Plan Calgary

09/22/2025

TOMORROW NIGHT - Get your virtual seat now and don't miss out. Registration will close once capacity met.

Understanding the sibling experience of person's with disabilities. Part of planning for the future for your loved one includes the consideration of next in-line caregivers, whether this is a sibling, aunt, uncle, cousin or even a family friend.

Please join us for stories, information and conversation with Helen Ries, co-founder of Siblings Canada. She will share her story, the impact of major life transitions and the importance of future planning with siblings in mind. This event welcomes all family care providers in particular siblings and other second-generation caregivers. There will be opportunity for a brief Q & A period with Helen.

Speaker Helen Ries is the Co-founder of Siblings Canada - An initiative of the Azrieli Foundation’s Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence.

When: September 23rd, 2025 @ 630pm
Where: Zoom
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/SBmBwBknQfq07UmZGJyWQw

09/19/2025

Introducing our keynote speaker, Al Etmanski. Al will be speaking at our upcoming anticipated 25th Anniversary Event - Planning for a Good Life on Saturday October 18th 2025 @ Sirocco Golf Course, 1-530pm.

So who is Al Etmanski?

"Al Etmanski is a community organizer, social entrepreneur, and author. He’s been a parent activist in the disability world since his daughter Liz was born. He led the closure of institutions and segregated schools in British Columbia, and founded Canada’s first Family Support Institute. In 1989 he co-founded Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN) with his wife Vickie Cammack. While at PLAN he lobbied into existence the world’s first Disability Savings Plan."

Source: https://aletmanski.com/about/

Al’s most recent book, The Power of Disability: 10 Lessons for Surviving, Thriving and Changing the World, celebrates the creativity, love, resilience, and resistance of people with disabilities in shaping good lives. Actor Michael J. Fox endorsed the book, writing:

“This book reminds us of what we have in common: the power to create a good life for ourselves and for others, no matter what the world has in store for us.”

This event is not only an opportunity to learn from Al and our other speakers but also a chance to build connections with other families. Following the sessions, our networking reception will give you time to meet fellow parents, share experiences, and connect with presenters.

We would love for you, your family, and your network to be part of this important conversation and event!

Purchase tickets here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/planning-a-good-life-plan-calgarys-25th-anniversary-event

09/18/2025

Hello Parents and Caregivers,

You are warmly invited to join us on October 18th for a special community event focused on planning a good life for people with disabilities. We are honoured to welcome Al Etmanski as our keynote speaker. Al is a respected community organizer, social entrepreneur, author, and co-founder of PLAN and the PLAN Institute. Alongside his wife, he played a pivotal role in creating the Registered Disability Savings Program (RDSP), and he has been recognized with the Order of Canada for his leadership in disability advocacy.

Al’s most recent book, The Power of Disability: 10 Lessons for Surviving, Thriving and Changing the World, celebrates the creativity, love, resilience, and resistance of people with disabilities in shaping good lives. Actor Michael J. Fox endorsed the book, writing:

“This book reminds us of what we have in common: the power to create a good life for ourselves and for others, no matter what the world has in store for us.”

This event is not only an opportunity to learn from Al and our other speakers but also a chance to build connections with other families. Following the sessions, our networking reception will give you time to meet fellow parents, share experiences, and connect with presenters.

We would love for you, your family, and your network to be part of this important conversation and hope that you please share this event with your own networks. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions—we look forward to seeing you there!

Purchase here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/planning-a-good-life-plan-calgarys-25th-anniversary-event

09/15/2025

Understanding the sibling experience of person's with disabilities. Part of planning for the future for your loved one includes the consideration of next in-line caregivers, whether this is a sibling, aunt, uncle, cousin or even a family friend.

Please join us for stories, information and conversation with Helen Ries, co-founder of Siblings Canada. She will share her story, the impact of major life transitions and the importance of future planning with siblings in mind. This event welcomes all family care providers in particular siblings and other second-generation caregivers. There will be opportunity for a brief Q & A period with Helen.

