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.

04/28/2026

This year, Skills Society supported a handful of people we serve to attend and participate in the 2026 Inclusion Alberta Family Conference. The conference brings together individuals with intellectual disabilities, families, allies, and people working in disability and education to learn from one another and reflect on what inclusion looks like in practice.

It is important that people with disabilities are not only included in these spaces, but are also supported to contribute to the conversations that shape disability-related practices, systems, and everyday experiences. Having a say in what affects your life is a core part of inclusion and self-determination.

These reflections show that advocacy and participation can look different for different people. It can happen through learning, connection, being recognized for your interests and contributions, and sharing experiences of family, community, and belonging.

We’re grateful to everyone who shared their reflections, and to Inclusion Alberta for creating space for these conversations.

[The first image states that Skills Society supported several people they serve to attend the 2026 Inclusion Alberta Family Conference. It invites viewers to swipe through to read reflections from participants about their experiences. The image features large navy text, a teal shape along the bottom with white italic text and an arrow, set against a light grey background with abstract wavy patterns.

The second image features a reflection from M.T. about the Inclusion Alberta Family Conference. M.T. shares that a meaningful takeaway was how the organization supports people to build community through their interests, while also emphasizing identity and belonging. For example, seeing someone as “an artist” rather than simply someone who attends art class. The image includes large quotation marks, navy text, abstract wavy shapes, and a faint arrow.

The third image includes reflections from Marla and Christine about their experiences at the Inclusion Alberta Family Conference. Marla shares that she learned how to build on her interests and gained insight into different cultures and how disability can shape family experiences. Christine reflects on the shared humanity between people and how many of us want similar things in life. The image includes large quotation marks, abstract shapes, and a decorative starburst.

The fourth image features a reflection from Ogechi about the Inclusion Alberta Family Conference. Ogechi shares that it was a meaningful and insightful conference on inclusion that opened up new possibilities for her children. The image includes large quotation marks and a light background with subtle abstract shapes and patterns in muted tones.]

04/28/2026

We’re grateful for the ongoing support of Edmonton Community Foundation and the Social Enterprise Fund. Their investment gives us the space to explore and go deep on ideas that sit outside our usual scope. Right now, that means helping us explore the possibility of an innovative, inclusive approach to small-scale multi-family affordable housing.

Thank you, ECF.

[In this image, there is a teal gradient background that fades to white near the center. Large bold text reads “Donor Recognition: Edmonton Community Foundation,” aligned to the left. A vertical yellow bar sits along the left edge of the text. In the upper right corner, partial dark navy circular line graphics curve into the frame.]

04/23/2026

Action Lab is a think tank incubator for Skills Society. One of the projects to come out of this think tank is the Community Animator, a pilot exploring new ways to build connection, belonging, and safety within apartment communities.

The Community Animator focuses on creating meaningful experiences with residents rather than delivering programming for them. It draws on principles from Asset Based Community Development and Systemic Design to support communities in ways that recognize their strengths and what already exists.

You can learn more about the Community Animator, explore current pilot sites, access tools and resources, and read the Community Building Strategic Learning Briefs on the new Community Animator webpage.

Visit the webpage here: https://www.skillssociety.ca/projects/the-community-animator

[The image introduces the Project Highlight Series and features the title “The Community Animator” in large white text on a teal background. A dark navy banner at the top reads “Project Highlight Series.” Below, a photo shows a small group of people gathered outdoors under a blue canopy, standing around tables and engaging in conversation. To the right of the photo, a white text box explains that the Community Animator is a pilot project with a paid, part-time role based on Asset-Based Community Development and Systemic Design to build community connections and foster belonging and safety in apartment buildings. At the bottom, white text on a dark background provides a link to learn more at skillssociety.ca/projects/the-community-animator.]

04/15/2026

Skills Society is a charitable non-profit and one of the largest disability rights and service organizations in the Edmonton area. This second post shares an overview of our services, our core values, and the Thrive in Five approach that guides our work.

Learn more about Skills Society at https://www.skillssociety.ca/

[In the first image, the title reads “We are Skills Society.” Text describes Skills Society as a charitable non-profit and one of the largest disability service organizations in Edmonton. Notes this is part two of a three-part series. Decorative shapes, an arrow, and the Skills Society logomark appear in the background.

In the second image, the title reads “Our Services.” Text explains Skills Society supports approximately 400 people each year, with services ranging from a few hours of weekly outreach to 24/7 supported community living, including for individuals with complex needs as defined by PDD. Abstract decorative patterns and an arrow appear in the background.

In the third image, the title reads “Our Core Values.” A vertical list with teal icons shows five values: Practice in Person-Centred Ways, Seeking Creative Collaborations, Build and Share Knowledge, Embrace Complexity, and Adapt and Evolve. Abstract decorative patterns and an arrow appear in the background.

In the fourth image, text explains Skills Society’s Thrive in Five approach, which supports people with disabilities across five pillars of everyday life: Home Life, Relationships, Employment, Health and Wellness, and Community Connections. Illustrated circles depict daily living, work, health care, and social activities. Abstract decorative patterns appear in the background.]

