FLASHMOB International Day of Disabled Persons Day

What a party!!!

We danced and shared our talents at the Devonian Gardens, Bankers Hall and Gulf Canada Square to over 20,000 people! 
Thank you to our DisArts Collective partners;  
Momo Mixed Ability Dance Theatre, Inside Out, Disability Action Hall and to the City of Calgary as we celebrated Access in our City on Monday, December 3rd. 

Happy International Day of Disabled Persons!!!

To see more photos visit this link https://picasaweb.google.com/actionhall/IDDP2012

THANK YOU CITY COUNCIL!!!!

THANK YOU! 
Calgary City Council fought hard for Calgarians living below the poverty line to be guaranteed a discount riding Calgary Transit. 

This is a huge victory and come down December 5th to City Hall at 9:30 am to thank our Council personally. 

To read more in the media of why council helped people below the poverty line...please follow these links: 

CBC News http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/story/2012/11/27/calgary-transit-pass-changes.html 
Global TV http://www.globaltvcalgary.com/city+council+approves+hike+in+senior+transit+passes/6442761963/story.html
Metro Calgary Link
Calgary Herald Link

Lets Talk about A Better Alberta, Step 2

People with disabilities, caregivers, workers and family please join us as we begin step 2 of making a better Alberta. Everyone welcome to attend. Parkdale United Church 2919, 8th Avenue NW 5-7:30 pm on Thursday, November 8th, 2012.

To learn more about the social policy framework, click here

November 8th Stage 2 Social Policy Talk 5-7:30 pm at Parkdale United Church, everyone welcome

Bus tickets, snacks, free parking, fully accessible auditorium. ASL interpreters in attendance.

Please RSVP by November 5th to ensure we have enough food and if you require bus tickets.

Call 403.717.7630 and leave us a message if you plan to attend.
You can also email us
See you there!

Social Policy Framework discussions

Over the summer members of the Disability Action Hall have been  at community conversations about social policy and how to make a better Alberta.

In early July we talked with 'Albertans Advocating for Change Together' in Edmonton. It is at this meeting we learned people are charged different rates for prescriptions. To view the video click here.

 In mid July we had a Hall group discussion in NE Calgary. Click Here to read it

 In August we had a community wide discussion  in Inner City at  the Riverside Bridgeland Community Center. Click here to read it.

Group of people at Social Policy Session sitting at Tables

 In late August the Right to Love Group in NW Calgary. Click here to read it.

On September 18 we will also be part of the Calgary Ability Network Poverty Discussion held at the Cerebral Palsy Association at 12001, 44 Street SE. If you would like to be part of this discussion, please give a call to Kimberly at 403.219.3606 

It is our hope many Albertans take part in this talk. To learn more visit the social policy website.

Learn about the LRT ramp closures

Visit www.calgarytransit.com and to prepare for your next trip.

Photo of Construction Notice at Heritage LRT Station

Calgary Transit Ramp Closures

We have been learning about ramp closures on our local LRT. Here is what we are doing about the ramp closures. Visit Calgary Transit Website...

Speak Out 2012, more photos to come!

Photo of Hall people at LRT Station for Speak Out 2012

Click here for more photos!

Disability on the Move - Friday June 1st, 2012

Hooray! Disability is on the Move Today!!! Friday June 1st, 2012

We are all wearing BLUE!  Celebrating our Right to Move! 

See you at 1st Street LRT in front of Arts Central to kick off and cheer on the three performance groups "Inside Out Theatre" "I love Calgary OX Tour" and "Momo Mixed Ability Theatre" as they ride the LRT and tour the streets of Calgary to spread disability pride and culture far and wide. 

And ride with us at 11:30 from the 8 Street SW LRT platform on the Pride Train and drum with us at the Olympic Plaza at noon! 

Don't feel like walking? That's ok! 

Join us at 12:30 as we finish our walk into the public library on the 2nd floor "John Dutton Theatre" at the Main public library and visit the resource fair and see some free films, dance, music, poetry and hear from local politicians and community groups support our "Right to Move". 

Speak Out - Disability on the Move! Friday June 1st, 2012

News Release

For Immediate Release

Breaking down the barriers!!!!

Calgary, Alberta

Hundreds of people with disabilities will be breaking down the barriers this Friday, June 1st, 2012 in an event known as Speak Out: Disability on The Move.A festival of movement!

Speak Out is to proclaim June 1st, 2012 the right to move just like everybody else.

Performers with disabilities from Inside Out Theatre, Momo Dance Theatre and The OX 'I Love Calgary Tour' will challenge and amaze LRT riders on the platforms, business people on their lunch hour and at the local library. 

Dare to stare and become a part of a downtown celebration. Members of the Disability Hall celebrate the 14th annual Speak Out. We will be joined by Deputy Mayor Gael MacLeod who will share the mayor’s message declaring Speak Out Day as our time to celebrate our right to move, our right to access society, our right to have affordable, accessible and available public transportation and our full-citizenship. Greetings will also be brought by MLA Kent Hehr and guests including the Calgary Women's Centre, Push To Open Nature Society, Calgary Sexual Health Centre, Women Together Ending Poverty and the Calgary Poverty Reduction Initiative (to name a few).

