Accessible Widget

January 28, 2025

Update: Keep the letters and stories coming! (January 28th 2025)

Update: Disability Action Hall members want to say thank you! We are grateful to hear how much self-advocacy work means to you and the community. Thank you for continuing to send letters and share stories with all of us. Reaching out to us, helping in your own way and asking us how to help has meant a great deal during this challenging time. 

Stories of Impact

One of our members shares why self-advocacy groups are critical to helping our city and community be a safe, accessible city. (2 minutes) 

  


For people who may not know... 

On January 7th, we received an email that our collective funding for three groups across Alberta (approximately $425,000)—would be terminated in just 90 days. 

This notice came 15 months before the scheduled renewal of our three contracts and without any prior warning. 

After decades of collaboration with the Government of Alberta, this sudden decision has left our groups, Self-Advocacy Federation, Disability Action Hall and Southern Alberta Individualized Planning Association (SAIPA)  and, most importantly, the individuals and communities we serve—in a precarious and uncertain position.

How you can help

Here is a link to the letter-writing tool. 

Start by Sending a letter (CLICK HERE) Share your story! 

By sharing your story, we hope it will help reverse this decision to  #Honourthecontracts until March 31st, 2026. This will give us more time to create a better plan to continue our work. #SelfAdvocacyMatters


Media Coverage 

CTV News Edmonton Article "We're essential': Disability rights groups shocked by Alberta government funding cut" January 15th, 2025

CBC News Edmonton Article "Alberta government axes funding for 3 disability advocacy groups" January 15th, 2025

Lethbridge News "Province discontinuing funding for disability support group in Lethbridge", January 15th, 2025

Global News Calgary Segment "Alberta disability support organizations call on UCP to reverse decision to terminate contracts", January 15th, 2025

CTV News Calgary Article "Disability rights groups in Alberta criticize province’s move on supports" January 16th, 2025

880 CHED Interview  - The Courtney Theriault Show, Thursday, January 17th, 2025

77QHR Interview 'Jan and Andy Show', January 18th, 2025

Edmonton Sun, TAIT: Cuts to Advocacy Groups hurts those who need it most, January 19th, 2025 

Calgary Herald, Opinion: UCP funding cuts ultimately hurt people with disabilities in Alberta, Calgary Herald, January 24th, 2025

Red Deer Advocate: Province executing 'all-out war' on disability community, say AUPE, January 28th, 2025




January 23, 2025

Next steps! Raise awareness with your MLA, please share your story to reverse the cuts

 

UPDATE January 23rd, 2025, from the Disability Action Hall

On January 7th, we received an email notifying us that our collective funding for three groups across Alberta (approximately $425,000)—would be terminated in just 90 days. This notice came 15 months before the scheduled renewal of our three contracts and without any prior warning. After decades of collaboration with the Government of Alberta, this sudden decision has left our groups, Self-Advocacy Federation, Disability Action Hall and Southern Alberta Individualized Planning Association (SAIPA)  and, most importantly, the individuals and communities we serve—in a precarious and uncertain position.


How You Can Help? Start by Sending a letter (CLICK HERE)



Collecting Stories:

Your stories matter! Share your story will make a difference. Doing so can reveal the real human cost of the government's decision. MLAs need to hear from you. Share your story on social  media. 

This isn’t just about policy—it’s about dignity, rights, justice, and the critical, meaningful support people deserve.


MEETING WITH MLAS 

We need your support now more than ever.

We seek your ideas, suggestions, and, most importantly, your stories.

Your experiences are powerful and can help us continue serving our communities.

We have created this template to make it easier for you to customize and add your story and meet with your MLA. 

Together, we can overcome this challenge and work toward a solution. Thank you for joining and being with us at this challenging time.

#HonorContractsUCP                #SelfAdvocacyAB

If you have questions. Or need help finding your MLA.

Who is my MLA?  finder  by postal code


Contact:

Self-Advocacy Federation,  (Edmonton and Area) Email: Saf@selfadvocacyfederation.com

Disability Action Hall (Calgary & Area) : www.actionhall.ca  Email: actionhall@calgaryscope.org  Phone 403.717.7630

Southern Alberta Individualized Planning Association (SAIPA)   -Lethbridge and Southern Region) www.SAIPA.org Email : mail@saipa.org

 

Media Coverage

CTV News Edmonton Article "We're essential': Disability rights groups shocked by Alberta government funding cut" January 15th, 2025

CBC News Edmonton Article "Alberta government axes funding for 3 disability advocacy groups" January 15th, 2025

Global News Calgary Segment "Alberta disability support organizations call on UCP to reverse decision to terminate contracts", January 15th, 2025

CTV News Calgary Article "Disability rights groups in Alberta criticize province’s move on supports"

880 CHED Interview  - The Courtney Theriault ShowText Thursday, January 17th, 2025

77QHR Interview 'Jan and Andy Show', January 18th, 2025

Cuts to Advocacy Groups hurts those who need it most, January 19th, 2025 

Opinion: UCP funding cuts ultimately hurt people with disabilities in Alberta, Calgary Herald, January 24th, 2025

January 22, 2025

Update: Virtual Town Hall for Thursday, January 23rd 6:30 pm with Shadow Minister for Seniors, Community and Social Services

Come and share the decades of success stories, partnerships and community building efforts we have made together with the Southern Alberta Individualized Planning Association (SAIPA) Self-Advocacy Federation and the Disability Action Hall, this Thursday, January 23rd! Virtual Town Hall 6:30 pm

We also want to thank the many people coming forward asking how can we help? 

Collecting stories! 

We are hoping to share the value of self-advocacy groups across Alberta and we are looking for stories on Thursday, January 23rd beginning at 6:30 pm. 

When people ask us how can I help? 

The Shadow Minister, Marie Renaud has extended an invite for Self-Advocates and our friends who have been impacted by our work. 

Everyone is welcome. 

Please share the registration link! Hope to see you there.  

Media may be present  

Thursday, January 23rd beginning at 6:30 pm. 

ASL will be provided!

https://www.albertasfuture.ca/events/disability-self-advocate-town-hall


Town Hall gathering of self-advocates and friends with diverse disabilities, race, age and sensory disabilities in a large room