Skills Society: Supporting the Citizenship of People with Disabilities

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Skills Society: Supporting the Citizenship of People with Disabilities

We support people with disabilities, their families, and communities. Skills Society supports people with disabilities, their families, and communities.

Through day-to-day services and innovative projects, we work to help people with disabilities experience meaningful lives as valued citizens. Many people with disabilities live on the margins of our communities, often in isolation, and are not offered the same opportunities most citizens are afforded. Skills Society provides support services to children and adults with developmental disabilities, survivors of acquired brain injury, and their families. Communities benefit when people with disabilities are provided stable, individually tailored services, housing and support. When people are supported to realize their full potential, they can contribute their skills, knowledge and gifts to the mosaic of talents and personalities that make our communities strong and healthy.

01/20/2026

Applications are open for the Skills Society Education Award!

The Education Award aims to foster leadership development by supporting employees in participating in formal post-secondary education programs that further their learning and growth in the field of disability studies and/or leadership.

Applications are open until February 27, 2026 - applicants will being notified prior to May 2026.

Details and application forms: https://www.skillssociety.ca/about/awards

[In the image text reads “Skill Society’s Education Award” in large, bold dark lettering, with “Applications Open” beneath it. The text below explains that the award supports employee leadership development through post secondary education related to disability studies and leadership, with a note that half of the awards are reserved for employees who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Colour. A vertical teal bar runs along the left side, and a thin yellow line separates the headline from the body text.]

01/07/2026

Nominations are open for the Skills Society Citizenship Awards!

The Citizenship Awards celebrate individuals and organizations fostering vibrant, inclusive communities where everyone belongs.

Nominations are open until February 27, 2026, with awards presented at the annual general meeting in June.

Details and application forms: https://www.skillssociety.ca/about/awards

[In the image text reads “Skill Society’s Citizenship Awards” in large, bold dark text on a light background. Below the headline, the words “Nominations Open” appear, followed by a short paragraph explaining the call to nominate individuals or organizations that are helping build a vibrant, inclusive community. A vertical teal bar runs along the left side, and a thin yellow line separates the headline from the body text.]

12/29/2025

In our Skills Society 2025 Annual Report, we reflect on the role of belonging in deepening the community living movement.

For decades, families, self-advocates, and allies have fought for the rights of people with disabilities to live, work, and participate fully in community life.

The article explores how belonging adds a new layer to that work, helping us see beyond physical presence and toward creating communities where people with disabilities feel truly valued, connected, and able to be their authentic selves.

Read the full article, "The Role of Belonging in Deepening the Community Living Movement," on page 38 of our Annual Report here: www.skillssociety.ca/news/the-role-of-belonging-in-deepening-the-community-living-movement

[In the image, the article title "The role of belonging in deepening the Community Living Movement" is present with the words "Community Living Movement" in large bold black letters. Stylized green lines and yellow leaves grow through the text like plant stems. A small red house is placed among the leaves. Below, a black bar contains the words "Annual Report Article Share" in bold white capital letters.]

12/23/2025

A huge thank you to the Rotary Club of Edmonton Whyte Avenue for donating holiday stockings and volunteering their time to support people connected to Skills Society’s Outreach program. This is the seventh year in a row we’ve been lucky to have members give their time and support, and we are so grateful to everyone involved!

[Six people stand side by side in the Action Lab, which has bright yellow walls. They’re smiling and holding multiple gift bags in pink, red, purple, blue, and green patterns. Behind them, shelves are filled with books and decorative objects.]

12/18/2025

Season's Greetings to Everyone in Our Skills Community,

During this time of year, our thoughts turn to all of you. We hope you find moments of genuine connection, comfort, and joy with the people who fill your life.

The holidays carry different weight for different people. It can be light for some and tough for others and mixed for many. What we've come to appreciate about our Skills Society community is how naturally so many extend warmth to one another-brightening corners that might otherwise feel dark for those around you.

The smallest gestures often matter most: a text to someone who's been on your mind, a few kind words when they're needed, or telling someone why they matter to you. These simple moments of humanity are gifts we can all offer, any day of the season and beyond.

From all Skills Society leaders, we hope the coming weeks bring you warmth and balance - chances to both experience generosity and to pass it along in whatever ways feel right to you.

Be gentle with yourselves. Stay connected to others. Thank you for the countless ways you support one another and help create communities where people with disabilities can truly flourish.

Here's to new possibilities in the year ahead.

Best wishes,
Ben Weinlick & the Skills Society Leadership

Reminder the Skills Society Office will be closed over the holidays from December 22-26. Regular office hours will resume December 29. The office will also be closed for the statutory holiday January 1st.

[In this image, a holiday graphic displays the text “Happy Holidays” in white on a teal background. The design includes dark blue diagonal stripes along the bottom, a navy band with yellow dots across the top, and bright yellow and green vertical blocks on the right.]

12/15/2025

Hanukkah Sameach! Wishing everyone a bright and joyful season filled with peace, warmth, and connection. May the light of Hanukkah bring happiness to all who are celebrating!

[In this image, “Happy Hanukkah” appears in large white text against a dark blue background. A bright yellow menorah with eight turquoise candles and glowing yellow flames fills the lower half of the design. On the right side, a hand holds a lit candle to light the menorah. A small message in white text at the bottom right reads “Hanukkah Sameach! Wishing you peace, love, and joy.”]