Imagine a City without access. Here is what some members of the Disability Action Hall say it would be like if we lived in a city where we could not go anywhere.

“A city without access would be a city with angry and sad people.”

"It would be boring because you wouldn’t be able to do anything."

"A stumbling block."

"It wouldn’t be a city because it is not inclusive."

"A city without access is like an island, it's isolating. A city without access is a city without justice."

"A city without access is a city of poverty and isolation, a country that is divided.Can’t go no where. It would be dangerous. It would be depressing."

Who:                          Disability Action Hall 14th Annual Speak Out Festival

When:                        Friday June 1st, 10-2 pm

Where:                       4 locations and points in between.  

                                    -Downtown Calgary, 1st Street LRT - 10 am – Kickoff. 

                               (Heading off into three directions -downtown tour, McKnight & Crowfoot LRTs)

                                    -8 Street LRT NW - 11:30 am - Pride Train

                                    -Olympic Plaza 12-12:30 pm – Drumming circle and pride walk

                                   - Calgary Public Library, John Dutton Theatre - 12:30 to 2 pm                                            Celebrations

Why:                         To celebrate Disability on the Move, 14th Annual

Contact:                    Denise Young  403.542.5301

                                 Colleen Huston 403.473.3510

For more information call 403.717.7630 or 403.473.3510 and check out the website at www.actionhall.ca 

Email actionhall@calgaryscope.org

Speak Out Schedule June 1st 2012 10-2 pm

Speak Out Schedule Friday June 1st, 2012

Media Advisory

Calgary, Alberta “Disability On the Move!!!” Friday, June 1st, 2012
  
Members of the Disability Action Hall are very excited to prepare for the 14th annual Speak Out Rally. This year we want to emphasize the 'Action' in Action Hall by celebrating Disability On The Move. We want to increase awareness of the freedom we enjoy with access to transportation.

As part of this year’s kickoff, various arts groups and Action Hall
members will be performing at LRT platforms in the city.  As well, there will be performances and activities at Olympic Plaza and in the John Dutton Theatre at the Main Library. 

Making Pride Cheer Sticks for passengers on LRT 

Banner Making

Recording audio and photographing spots for the 'I love Calgary Tour'  

Can you guess which famous building is a place of pride for Calgarians? Learn more about the tour on Friday June 1st at 10 at the 1st SW LRT

Come to Speak Out to learn about what it is like to have a disability.

Come to Speak Out if you have a disability. It is a chance to be out, meet some people and do something active in the community

Come to Speak Out and celebrate the opportunities access to transportation will create. 
Come to Speak Out to celebrate our new freedom.

Come to Speak Out and share in the fun.
Come to Speak Out and help to spread the word.
 

Who:                Speak Out 14 Disability on the Move
Where:              Kickoff off at three locations;

-1st Street LRT 10 am and at various LRT platforms   

-Olympic Plaza 12:15 pm
-John Dutton theatre main library 12:30 to 2pm

When:              Friday June 1st, 2012 10 to 2pm
Why:                To Celebrate disability pride and culture on the move
  
Contacts:           Amanda Woods 403.710.402

or Colleen Huston 403.717.7630 or cell 403.473.3510

Disability Action Hall - Unofficial Program Friday June 1st, 2012

Only a two weeks away from Speak Out! 

For our unofficial program, please download here!

Getting ready Speak Out Friday June 1st, 2012

We are getting ready to wear blue in celebration of this year's Speak Out "Disability On the Move". 

Everyone welcome to attend on Friday June 1st, 2012

10-2 pm at various locations. 

Stay tuned for more details or call 403.717.7630 or emailactionhall_at_calgaryscope.org 

Celebrating Our Power and Making Shift Happen for Arusha's 40th Anniversary with John Ralston Saul and Public Interest Alberta at Knox United Church

Members of the Disability Action Hall listened to John Ralston Saul talk to over 500 people at the Knox United Church on Wednesday Night. It was also Arusha's 40th anniversary. The event was made possible by Public Interest Alberta " Make Shift Happen" conference. 

As quote in the Calgary Herald, John Ralston Saul's visit was very timely with the upcoming Alberta election. John Saul said when it comes to citizenship engagement, "voting is just a little period or question mark or exclamation mark."

To learn where you polling station is today, visit "Elections Alberta" here

To read the Calgary Herald article, click here for Herald Article

To learn more about Public Interest Alberta, click here. 

To learn more about Arusha visit www.arusha.org, click here.

Trail Rider in action!

Fun was had by all at the Easter Seals Camp Horizon. To see our pictures click on the photo! Thank you to al the retreat planners, facilitators and community partners who helped make our retreat a memorable experience. We had a weekend full of story telling, exploring the outdoors, reconnecting and learning new skills! See more photos!

