FASD Support and Resources in Alberta

FASD Learning Series - Video Presentations and Archive [online]

Description:
For several years, the Child and Youth Services ministry of the Government of Alberta has presented the FASD Learning Series. This series "offers free education opportunities tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals and family members/caregivers affected by FASD, support service providers, healthcare providers, educators, legal and justice services, and professionals in the research and evaluation field."

Access Information:
The current list of topics for 2010 - 2011. Note that these are finished for the year (the link is included here for ease of browsing the topics).
The Archived Sessions page allows you to browse previous sessions by category (see image at right) and to then view related sessions.

Recommended:
Start at the Individuals, Family Members/Caregivers Affected by FASD category which lists these 16 sessions:
Becoming a Successful Adult Learner
Diagnosis of FASD in the Adolescent Years
Creating a Brain-Friendly Life
Friendship? Dating? Sex? Relationships in the Complex FASD World
Building the Brain Boxes
Opening the Brain Boxes
Safety Issues: FASD and Sexuality
Employability Strategies for Persons with FASD
Enhancing Employability for Persons with FASD
The Ongoing Face of Grief and Loss and the Theory Behind It
Living with FASD - As a Person, As a Parent
Financial Literacy for Individuals with FASD
Winning the Battle with FASD: A Family Success Story
Environmental Modifications
Myles Himmelreich
Parental Expectations with an Adult Child Impacted by FASD

 

Goodwill Industries' "Power of Work" program (Edmonton, Grande Prairie)

Description:
The Power of Work program supports people with disabilities in locating employment or volunteer opportunities in their communities. Individuals are assisted with identifying their employment goals, employment preparation, job search and employment coaching. The Power of Work program currently operates in Edmonton and Grande Prairie.

Within our Power of Work program we also offer the REACH program. The REACH program offers all the same services as the Power of Work program, but is open specifically to individuals diagnosed with or suspected of having Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This program currently operates in Grande Prairie only.

More Info:
Goodwill's Power of Work program page or call (780) 944-1414.

 

Persons with Developmental Disabilities: Service Providers [Alberta]

Description:
"The PDD program, which is part of the Ministry of Seniors and Community Supports, provides supports to adults who have a developmental disability. Six community boards deliver local programs and work with adults with developmental disabilities, their families and guardians to identify needs. The boards also work with local agencies to provide services." (from PDD website)

The PDD website has links to the 6 community boards, each of which then has listings of service providers in that area. For example, there are about 40 agencies listed as providing PDD-related services in the Calgary area, offering a variety of services ranging from Supported Independent Living and Overnight Staffed Residences, to Respite and Employment Preparation.

We have lengthier listings of some of these agencies and their services on this fasd.typepad.com site. However, there are other agencies which we have not researched at all. It is up to you to determine whether the services offered apply to your situation, and whether or not you find any agency's staff, philosophy, and so on compatible with you.

Note also that to be eligible for PDD services, the individual with FASD must meet all three key criteria of developmental disability, namely: Sigificantly below average intellectual ability, onset prior to age 18, and related limitations in adaptive skill functioning (life skills).

Access Info:
List of Community Boards for all areas of Alberta. This page provides links to the websites of the various community boards, as well as a map if you are unsure as to what board your town falls under. On those pages, you will find links to listings of service providers. For your convenience, we have included the following direct links:
Calgary Service Providers  (PDF format)
Edmonton Service Providers

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Employment: Supporting Adults with FASD on the Job [Video/DVD]

Description:
"Featuring six adults living with FASD, this video focuses on some of the employment related experiences and challenges faced by people with FASD. Highlighted as well are suggestions and strategies found to be helpful – both on and off the job.” Includes a 32 page guide." English and French.
Available in DVD or video format.