04/09/2026

We’re still looking for someone to join our team as a Community Animator!

Follow the link to read the full description and learn how to apply:https://www.skillssociety.ca/s/Community-Animator-Job-Posting_March-2026.pdf

[In the image, large navy text reads “We Are Hiring” against a light background with colourful geometric shapes in yellow, blue, and orange around the edges. A smaller blue banner at the bottom reads, “For a Community Animator.”]

04/07/2026

We’re excited to welcome Annand as Director of Development and Community Engagement at Skills.

Annand brings a thoughtful, relationship-focused approach to his work, grounded in collaboration, curiosity, and a belief in what’s possible when people come together. With experience across both non-profit and for-profit sectors, he sees fund development as building authentic partnerships rooted in shared values, hopes, and goals.

If you’re interested in connecting with Annand, he’d be glad to start a conversation. You can reach him at giving@skillssociety.ca.

If you’re looking to support Skills’ work, you can donate here: https://give-can.keela.co/Skills-Donation

[The image introduces Annand Olliverre, with his name in bold, large type beside a greyscale portrait of him. A teal circular shape filled with soft dot patterns sits behind him. Supporting text describes his role and approach, all set against a white background.]

04/05/2026

To all those who celebrate, wishing you a joyful Easter filled with moments of connection and community. 🌷

[The image celebrates Easter with bold navy text reading “HAPPY EASTER!” above a thin teal line, followed by three illustrations: a yellow patterned egg, a dark flower with a yellow center, and a teal patterned egg on a white background.]

03/26/2026

We are excited to support the development of the Belonging Toolkit, a novel approach to training for frontline support workers.

The Belonging Toolkit, still early in its development, is conceived as an interactive, reflection-based training experience designed to support frontline disability support workers in nurturing belonging in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Drawing on research from the Belonging Project (led by Paige Reeves, in collaboration with Skills Society and the University of Alberta), the toolkit will provide a series of engaging activities and critical reflection prompts delivered over time, alongside connections with critical companions for ongoing discussion and learning. The toolkit aims to equip support workers with some of the knowledge, skills, and mindsets needed to move beyond inclusion toward belonging for the people they support.

Development of the toolkit prototype has been generously funded and supported by the Alberta Disability Workers Association (ADWA) and Skills Society.
https://adwa.ca/

[In the image, large black text reads “The Belonging Toolkit” against a light background with overlapping pastel shapes. The logo for the Belonging Project appears in the top right. Smaller text at the bottom reads, “Announcement of new funding & support. An innovation project supported and funded by ADWA and Skills Society.” in the bottom right the ADWA and Skills Society logos are present.]

03/20/2026

Eid Mubarak! Wishing everyone celebrating a joyful and meaningful Eid Al-Fitr. May you and your loved ones be blessed with kindness, patience, and love.

[In the image, a navy blue background with white geometric corner details frames the message. “Eid Mubarak” appears in large white text, a thin gold line beneath it, followed by “May you be blessed with kindness, patience and love.” The design is clean and minimal, highlighting warmth and celebration.]

03/18/2026

We’re looking for someone to join our team as a Community Animator.

If you’re energized by community building, resident engagement, inclusive housing, and bringing ideas to life through collaboration, this might be a role to explore.

Follow the link to read the full description and learn how to apply:https://www.skillssociety.ca/s/Community-Animator-Job-Posting_March-2026.pdf

This posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

[In the image, large navy text reads “We Are Hiring” against a light background with colourful geometric shapes in yellow, blue, and orange around the edges. A smaller blue banner at the bottom reads, “For a Community Animator.”]

03/11/2026

We’re hiring a Project Coordinator for CommuniTEA Infusion.

This part-time contract role will support and grow a mobile, social change initiative led by Skills Society.

If you’re interested in community development and coordinating meaningful, on-the-ground work, we’d love to hear from you.

Learn more and apply here:https://www.skillssociety.ca/s/CommuniTEA-Coordinator-Position-Description_2026.pdf

The posting closes March 23, 2026.

[In the image, large text on a white background reads “We are hiring,” with “hiring” shown in dark navy. A yellow banner at the bottom lists the position: “CommuniTEA Coordinator.”]

03/08/2026

Happy International Women’s Day!

Today, we’re celebrating the incredible women in the Skills Society community, some of whom are pictured above, who continue to inspire, lead, and uplift those around them every day.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is . When we give, we gain. Giving is not a subtraction, it’s intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.

[The image celebrates International Women’s Day. In the top left, white text on a dark blue background reads “Happy International Woman’s Day” with a turquoise line beneath it. The top right shows a smiling woman with curly red hair and glasses outdoors, wearing a blue sleeveless top and holding up a rock-on hand gesture. The bottom left features two women standing together, smiling broadly and wearing floral leis at an outdoor event. The bottom right shows a smiling woman in colourful floral clothing, a lei, and novelty palm tree sunglasses, standing in a park.]

Address

#203, 10408 124 Street
Edmonton, AB
T5N1R5

Telephone

+17804969686

Website

http://www.linktr.ee/skillssociety

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