Accessible Widget

December 21, 2015

What are some ways you would like the government to hear from you?

Call out to the Community 


What are some ways you would like the government to hear from you?



We want to share ideas to help shape the talks about what makes our homes safe. 
To learn more about the upcoming safety talks about where we live that the Alberta government wants to do, visit this website. 

Some ideas we have used are: 



  • Meeting face-to-face
  • Hosting a coffee talk with some friends 
  • Video Conference Calls at your library with other self-advocate groups
  • Phone calls 
  • Housing Tours
  • Making a video
  • Sharing ideas using facebook, youtube and twitter.
  • Sending ideas to a website that the government runs.
  • Drawing pictures and using art  


Let us know what you think. The sky is the limit!  

We will then put all the ideas together in a list and start to share them at the meeting on January 7th, 2016.

If you want a copy of the report that we will share, please let us know. You can email your ideas to actionhall@calgaryscope.org or leave us a voice mail by calling 403.717.7630.  

Can't wait to hear from you!  

Tammy Poirier and Jennifer Stewart
On behalf of the Disability Action Hall

December 7, 2015

Call Out for Facts and Research Needed from Community for PDDConsultation

Monday, December 7th, 2015

Dear Self-Advocates, Family Members, Service Providers and Concerned Citizens,


RE: Call Out for Facts and Research Needed from Community for PDD Consultation

As members of the PDD Safety Standards Consultation Team, on behalf of Alberta Council of Disability Services and the Disability Action Hall we want to gather facts and research to help guide the talks with community. We would appreciate if you have any background documents and other relevant information to send to us. Material may include relevant legislation, chronology of events, stories and documentation of your experiences, research data or other relevant information.


We need your stories and research by December 11th! 
We will need this information by Friday, December 11th to then bring together for our attendance at the team’s next meeting on December 17th, 2015 where we will discuss the statement of facts and talk about how the talks will occur with the community.

We ask that you forward these materials to either the Disability Action Hall actionhall@calgaryscope.org or to Alberta Council of Disability Services jamie@acds.ca by Friday, December 11th. This will then give us some time to collate the information together for the December 17th meeting.

If you have any questions about the consultation process, please refer inquiries to the chair of the consultation team, John te Linde and/or visit the website for the latest information http://www.humanservices.alberta.ca/disability-services/pdd-safety-standards-consultation.html


Sincerely,

Ann Nicol of Alberta Council of Disability Services, Tammy Poirier and Jennifer Stewart of the Disability Action Hall


December 5, 2015

Talks about the Safety Standards

Members of the Disability Action Hall are very thankful work has began by the Alberta Government about the safety standards. The government has put together a group to help guide the talks with community. The group's task is to help shape talks about the community's ideas on safety rules. The group met for the first time, Friday, December 4th, 2015.

By putting this group together, it means the government is nearly ready for many Albertans with disabilities to finally share their solutions as to what makes a house a home. We also made this video for International Day of Disabled Persons to let people know we have good ideas about what makes a house a home.






Where to get more information: 
To read the official news release, to learn more about who is on the team or to learn when the talks with community will begin, please visit this link for the latest news and updates. 



Why we have hope:

By putting this group together, it means the government is ready for many Albertans with disabilities, families, landlords, caregivers, service providers and concerned citizens to share their solutions as to what makes a house a home. It is a chance to make a solution together.

We want to express our gratitude for the government for stopping, now looking and soon listening to all of us. A great step forward and very fitting the day after the United Nations "International Day of Persons with Disabilities" where many countries, including Canada celebrated  this years theme "Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities."

PDD Safety Standards Consultation





November 27, 2015

Join us for International Day of Disabled Persons, Thursday, December 3rd, 2015

Members of the Disability Action Hall are excited to present at this year's "Aspire" International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration at the Jack Singer 

Thursday December 3rd, 2015
Jack Singer Concert Hall 
205 8th Avenue S.E 
10-1 pm

We shared our video about fair rental rules for everyone 

To learn about the day visit the website for official information and to learn about past celebrations! 
(ps there is a parade at 9:30 am!)






November 19, 2015

Nothing About Without Us - Bill 205

Members of the Disability Action Hall are supportive of the Private Members Bill 205  which asks that any time the government wishes to make policy changes that impact people's lives to talk to us first. 

We encourage all MLAs to vote in favor of this bill as a great first step to recognize people with disabilities as citizens first.
Why support Bill 205? Its 2015

It is a great first step, and more steps are needed. We have some concerns about the loop holes. The Minister can still decide without asking us if they think a change is trivial or urgent. What the Minister may think is trivial, may be important to us.

