New Report from the Alberta Advocate for Persons with Disabilities: What we heard: access to mental health services and resources for persons with disabilities
Bill 12: What can vulnerable Albertans expect?
Bill 12 introduces the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) to replace Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH). Many vulnerable Albertans face significant benefit cuts (around $200/month less than AISH), reduced income exemptions, removal of cost-of-living adjustments, and limited appeal rights. The Bill has sparked major concern about increased poverty and vulnerability despite government claims that these changes modernize support. The speakers elaborate on the impacts of Bill 12 and will address concerns about these issues.
Speakers: Rene Plaizier, Executive Director of, and Bruce MacKay, President of, Inclusion Lethbridge Association
Inclusion Lethbridge is a non-profit organization whose vision is a community where everyone is fully included, living with dignity in their communities, participating, contributing, and respected for the whole of their lives. We provide support for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and do our best to provide assistance to anyone who asks. Bruce, who is a parent and advocate of an adult daughter with a disability has been part of the organization for more than twenty years. Rene has worked for most of her adult life in the support of children and adults with disabilities and their family members. She has been Executive Director of Inclusion Lethbridge for almost one year. They are part of a passionate team of people at Inclusion Lethbridge that help people mitigate barriers to inclusion, connect, learn, grow and advocate for themselves and others.
Date/Time: Thursday, January 15, 2026. The presentation begins at 12 noon & concludes at 1 pm or you an watch the livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/@SACPA_Alberta/streams
Cost is free, donations however, are gratefully accepted.
Location: SACPA sessions are held at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO), Atrium Dining Room, 500 - 11 Street South, Lethbridge
**Lunch and Refreshments: If you like, please arrive early to patronize the LSCO cafeteria and enjoy their excellent variety of good-value food/drink options in the Atrium Dining Room ahead of the session
The Season of Inclusion
Create a Community Where Everyone Belongs
At Inclusion Lethbridge, we believe in a world where every person — with and without disabilities — has the opportunity to learn, work, play, and thrive in the community they call home.
This Giving Tuesday and throughout the holiday season, we’re asking our community to come together to support inclusion in action: inclusive education, inclusive sports & recreation, and inclusive employment.
Your donations keep these doors open. Your generosity makes belonging possible.
Inclusive Employment
Meaningful employment gives people purpose, dignity, and independence. Yet many individuals with disabilities still face barriers, bias, and systemic exclusion.
Meet William
William is proud of the work he does and the contributions he makes every day. With the right supports, he found a workplace that sees his value — and a job that lets him grow.
Your donation helps champion inclusive employers, job-seekers, and supports that lead to stable, meaningful, community-based employment.
Inclusive Education
Every student deserves the chance to learn in the classroom alongside their peers, be part of school life, and dream big.
Meet Maggie
Maggie attended the University of Lethbridge — not because inclusion was handed to her, but because she fought for it, and because her community believed in her right to pursue higher education.
Your donation helps students like Maggie know there are opportunities for them to learn in environments where they are welcomed and valued at every educational level.
Inclusive Sports & Recreation
Everyone deserves connection, friendships, and moments of joy. Inclusive sports and recreation open these doors, creating opportunities for physical activity, laughter, and belonging.
Meet Kaleb
When Kaleb joined his inclusive sports program, he didn’t just join a team — he found confidence, community, and a place where his abilities shine.
Your donation helps create accessible programs so youth and adults with disabilities can participate fully — on the field, in the studio, and everywhere fun and friendship happen.
Help Inclusion Lethbridge Build a More Inclusive Future
Why Your Gift Matters
Your support strengthens Inclusion Lethbridge’s work across Southern Alberta — from advocacy and self-advocacy programs, to family support, to consultation with schools, employers, and community organizations.
You’re not only donating.
You’re investing in belonging, dignity, and the belief that everyone deserves a meaningful place in their community.
Whether it’s Giving Tuesday, a year-end gift, or a holiday donation in honour of someone you love, your contribution helps build a community where:
- People with disabilities are seen and celebrated
- Families are supported, informed, and empowered
- Barriers are removed
- Inclusion is always the expectation
Together, we can create a more inclusive Lethbridge — one where everyone belongs, participates, and contributes.
Because inclusion matters. Because people matter.
Join the Movement for Inclusion!
Do you believe in a community where everyone belongs?
By becoming a member or renewing your membership, you’re not just signing up — you’re standing up for inclusion, equality, and belonging. Your membership fuels local advocacy, supports families and self-advocates, and helps us create accessible spaces and inclusive policies across southern Alberta.
Membership Has Its Rewards:
-Stay informed with advocacy updates, newsletters, and events
-Participate in workshops, peer support, and networking opportunities
-Vote at our Annual General Meeting and shape the future of Inclusion Lethbridge
-Show funders and policymakers that inclusion matters
-Enjoy preferred Board Room rental rates
Membership Options:
• Individual – $25
• Family – $35
• Associate – $100 (non-voting)
Together, we can keep building a community of acceptance, empowerment, and belonging — for today, tomorrow, and generations to come.
Join or renew your membership today!
Scan the QR code or click below!
Support Inclusion and enjoy a delicious start to your morning. In collaboration with @Cuppers Coffee and Tea, Inclusion Lethbridge offers a dark or medium roast coffee to begin your day. Proceeds from the sales of Inclusion coffee help us to continue to support people with developmental disabilities and their families.
You can purchase here: https://www.cuppers.ca/.../fundrais.../inclusion-lethbridge/ or in person at Cuppers.
Every person should have the opportunity to live a rich, full life in a community that values their potential and ability to contribute.
Inclusion Lethbridge. Made with love at 527 6th Street, Lethbridge, AB.