta. They are the parents of 4 children and have 11 grandchildren. They have been connected with Inclusion Alberta for more than 40 years.Barbara has served as President and Past President of Inclusion Alberta and has been a facilitator... Read More →
KM

Kathleen McHugh

Director, Siksika Nation Disability Services
Kathleen McHugh and her daughter, Bobbi have been involved with Inclusion Alberta since 1998 when they first attended the Family Conference. Kathleen’s daughter suffered severe head injuries in a horseback riding accident in 1994; since then they have worked together to promote... Read More →
TM

Tracy McHugh

Councillor, Siksika Nation
Tracy McHugh is a member of the Siksika Nation and is currently the President of Inclusion Siksika. She has been active in the area of strengthening inclusion best practices for over 20 years.  Tracy serves as an elected member of Siksika Chief and Council. While in this post, Tracy’s... Read More →


Saturday April 17, 2021 10:30am - 12:00pm MDT

10:30am MDT

Fostering a Family Led Movement for Inclusion: Taking Action Collectively
The social change required to enable children and adults with developmental disabilities to live fully inclusive lives is largely dependent on a continuously revitalized family-led and allied movement for inclusion. Given the need for multi-generational collective advocacy there is also a pressing need to engage new potential actors and develop their capacity for leadership. Inclusive, good lives must continue to become more of reality regardless of fiscal constraints, cuts or uncertainty, inclusion challenges in schools, the risks associated with reduced safeguards to Medical Assistance in Dying or navigating bureaucracies. These challenges require us to build and sustain a movement. Inclusion Alberta is contributing to this need on multiple national and international fronts. There is a place for you in this movement for inclusion – come join us. 

Speakers
avatar for Bruce Uditsky

Bruce Uditsky

CEO Emeritus, Inclusion Alberta
Bruce Uditsky, M.Ed., is the CEO Emeritus of Inclusion Alberta. He is internationally recognized for his leadership and advocacy in social justice and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Currently, Bruce also serves as a Senior Advisor to Inclusion... Read More →
avatar for Trish Bowman

Trish Bowman

Chief Executive Officer, Inclusion Alberta
Trish is the Chief Executive Officer of Inclusion Alberta. She has worked for over 30 years supporting individuals and families to live inclusive lives. Trish has been a contributor to numerous articles and publications on how to achieve a meaningful and inclusive life... Read More →
avatar for Robin Acton

Robin Acton

Past-President, Inclusion Alberta
Robin Acton is parent who has been involved with Inclusion Alberta extensively over the past 20 years in a multitude of volunteer capacities including President. The Acton Family lives just outside of Lloydminster, Alberta. As a family they operate Acton’s Lower Shannon Farms... Read More →


Saturday April 17, 2021 10:30am - 12:00pm MDT

1:30pm MDT

Creating & Sustaining Employment: The Power of Family Expectations and Actions 
Having a job and a reason to get up in the morning is one of the key avenues to a life of belonging and inclusion. However, the majority of adults with developmental disabilities are unemployed when many could be meaningfully and inclusively employed in interesting jobs and careers. Advancing employment often requires a conscious and planful effort by families from childhood through to adulthood. This interactive session will provide families with useful and practical ideas to increase the likelihood of employment being realized and sustained. The session will illustrate how families can tap into their personal resources and networks to create valued jobs. 

Speakers
avatar for Trina Steed

Trina Steed

Provincial Director of Employment Partnerships, Inclusion Alberta
Trina Steed lives in Edmonton and is the Provincial Director of Employment Partnerships at Inclusion Alberta. She has over twenty years of experience in community inclusion, community development and family advocacy. Trina has spent most of her career working for Inclusion Alberta... Read More →


Saturday April 17, 2021 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT

1:30pm MDT

How to Find and Retain Quality Staff Including Supportive Roommates
A too constant dilemma for families and their love ones with developmental disabilities are the challenges in finding and keeping quality staff, whether through FSCD or FMS funding. And for those adults and their families seeking a supportive living roommate, this can be added complexity. In this session, experienced families will share their strategies for finding, supervising and retaining the very important staff supports needed to enable a good and inclusive life.    

