Hello All,
The following is information provided in our latest update. If you would like our updates to come straight to your email, please sign up today!
Active Living Alliance Annual General Meeting
Just a quick reminder for members to join us for the 32nd ALACD Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at 12:00pm (Eastern time). This is an opportunity to get an update on our activities and chat with our leadership team. To register and to receive the Zoom link, contact jane@ala.ca.
Become a Member
Just a reminder that ALACD membership fees have been waived in this fiscal year because of COVID-19. Membership is open to all Canadian not-for-profit organizations that are dedicated to physical activity, sport and recreation for people of all abilities. Join Us!
Give Us Your Feedback
ALACD is surveying its network to determine the needs and priorities of our sector. The feedback will be used in the formation of our 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. Please participate in our Strategic Planning Survey.
Access to Powerchair Sports
Media coverage of the recent Paralympics in Tokyo drew popular attention to parasports, but significantly under-represented sports where athletes use powered mobility, such as boccia, powerchair soccer, and powerchair hockey. These sports make participation accessible for those who use power wheelchairs to compete. They also challenge us to re-imagine elite, athletic performance. Read more...
Cross Canada Spotlights
Have you seen this resource: Canadian Practices in Inclusive Recreation If not, you should! It is a great collection of innovative and inclusive programs for people with a disability. The full document can be ordered online for FREE.
Influence Decision Makers
As we talk to communities across Canada, we are learning how important it is for municipal decision-makers to understand the importance of physical activity, sport and recreation for individuals with disabilities. ALACD is currently developing a toolkit of evidence-based information and tips to help advocate for programs that include persons of all abilities. Stay tuned!
Canadian Disability Participation Project Partners with the Abilities Centre on COVID-19 Survey
COVID-19 has been really challenging for our sector. Please provide your input.
The survey questionnaire can be done by adults who identify as having a disability, or who have a child or live with someone who has a disability.
The survey formatting includes headings suitable for screen reader software, increased font size, and colour contrast.
The survey can be done in English, French, Plain Language, or American Sign Language.
It takes about 20 minutes to complete the survey. You can do the survey on this website: https://abilitiescentre.org/disabilitysurvey.
ALACD Looking for Leadership Team Members
The Alliance is growing fast and furious. To help us manage and guide our growth, we are looking for individuals with the following skillsets to serve on our national Board of Directors.
- Communications and digital strategy
- Government relations
- Fund development
- Strategic partnerships
For all ALACD positions, it is preferred that candidates have lived disability experience and are bilingual. Anyone interested in joining the Alliance team should contact Jane Arkell, Executive Director: jane@ala.ca or Doug Nutting, President: dnutting@telus.net.
Gender Equity Project
With the assistance of the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association, Gender Equity program, ALACD is chatting with mothers and daughters (one or both of which have a disability) about their barriers to active living, sport and recreation. If you or someone you know would like to be interviewed, please contact Christa Costas Bradstreet: christa.costas@outlook.com.
Inclusive Playgrounds – Canadian Disability Participation Project
Check out this information on Inclusive playgrounds! The resource includes a knowledge translation bulletin that summarizes a scoping review of existing literature on inclusive playground design. Thirteen evidence-informed recommendations and one promising practice were identified. These recommendations have implications for how future playgrounds should be designed to maximize usability and inclusiveness, and to uphold the right to play for children of all ages and abilities.
We strive to be your inclusive provider of welcoming places, programs and services in sport, recreation and physical activity for Canadians with disabilities.
Until next time, play hard!
The ALACD Team