Bill 205 speaks about the our rights as citizens and why we need to be treated like everyone else. Until this bill, there have been some laws that treat us differently because of our disability; Despite Alberta has a human rights act, other Alberta laws and practices such as needing a doctors note to get married, minimum wage exemption's to pay us less than minimum wage and forcing our landlords to tell city hall where we live because we have a disability are simply wrong. 

We applaud Bill 205 as a first step to help address the second class treatment of Albertans with disabilities. 

It is 2015. 

It's time we are all treated with equity and fairness like other Albertans. It is just common sense if the government wants to make policies that change our lives, to ask us first. 





October 19, 2015

Vote Party and We Vote Actions!

Update on our VOTE PARTY and WE VOTE!

Today, October 19th many Canadians will be casting their vote. We wish everyone good luck! 

At the Hall we have done many things to help us with voting. We have learned we have be the best voter turnout when we use the "Vote Anywhere" approach. On October 8th, members of the Disability Action Hall held a Vote Party by special ballot ahead of the advanced polls. At least 10 Hall members voted.

We chose a mall because it was easy to get to, move around  and we could enjoy some food as a group in the food court. It was fun to go to a mall and go with everybody and chat about if people who knew they were going to vote for. Some people voted, some did not. To help people who were undecided we also participated in a "We Vote" action, which we will talk about a bit later. 

While the staff at the elections office were very helpful and despite our efforts to let them know we were coming a week in advance;  the people who were working were very confused about the role of the helper and they all did something different. 

It took 55 minutes to vote and its great so many people are voting and hope it keeps up. Overall it was a very good experience and it was fun to go as a group to support one another and make a day of it. 


 "When we all vote, everybody wins" 
-Ana Hopefener, Calgary Ability Network



"We Vote" October 17th, International Day to Eradicate Poverty

Not all Hall members were ready to vote on October 8th. Some people wanted to know more. On October 17th, we learned what the parties had to say about ending poverty. The event is called “We Vote” and was held at the Knox Presbyterian Church on October 17th from 10-1. People showed up and had discussions about affordable housing, truth and reconciliation. There was also a mock vote on poverty, an ID clinic and help to register to vote. More photos can also be seen on Poverty Talks facebook group here and visit Action Hall on Twitter to see what was said about affordable housing. 

Many people really liked the political parties spreadsheet. If you would like to know what the parties say about ending poverty, download this spreadsheet.   

Thanks to all the community organizers for an amazing event!   Good Luck Canada! 





Members of the Disability Action Hall
October 19th, 2015


October 15, 2015

You are invited to "We Vote" a vote party pop-up!

Members of the Hall and partners of Calgary Ability Network, Community Kitchen of Calgary, Poverty Talks and Enough for All -Vibrant Communities Calgary invite you to "We Vote" a pop up workshop on important issues to Canadians. 

The event is called "We Vote" and it takes place this Saturday, October 17th, 2015

Knox Presbyterian 3704 37 St SW
Calgary, AB T3E 3C3

From 10-1 pm.
Lunch Provided! 

To save a seat please use eventbrite if you can! 

If you cannot make it, but would like to learn about some of the political parties want to do about poverty - housing, income, child care, truth and reconciliation, please visit this link 





October 6, 2015

Alberta Government takes a step in the right direction for stopping the safety standard inspections

Members of the Action Hall wish to thank the Alberta Government today, Tuesday, October 6, 2015. 

The Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister halted the safety standard inspections until March 31, 2016 until the consultations are complete. This follows the recent announcement from Human Services Minister Irfan Sabir who announced community consultations will begin. It is a step in the right direction!!!! 




Thank you for stopping. Its time to talk! 
We got ideas! 


Here is the letter! 
Please take the time to thank the Ministers and Alberta Government for listening! 




September 24, 2015

Help us increase Alberta social assistance programs to the cost of living

Please support our friend Jim who has undertaken on behalf of all Albertans on social assistance like Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) and Alberta Works. 
MLA Robyn Luft and Jim talk about social assistance
Jim and MLA Robyn Luff talked
about social assistance rates


Jim has created a petition to have government no only increase social assistance base amounts this year, but promise to continually increase the assistance programs like AISH  at the same rate that inflation goes up every year. 

Jim went to meet with MLA Robyn Luff of Calgary East to share his concerns and ask for her commitment to support the petition. She was very receptive and helpful. She has committed to present the petition in the legislature once there are enough signatures on it. Robyn even invited Jim to up to Edmonton when she does. 