Speakers
avatar for Elaine Lupul

Elaine Lupul

Parent, Lupul Martin Family
avatar for Pat Winter

Pat Winter

Darrell Cook FMS Resource Centre Coordinator, Inclusion Alberta
Pat Winter is the Family Resource Centre Provincial Coordinator based in Calgary. Pat has spent most of her career in Human Services. Throughout her career Pat has been involved in many innovative projects and services that focus on supporting people with disabilities and seniors... Read More →
avatar for Barb MacIntyre

Barb MacIntyre

President, Inclusion Alberta
Barb MacIntyre is a parent who has been involved with Inclusion Alberta for the last 15 years in several volunteer capacities, including President. Barb and her husband Russ have been utilizing FMS funding to hire staff to facilitate their son's inclusion at work and in the community... Read More →
avatar for Orvella Small

Orvella Small

Executive Director, Inclusion Foothills Association
Orvella Small is from High River, Alberta. She is married to Fraser; they have 4 grown children, 3 sons who have brought 3 wives and 8 beautiful grandchildren to their family, with the youngest of the 4 being Sheena. Sheena is the owner of Sheena's Sweets and Such, which has been... Read More →


Saturday April 17, 2021 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT

1:30pm MDT

It’s Not Extraordinary to Want Ordinary: Housing, Home and Support
Across Canada, families are thinking and re-thinking housing, aiming for real home in ordinary ways. The National Housing Strategy includes a commitment to create housing for individuals with developmental disabilities and efforts are underway to ensure inclusive housing options are created. In this timely session Janet will share the critical distinctions between housing, which is the structure in which people live, and a home, which is built intentionally and continuously from actions of the heart and the support which enables home to be realized. More and more families are looking at ways to secure affordable housing, but this also requires thoughtful consideration of what nurtures home and the patterns of individual support needed to build a personal lifestyle. Despite little real federal and provincial inputs at the moment, families continue to re-assess their assets and take their own steps. Using real life examples designed by ordinary families, this session will help others re-imagine housing possibilities that can lead to real home. 

Speakers
avatar for Janet Klees

Janet Klees

Executive Director, Durham Association for Family Resources and Support
Janet Klees has worked in the field of developmental disabilities for over 35 years. Janet is the Executive Director for Durham Association for Family Resources and Support which is a values-based organization that supports families to design and implement good lives in neighbourhoods and communities for and with their sons and daughters. Supporting over 300 families and individuals by providing: long term planning, budgeting guidance, assistance... Read More →


Saturday April 17, 2021 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT

1:30pm MDT

Pathfinders: Building Your Network
What will happen when I am no longer here? How do I create a meaningful, inclusive life for my family member with a disability? These are questions that are constant for those who support individuals with developmental disabilities. Creating a network of a small group of people, typically committed family, friends and community members, can significantly impact the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in enabling community membership, employment, belonging and well-being. It can be difficult for families to think of ideas, make plans and implement those plans on their own. This interactive session will walk you through the how of creating a network, what to do when you have a network and illustrate the difference that has been made to individuals and their families who have used this model in planning. 

Speakers
avatar for Wendy McDonald

Wendy McDonald

Chief Operating Officer, Inclusion Alberta
Wendy is an accomplished trainer and adult educator with over 30 years experience in staff training and leadership development. She is currently Chief Operating Officer at Inclusion Alberta.Wendy has been a Rotarian for 28 years and is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Edmonton... Read More →
avatar for Charmaine McIntyre

Charmaine McIntyre

Executive Director, Community Initatives, Inclusion Alberta
Charmaine McIntyre is the Executive Director of Community Initiatives with Inclusion Alberta. Charmaine provides mentorship to the Employment and Inclusive Post-Secondary Directors. Charmaine is part of the leadership group that cultivates the growth and learning of team members... Read More →
KG

Kim Guay

Parent


Saturday April 17, 2021 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT

3:30pm MDT

Closing Plenary: We Come Bearing Gifts
The effort to ensure inclusion and belonging for children and adults with developmental disabilities in all that our communities have to offer is often thought of as being solely for the benefit of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The truth is that time and time again we hear stories of how community member’s lives are deeply enriched by the presence of classmates, team members, colleagues and neighbours with developmental disabilities. Come and hear stories of the gift of inclusion and how all our lives are strengthened and enhanced when children and adults with developmental disabilities are valued and participating members of all our lives and communities. 

Speakers
avatar for Trish Bowman

Trish Bowman

Chief Executive Officer, Inclusion Alberta
Trish is the Chief Executive Officer of Inclusion Alberta. She has worked for over 30 years supporting individuals and families to live inclusive lives. Trish has been a contributor to numerous articles and publications on how to achieve a meaningful and inclusive life... Read More →


Saturday April 17, 2021 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT

7:00pm MDT

Family Celebration
Join us for the Family Celebration, a fun evening of music and entertainment!

Family Celebration Schedule:
  • 7:00pm - 7:40pm: Magician Christopher Cool. Calgary's funniest and most kid-friendly magician!
  • 7:45pm - 8:45pm: Musician Martin Kerr. Martin is an Edmonton-based folk artist often compared to James Taylor and more recently Ed Sheeran. Kerr's storytelling spans the whole spectrum of emotions, and his powerful voice and songwriting have earned him high praise from legends like Sarah McLachlan and Bruce Cockburn.

Saturday April 17, 2021 7:00pm - 8:45pm MDT
 
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