Access Info:
Order online:  FASbookshelf.com

Other Info:
FAS/E Support Network of BC & School of Social Work, University of Victoria. 34 minutes. 2004

Chrysalis [Edmonton, Calgary]

Description:
"Chrysalis offers innovative assessment, vocational training, employment, and alternatives to employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Extensive support services are a component of all programs offered by Chrysalis.  These include developing life skills such as self-esteem building, improving communication skills, and problem solving techniques.

- Alternatives to Employment Services assists and supports people with multiple disabilities who desire meaningful day activities in the community and on-site.
- Vocational Services provides community based time-limited, goal directed on the job training and support."
- Career Trends and Solutions for Work are two other programs offered by them.

Contact Info:
Chrysalis
13325 St. Albert Trail, Edmonton, AB T5L 4R3
Tel. 780 454-9656 Fax 780 451-0168

Chysalis
#7, 6020-1A Street SW, Calgary AB T2H 0G3
Tel. 403 258-1501 Fax 403 258-1577

Website: Chrysalis
Email: info@chrysalis.ab.ca

Other Info:
Chrysalis initially opened in Edmonton in 1968 and expanded to Calgary in 1988. Funding is provided by various agencies including Persons with Developmental Disabilities Community Boards, AHRE and the Government of Canada Opportunities Fund, depending on the program.

Rehoboth Christian Ministries [Alberta]

Description:

'Rehoboth offers services to "developmentally disabled" adults and children....'  These services include:

* residential services ('24-hour residential supports in both urban and rural communities'),

* vocational services ('providing flexible and realistic working environments in which clients may discover and develop their individual interests and aptitudes'),

* respite options (in-home support or with a host family),

* outreach services ('in-home services to adult individuals residing in the community in an effort to ensure continued growth and development for the individual')

* summer camps for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Contact Info:

Rehoboth has offices in Stony Plain (780) 963-4044, Calgary (403) 250-7333, Coaldale (403) 345-5199, Three Hills (403) 443-2239 and Grande Prairie (780) 532-5611.

Full addresses and fax numbers are available on their contact page: Rehoboth Contact Us by Region

Website: Rehoboth Christian Ministries

EmployAbilities [Edmonton]

Description:

EmployAbilities is a charitable non-profit organization 'dedicated to promoting and enhancing employment and learning opportunities for persons with disabilities.'

Their services incude integrated training programs, career counselling, job search assistance, computer access, academic upgrading, workplace strategies, and many more. As well as providing more information about their services, their website includes helpful documents about interviews, job accommodations, managing risk, etc., and success stories.

Contact Info:

EmployAbilities

#402 10909 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton AB T5J 3L9

Tel. 780 423-4106  Fax 780 426-0029

Email  employ@employabilities.ab.ca

Website:  www.employabilities.ab.ca

Excel Society [Edmonton & Area]

Description:
Excel Society provides a number of services intended to assist adults with FASD in accessing community services and living in the community.

Community Access Services
1.  Education programs:
  *  General topics (i.e., anger management, cooking, etc.)
  *  Employment-related training (Basic Work Skills Development, Employment Preparation Training, Support job search development).
2.  Community Work:
  *  Volunteering and work experience (independently or in groups);
  *  Competitive employment;
  *  'Group work-partnerships with employers in the community with guidance from a business coach'
3.  Community Supports:
  *  Outreach Supports 'refers to supports required for individuals with a disability who require 1:1 support to access the community or to live independently in the community.  Typically, this support is provided outside of regular business hours, and is available weekends and evenings.'
  *  Supported Independent Living 'allows a client to maintain or achieve a sense of independence while still having access to adequate supports for his/her needs.  In a Supportive Roommate placement the principal residence is shared by the support person and the client.  The client learns to share residence facilities, budgeting (rent and food), and household chores.'
  *  Community Access Supports 'provides skill development in areas such as banking, grocery shopping and accessing community resources such as the library, city of Edmonton recreational programs, etc.' (from brochure)

Community Living Support Services
The Personal Care Home Program and Persons with Developmental Disabilities Program provide community living options.  Please inquire to see if these services are suited to your particular situation.