Speaker Helen Ries is the Co-founder of Siblings Canada - An initiative of the Azrieli Foundation’s Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence.

When: September 23rd, 2025 @ 630pm
Where: Zoom
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/SBmBwBknQfq07UmZGJyWQw

09/12/2025

❤️

09/05/2025

Last week to register for the Teen and Young Adult Conference! - https://mailchi.mp/upsdowns/teen-and-young-adult-conference-4761931

09/04/2025

September is Su***de Prevention Month. Disabled people are much more likely to die by su***de than non-Disabled people according to data released from the 2021 Census.

Fazilet Hadi, Head of Policy at Disability Rights UK said: “The disproportionately high su***de rate amongst Disabled people is truly shocking. It is yet more evidence that Disabled people are the hardest hit by cuts in public services, reducing incomes and rising costs. We face inadequate health and social care services, punitive benefit processes, low levels of benefits and wages and the huge impact of the cost of living crisis. Energy, food, housing and care costs are spiraling out of control, leaving us cold, hungry, in debt and feeling abandoned.”

This impact is felt worldwide. CMHA states "Any significant change in behaviour can be a warning sign for su***de, and the more attention we give to those around us, the more alert we can be to these changes in behaviour. Active listening, for example, can help us tune in to comments that may indicate someone is struggling."

This month take the time learn more about su***de prevention, take a Mental Health First Aid Course, spread awareness, pay attention and show your support!

***depreventionmonth

08/29/2025

Please fill out this form with as much information as possible to express your interest in participating in this series in Fall of 2025. Recreational Respite will then connect with you to confirm your registration status, and share next steps. Recreational Respite values your pr...

08/29/2025

Sending big Kudos to University of Calgary Residence Services, who have taken the initiative to create TWO dedicated Sensory Spaces for incoming students!

can be overstimulating for many students who can benefit from having a quiet place to decompress. There's colouring, puzzles, lots of natural light, air conditioning, quiet AND members of our team are thrilled to be onsite with focus tools and a few giveaway goodies, introducing Sinneave to users of the space.

If you're on campus, come say Hi, neighbour! We are in the Senate Room at International House this afternoon until 4:00 p.m. and in the Multipurpose Room in Aurora Hall this evening from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

04/07/2025

Yesterday’s Spring Fling Dance was an absolute success! Everyone showed up with their joy & smiles, and left with filled their cups full with happiness. ❤️

VOXBOX Studios DJ Skool kept the dance floor moving and grooving, and the tuck shop was busy selling refreshments.

This event would not of been possible without valued community support from Carbert Waite LLP and local small businesses. We also recognize our cherished volunteers and so we thank you all with deep gratitude!

This was such a pleasure to host, thank you Calgary!

04/03/2025

We are 3 days away from dancing the afternoon the afternoon away with you Calgary!

Our anticipated Spring Fling Dance is this Sunday April 6th 3-6pm with valued supported from Waite LLP & music from

Who will be the lucky recipient of the raffle basket? Another huge wave of thanks to and Mystic Elements for their generous donations for our Wellness Raffle Basket. (Value of $500+) Buy a dance ticket and you are automatically entered to win -

Thrive Kitchen - $50 gift card for the most delicious meal prep meals delivered right to your door.
Team CZR - CZR and Via Plush stuffed animals ($70)
Mystic Elements - x2 60 min Foot Reflexology treatments ($200)
Artistry by Britta - Make-up Lesson ($200)
Scentsy by Nicole Weibe - Hamish the Highland Cow, weighted and warming Scentsy buddy. ($80)

Don't fret! tickets are still available here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/plan-calgary-presents-spring-fling-dance-april-6th-2025-3-6pm-tickets-1267695343899?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tickets are PER person, building is wheelchair accessible main floor only, and friendly reminder that all persons requiring support to please come with their support person. And do not forget your twoonies! Our Twoonie Tuck Shop will have drinks and snacks available for $2.00 per item.

See you there! 💙

04/01/2025

Plan Calgary will be a vendor at this exciting event!

May 3rd will be here before you know it! Get your tickets today!