Government of Alberta Listening Sessions

Dates: Friday May 11 at 6:30pm & Saturday May 12 at 3:00pm

Calgary Location:  535-37 street northwest

Edmonton Location:  Alberta Supports Centre, Northgate Centre, 97th Street northwest and 137th Avenue northwest 

Registration was not indicated (Government announcement below)

The news announcement coincides to Autism Calgary staff and volunteers inviting community members to a Round Table Discussion.  Our purpose is to gather additional input from families regarding the succcesses and challenges they have faced regarding FSCD funded services.

Autism Calgary Round Table Discussion

Date: Wednesday May 30, 2018   7:00pm – 9:30pm

Location:  Venue To Be Announced

Click To Register for Round Table Discussion

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Since the introduction of the FSCD legislation in 2005, Autism Calgary staff and volunteers have actively supported parents to gain capacity in becoming independent self advocates. On reflecting on our work as a community through the years, the following are a few of the principles that have guided us in this work:

• The Family Support for Children With Disabilities Act and Regulations remain among the best legislation nationally and internationally
• Families, Government and Services providers share a responsibility in optimising the use of limited tax resources to maximise the impact of children, adults and families living with ASD
• Due to unique needs and circumstances each family requires flexibility of choice in service models
• Service delivery follows evidence based practices, results in meaningful impact on both the child & family,  and aligns with individual family values
• Programs and services appropriately monitor child outcomes and ensure measurable benefit to the child’s functions of daily living (as consistent with FSCD legislation)
• Models of practice incorporate opportunities for parent learning to maximise outcomes, however these components must accommodate family circumstances and parent capacity

We understand that a number of concerns have been raised regarding how CSS supports children living with a disability and their families through the FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities) program. We really value your advocacy and feedback on this. Parent and family voices are important to us and we take your concerns seriously.

The FSCD program is meant to support children and their families based on their unique needs and circumstances. While we work with families we do not support the language of “parent training.” As a result of your feedback the ministry will be reviewing its policy, training and communications processes and making improvements to ensure we are communicating clearly and working appropriately with families.

In the spirit of this, we would very much appreciate hearing more about your concerns and we invite you to join us for a listening session (you share – we listen).

We have scheduled two sessions in both Calgary and Edmonton scheduled for Friday evening, May 11th from 6:30 – 8:00 PM and Saturday, May 12th from 3:00 – 4:30 PM. The Calgary listening sessions will take place at 535-37 street northwest and the Edmonton sessions will take place at Alberta Supports Centre, Northgate Centre, 97th Street northwest and 137th Avenue northwest. John Stinson, Assistant Deputy Minister of the Disabilities, Inclusion and Accessibility Division within the Ministry of Community and Social Services (CSS) will be co-hosting the Calgary sessions with colleagues from the Calgary regional office. Roxanne Gerbrandt – Executive Director for Disability Policy with my Division – will be hosting the Edmonton sessions with colleagues from the Edmonton regional office.

If you are unable to attend any of these meetings and would still like to share your thoughts and concerns; please e-mail . He will ensure we get back to you ASAP.

Thanks for considering our invitation. We very much appreciate the opportunity to listen.