12/11/2025

On December 3, for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Skills Society team was grateful to attend NorQuest College's IDPD event. It was a thoughtful, student-led gathering focused on connection, learning, and community.

The event was organized by NorQuest Disability Studies students, which was incredibly impressive to see. It was a great opportunity to connect with passionate students and community members who are eager to learn more about disability supports and services across Edmonton. On a day dedicated to recognizing the contributions and impact of people with disabilities, it was meaningful to come together, celebrate, and reflect on our shared commitment to supporting disability rights.

[The first image shows an event space with several tables set up for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. A Skills Society display banner stands next to a red-topped table where people are gathered and talking. Other organizations, including AdaptAbilities, have booths nearby. In the background, a large screen displays a bright graphic that reads “International Day of Persons with Disabilities”.

The second image shows a Skills Society booth at the event. The table is arranged with brochures, yellow booklets, a bowl of wrapped chocolates, and various handouts. A Skills Society sign on the front of the table identifies the organization as an IDPD Community Partner.

The third image focuses on the Skills Society table setup. Colourful brochures are displayed upright in a clear stand along with yellow booklets laid out across the red tablecloth.]

12/09/2025

We’re back to spotlight another Shout Out Wall monthly draw winner and valued member of our Skills community!

Meet Moronfolu (Alex):

Alex values that his work at Skills Society gives him the opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of the individuals he supports. He feels a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when he sees the happiness and positive impact his efforts bring.

For Alex, engaged citizenship means ensuring people have access to opportunities and the freedom to choose how and with whom they build meaningful connections and participate in community life.

Having worked across marketing, brand management, sales, and supply chain management, Alex brings a wide range of experience that shapes his appreciation for people-focused cultures where everyone feels supported and valued.

Thank you, Alex, for the heart, dedication, and positivity you bring to the Skills community!

[The image features a quote that reads, “Engaged citizenship is access to opportunity and the freedom to choose connection and participation.” Below, the text identifies the speaker: “Moronfolu Oguntona (Alex), Employee at Skills Society.” A photo of Alex appears in the bottom right corner, showing him smiling outdoors in front of a building. The image includes teal and yellow graphic accents on a white background.]

12/03/2025

December 3rd is International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). It’s a day to celebrate the contributions, leadership, and creativity of people with disabilities in our communities. It’s also a time to reflect on how we can keep building a world that is more inclusive, accessible, and grounded in belonging for everyone.

Today, we honour the self-advocates and allies who continue to lead the way in creating lasting change.

[In the image, "December 3 is..." appears in small white text against a dark blue background. A yellow line frames large white text that reads "International Day of Persons with Disabilities". Below that a photo appears of a Deaf Black man wearing glasses and holding a hand lettered sign declaring “NOTHING about us without US.” The background features a vibrant mural of a Black woman looking down. This photo is from Disabled and Here, a disability-led collective that curates stock images and interviews to celebrate Black, Indigenous, and people of colour. Learn more about Disabled and Here at https://affecttheverb.com/disabledandhere/]

12/02/2025

Be a changemaker this ! Your donation to Skills Society helps empower people with intellectual disabilities and build stronger, more inclusive communities.

Donate today: https://give-can.keela.co/2025-giving-tuesday2

[In this image, bold white text on a dark navy background reads “December 2nd is Giving Tuesday.” The Giving Tuesday heart-shaped woven logo replaces the “V” in “Giving,” with another version of the logo shown in a red rounded square at the bottom right corner. Additional low-opacity versions of the logo appear in the background.]

11/25/2025

Last month we held our annual Team Leader/Team Coordinator gathering. It was an inspiring day full of collective learning, reflection, and connection. We were grateful to hear from keynote speaker Ryan Geake, Executive Director of SCOPE Calgary, who shared insights on wellbeing, the history of disability rights, and inspiring action for a better future. In the afternoon, we had more opportunities for learning as well as some playful prototyping, as pictured in the images. We’re excited to see how our team can bring these ideas to life and continue showing up as strong examples of leadership!

[In the first image, a group of people stand together in an open room with wooden beams and pendant lights. Participants are gathered near the front. Tables around the room are filled with papers and notebooks.

In the second image, a speaker stands at the front of a room addressing a group of seated participants. A presentation slide behind them reads “Power-With Language (vs power over).”

In the third image, participants are prototyping around workplace challenges. A physical prototype using an egg carton, green tape, string, and pipe cleaners is on the table, along with scissors, rubber bands, paper, and hands actively working on it.

In the fourth image, participants are presenting their prototypes. One person holds up a creation made from an egg carton, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, and tape, while others gather around the table.]

11/16/2025

November 16 is Louis Riel Day, recognized each year across the Métis homeland. This day is both a time of remembrance and a celebration of the strength and resilience of the Métis Nation. Riel’s vision for his people continues to inspire, and we honour his legacy by reflecting on and celebrating Métis identity, resilience and contributions to Alberta and Canada.

[In this image, bold white text on a dark blue background reads "Louis Riel Day," with the date "November 16, 2025" displayed in a white box at the bottom left. On the right side is a stylized portrait of Louis Riel, shown wearing a buttoned vest and jacket. The bottom of the image features a vibrant, woven Métis sash pattern in red, blue, yellow, and white, symbolizing Métis culture and identity.]

Address

#203, 10408 124 Street
Edmonton, AB
T5N1R5

Telephone

+17804969686

Website

http://www.linktr.ee/skillssociety

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