If you would like to help our friend Jim,
click here to download the petition on scribd 
You may need to create an account if you don't already have one.
https://www.scribd.com/doc/282617071/Petition-Increase-Social-Asssistance-and-Index-to-Cost-of-Living#fullscreen=1

Great work Jim! 

September 18, 2015

Standard 8 stopped!! Time to say thanks!

We are giving a thumbs up to the Alberta Goverent for announcing today consultations will begin around The Safety Standards! http://goo.gl/91uGfQ

It's time to say thanks for stopping standard 8 and share how meaningful consultation process will include all stakeholders and both Muncipal Affairs and Human Services Minsitries! 

Article in Saturday's Calgary Herald 

September 11, 2015

Please support Sliding Fee Scale to more fair fares for the bus, the pool and other City of Calgary Services.

https://magic.piktochart.com/output/7812737-social-costs-of-doing-nothing
Cost of doing nothing when fees are not based on income
Members of the Disability Action Hall will  be attending the Standing Policy Committee of "Community Protective Services" to speak in favour of the use of a sliding scale to help set fares based on the ability to pay. 

Income is a fair way to help our City decide  who needs discounts to access community services, employment, to see the doctor and to help fight social isolation. 

We encourage people to share our message with your City Councillor by either writing or call 3-1-1 today. 

Thank you for your support! 

August 24, 2015

My Home, my life, my choice

Albertans with developmental disabilities speak out for the need to stop the PDD Safety Standards regulation as it was not written with public consultation. These twelve people in the video may face an eviction at the end of the month if the government does not stop it. 

We think there is a better way by talking to community and respect our right to chose where to live. 


Many of us live in poverty and we were institutionalized as children. The last place we want to go back to is a care facility. We have fought hard to live in community and believe we can live in a province that honors diversity, respects choice, human rights and talks with us.


Visit this weblink to view "My home, my life, my choice".

Tell Alberta MLAs to stop the PDD Safety Standards. .


Nothing about us, without us. 
My home, my life, my choice



August 17, 2015

Ways to share your voice about the PDD Safety Standards

Call out to Concerned Citizens- What happened to the right to choose where to live? 

Call out to artists, letter writers, petition signers and concerned citizens to participate in letter writing campaigns, arts, signing a petition and a community meeting will be held over the next month. Here are just a few ideas on how to share your voice...


Call out to Artists: Friday, August 21st 
from 10-2 pm 

Drop by the SCOPE Vantage Office on Friday, August 21st, from 10 to 2 pm to paint your story. We are located at 219, 18 Street SE.  
Art will be then shared at various locations during the month of September and October. 

Letter writing and petitions sites:
If you are able to write a letter to share how you are directly impacted by this new building code, please visit the following links:

Tell Government to Stop, Look, Listen Letter writing campaign, hosted by the Alberta Disability Workers Association





Community Meeting

This community conversation will bring together a much needed perspective on a visionfor living a full life in the community, the meaning of ‘home,’ the dignity of risk, and the impact the regulations will have on others in the community.
Please come to this meeting to learn more and be part of this timely and important community conversation.
WHERE:  Kensington Royal Legion – 1910 Kensington Rd. NW

WHEN: Tuesday, September 15th at 6:30 pm
WHO: Families, people with disabilities, people who provide supports and members of the community





July 28, 2015

Help us save community living and choice! 1000 Signatures needed

Members of the Disability Action Hall need your help. Did you know 1-7 Albertan lives with a disability? Did you know there is a new regulation which will create more barriers on where people with disabilities can choose where to live?

It is called the 'PDD Safety Standards Regulation' and we need 1000 signatures to send to the government by August 5th, 2015 to stop it in favour for more public consultation and a better way to make us safe, protect our quality of life and respect our choice where to live with dignity.  

Help us, sign it, help spread the word! After all it will only take 5 seconds to stand up and roll society forward!!! 

And if you want to write your own letter to your MLA, please do! 
And thank you! 




June 25, 2015

Speaking Up for Fair Housing Standards for All!

Members of the Disability Action Hall are concerned about the lack of public consultation from the previous progressive conservative government to go ahead and inspect the homes of persons with disabilities. 

We want to be asked if it is ok to come into our home. 
We want our landlords to be asked if it is ok to come into our home. 
We want a say in who can come into our home and have our choices and privacy respected. 

We were told the current public health act and PDD Safety Standards Regulation allows health, fire and safety to come in if there is a complaint. 