Contact Info:
Excel Society
Service Coordinator, Gerard Raymond Centre
11831 - 123 Street, Edmonton Alberta T5L 0G7
Tel.  780 424-4366 ext. 26   Fax 780 482-7964
Email:  intake@excelsociety.org
Website: www.excelsociety.org

Robin Hood Association for the Handicapped [Strathcona County & Leduc County]

Description:

'The Robin Hood Association for the Handicapped is a non-profit society that provides services to people with disabilities.

Services include:
Early Intervention Program for ages birth - 3 1/2 years.  Provides home-based programming, playgroups, support networks, and consultation to families. Referrals to the program can be made by families and/or guardians or with consent through a variety of professional resources such as doctors, public health nurses, or hospitals. Service area includes Strathcona County, including Sherwood Park, and Leduc County, including Beaumont, New Sarepta, Thorsby, Calmar and Leduc.

Family Support Services: This Program offers short-term relief and support to families of children with special needs, services are provided in Strathcona County, including Sherwood Park and the City of Fort Saskatchewan. Qualified support workers provide a wide variety of relief services, including:

in-home relief

aid assistance with community outings

aid assistance in daycares and recreational programs

teen support through social evenings and friendships

specialized daytime summer recreation program

specialized daytime Christmas break camp

host families

parent network support group

Adaptive equipment lending library

Specialized recreation-based day camp located within Sherwood Park, in July and August.

Home Visitation

The Robin Hood Adult Day Program currently serves over 200 individuals.  Programs are based at the Robin Hood Learning Centre located at 141 Broadway Boulevard, Sherwood Park as well as a location in Fort Saskatchewan.  The Adult Day Program offers support and training for adults with disabilities in the following areas:
Employment Preparation and Placement
Community Access and Alternatives to Work'   (all descriptions from their website)

Residential Homes, Supported Independent Living, Support Homes, Overnight Respite, etc.

Contact Info:
Robin Hood Association for the Handicapped
141 Broadway Boulevard, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8H 2A4
Tel.  780 467-7140   Fax 780 449-2028
Email: info@robinhoodassoc.com
Website:  www.robinhoodassoc.com

Other Info:
More information on these services is listed on their website.

SKILLS Society [Edmonton]

Description:
'SKILLS maintains the following programs:

• Residential - provides residential support for persons with developmental disabilities
• Outreach - provides independent living skills training and support to adults (18 years and older)
• Woodcroft Relief Home - provides out-of-home respite to families with children under the age of 18 who have a disability
• Family Support Services - provides in-home respite to families with children under the age of 18 who have a disability
• Host Family - provides relief to familes with ... children and adults who exhibit challenging behaviours and have a developmental disability
• Associate Family - fosters a shared care model between the natural and associate family for children who are deemed ... severely developmentally delayed
• Adult Respite Services - provides in home and out of home respite to adults with developmental disability.' (from CCSA)

Contact Info:
SKILL Society
203 Parkington Plaza, 10408 - 124 Street NW, Edmonton Alberta T5N 1R5
Tel. 780 496-9686  Fax  780 482-6395
Email:  admin@skillsedm.com
Website:  http://www.skillsedm.com

Other Info:

While the Skills Edmonton website doesn't have programs designed specifically for those with FASD, the range and type of services provided by them suggests that their programs may be quite useful  to those affected by FASD.

FASD Employability Specialist [Edmonton]

Description:

'Offers income support, career and employability/vocational rehabilitation assistance to youth and adults.  Individuals with FASD can be referred for assistance in all areas....' (from CCSA)  Note:  Brian has jurisdiction only in Edmonton.

Contact Info:

Mr. Brian Mader
Alberta Human Resources and Employment Canada Alberta Service Centre South
6325 Gateway Boulevard, Edmonton Alberta T6H 5H6
Tel. 780 644-2847 Fax 780 422-1451
Email: brian.mader@gov.ab.ca