Happy St. Paddy's Day at Ceilli's Pub

Celli's is having a party and we're invited!
Celli's Southland
#297, 9737 Macleod Trail S (Macleod & Southland)

Celli's Irish Pub & Restaurant have been valued supporters of the Calgary SCOPE Society for over 10 years!
Please RSVP to Ashton at 403-252-2700, ashton@ceilis.comn@ceilis.com> or to Lori Birce at 403-717-7639, lorib@calgaryscope.orglorib@calgaryscope.org>
Please state on your RSVP that it is for the SCOPE group and how many will be attending.

* Annual Celli's Kids Christmas Party: This event provides SCOPE Outreach clients and their families a wonderful, festive celebration that includes a traditional turkey dinner, face painting, cookie-making, free bus ride with Bust Loose...and a visit from Santa bringing gifts for each child. Awesome support!

* Annual Golf Tournament: This golf tournament has provided SCOPE with significant funding over the years and has paid for events such as our 25th Anniversary at Heritage Park and at Nakoda Lodge.

* Special Events: Celli's has also hosted smaller events such as the 2011 Thanksgiving Dinner with proceeds going to SCOPE.

In 2011, Celli's was thrilled to be a part of Celebrating You / Celebrating Me and provided us with many complimentary items to honour this special day. In 2012 Celli's furthered their dedication to the Calgary SCOPE Society by making us their EXCLUSIVE charity and have committed to becoming the annual TITLE SPONSOR in our run on June 3, 2012! Through this annual run, SCOPE will receive significant proceeds to further provide non-government funded events and programs for clients and staff.

As a non-profit society, we rely on our avid supporters to help bring us the additional funding not provided by governing bodies so that we can offer special occasions to clients and staff at SCOPE. Without this support, we could not have built Holidays for Hope and provided clients and staff an affordable holiday away in the Rocky Mountains.

They have shown their support. Now it's our turn.

Let's say THANK YOU for all your support to us by accepting their invitation to the 1st anniversary of Celli's Southland location
Customer Appreciation Party on Thursday, March 15th.

One night...one GIANT THANK YOU. Kick off the St. Patrick's Day weekend and show our appreciation. How many can come...25...50...100 people?
Let's get together, have a great party and show Celli's that we value their continued commitment to us.

The evening will be filled with live entertainment by Brent Tyler, performances by the Blakey School of Irish Dance, and included are complimentary cocktails & appetizers. Ceili's will also have Fraser from The Show on X92.9FM on location giving away some great prizes!

Invitation for SCOPE staff, Board of Directors and clients...and yes, you can bring some friends! Reservations are required. Complimentary cocktails are limited, cash bar is available.

Please RSVP to Ashton at 403-252-2700, ashton@ceilis.comn@ceilis.com> or to Lori Birce at 403-717-7639, lorib@calgaryscope.orglorib@calgaryscope.org>
Please state on your RSVP that it is for the SCOPE group and how many will be attending.

Fair Calgary Community Voices is coming...

Happy International Women's Day!

For International Women's Day we are talking with Calgarians about how to create a Fairer Calgary. 

We will be at the Jack Singer from 9 until 2 pm asking people about city subsidies. 

At the Jack Singer we will be helping Fair Fares try out a new survey to help us collect your stories on how to make Calgary a fairer place for everyone!

Learn more about why we need your story from the Fair Fares blog

We will then be at the Kerby Centre from 5:30 until about 7:30 to help celebrate the day. 

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6NJ7S9R

Sharing what we love!!!

Everyone has the Right to Love

The Disability Action Hall and the Right to Love want to share with you what we love about Calgary. Learn about the OX Project!

The OX Project workshop is on March 1st, 2012 at 4 pm at Arts Central. Click here to download the poster! 

And for Valentine's week we are also sharing some good community resources with you! 

learn about our Film  "Love Bytes- Stories about the Right to Love".

Learn about dating safely http://www.datesafeproject.org/

Learn about when a good relationship goes bad. Visit www.goodgonebad.org

And if you are unsure if you are in a healthy relationship, why not call Connect at 403.237.5888

AISH Up! Us too!

400 reasons why we are saying I love you today!!! The Alberta Government came through with their promise to raise AISH to the cost of living! THANK YOU!!!

We are simply thankful for the raise to Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped. We will now have more money to live on.  Can't wait to give the thank you card to the Alberta Government! Thank you for listening and keeping your promise! 

AISH annoucnementAlberta government promise

Help us present our thank you card to Premier Redford

Hoping our Premier honors the campaign commitment to raise Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) to the cost of living. Currently the amount is 1188. However it is far lower than what the Stats Canada low-income cut-off says is the average for people to live on. 

Nearly 400 people have signed this card.

We hope to present this larger than life card to our premier. 

This thank you card has travelled to Churches, halls, conferences, meetings, classrooms, offices and been signed by 400 Albertans who would like to see a raise in AISH. (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped). The members of the Disability Action Hall are also part of a larger coalition known as the Calgary Ability Network.