But there has been no complaint. 

We are asking for public consultation  to write new regulations with us, to talk to us.

We think the new rules will be far too expensive for our community. The new rules do not respect our right to choose where we want to live. 

We know some of our friends have been evicted and ended up in long term care,  or the hospitals.  Many of us live in poverty and it takes a long time to find a safe place to rent. 

We need a better plan. 
More rules don't necessarily make us safe. 

We also know the rules may be published soon. 
We hope the new government speaks up and supports true talks & fair rules for all Albertans.

Stay tuned.



June 3, 2015

Less than 48 hours away to 'Eat, Cook, Grow!" Friday June 5th

We are less than 48 hours away and we would like to share our "Eat, Cook, Grow!" Program with you! The event will be held in Dover at an old tennis court renamed "Twin Views Communal Garden" located at 2951, 26 Avenue SE. Visit this map link if you need more instructions.


To download the program, please visit this link 




Eat, Cook, Grow! is a a family friendly celebration of food we love to eat, cook and grow! We are celebrating our right to access healthy food! #eatcookgrow

Wear your best garden hat for our contest
BRING A POTLUCK ITEM TO SHARE! 

Schedule

Planter Ground Breaking                11 am to 11:15

Scavenger hunt and clean team      11:15 to 11:30

Gardening workshops                    11:15 to 11:45

Pavement painting party                11:15 to 1:30

Ku-Fu demonstration                     11:45 to 12 pm

Snacks and Potluck                        12 to 12:30 pm

More workshops                            12:30 to 1 pm

We are excited to paint the pavement with this mandala design
created by artists, Susan and Jody.
 


We would like to thank the following community partners who are helping us create an exciting community event! Members of the Disability Action Hall give special thanks to the following foodies, presenters and friends:

Alternate Root, Carla Bitz
The Alex Youth Centre, Reneé MacKillop
Amanda Woods & Kathleen Biersdorff
Calgary Eats
Calgary Regional Partnerships, Jessica Letizia & Quincy Brown
Calgary SCOPE Society and Outreach Team Painters
Calgary Sexual Health Centre
Canadian Wing Chun Kung Fu Association/Academy
CP Association of Alberta & Calgary Ability Network
Crop, Dani Smythe
Darrell Howard & Vibrant Communities Calgary
Ethno Cultural Council of Calgary
Illichmann’s Sausage Shop
Inglewood Community Garden, Julia Hinman
Mary Salvani
Tammy Poirier
Salma Mohiuddin, City of Calgary Community Social Development
Soiled Gardens, Pascia Birch & Adam Weaver
Susan Gwynn and Poverty Talks
Twin Views Communal Gardeners & Greeters
Vantage Enterprises Mandela Artists Jody, Suan & Amber Currell

Thank you to all the volunteers, project planners, food suppliers and growers, gardeners and teachers who made ‘Eat, Cook, Grow!’ possible!

For more information, please contact Colleen at 403.717.7630 or email us at actionhall@calgaryscope.org 


June 1, 2015

It’s time for something a little bit dirty...Eat, Cook, Grow! Friday June 5th!

Media Advisory
Calgary, Alberta
It’s time for something a little bit dirty!

SPEAK OUT 16
Celebrating our connection to
The food we cook, eat, and grow!
Friday June 5th, 2015

It’s time for this year’s 16th annual celebration of disability pride! 
Join us, come and get a little bit dirty and show off your inner foodie at the Twin Views Communal Garden in Dover. It is a family-friendly event with workshops, food producers, food solutions, a pavement painting party and much, much more!  

To help us kick off the celebration, we will have a ground breaking ceremony for our planter Twin Views Communal Garden has provided us at 11 am. We invited local food suppliers, growers and even kung fu fighters to chop our veggies! The event is also catered by local deli ‘Illichmann’s Sausage Shop’.

Everyone is welcome to attend. Bring your love for learning about what grows in the ground beneath us! To make it more fun, we encourage you to wear a funky garden hat and bring a potluck food item to share!

For more information... 

Who:        Disability Action Hall and friends

What:       Speak Out 16: Eat, Cook, Grow! #eatcookgrow

When:      Friday June 5th, 2015 from 11 pm to 1 pm

Where:     Twin Views Communal Garden
                
                2951, 26 Ave SE - (Tennis Court)


Contact:    Denise Young 403.524.5301 or 

     Colleen Huston 403.473.3510 
                 www.actionhall.ca @actionhall

      actionhall@calgaryscope.org