CDS Appreciation Week Letter

Acknowledgment from the Office of the Disability Advocate

Greetings from the Office of the Disability Advocate

“In honor of the provincially proclaimed Community Disability Services Professional Appreciation Week, I am pleased as Advocate for Persons with Disabilities in Alberta to address the thousands of hard working disability services professionals whose contributions are valued daily by the Albertans with disabilities they support. Your work in helping Albertans pursue their goals and aspirations and to support people with disabilities to be included in the fabric of Alberta is greatly valued and appreciated. I continue to support community disability services professionals being a well-trained, diversely skilled workforce in order to meet the variety of needs in the disability community. I share your commitment to improving the daily lives of all Albertans with Disabilities, as it aligns with my strategic priorities, around improving the experiences of systems navigation and poverty. I hope you all enjoy the activities and celebrations of this week.”

Greg McMeekin, Advocate for Persons with Disabilities

Acknowledgment letter from MLA Hon. Peter Guthrie

I am pleased to recognize Alberta Disability Workers Association Week and extend my sincere appreciation to the more than 17,000 Community Disability Service Professionals across our province.

These dedicated individuals play a vital role in supporting Albertans with disabilities to live meaningful and self-directed lives. Their work spans a wide range of responsibilities from assisting with daily living and personal care to fostering community belonging, employment opportunities, and strong personal connections.

Community Disability Service Professionals help build diverse, compassionate, and resilient communities across Alberta. Their commitment, expertise, and care make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities every day.

During this important week, I encourage everyone to join in recognizing and thanking these
professionals for their invaluable contributions.

On behalf of the residents of Airdrie-Cochrane, thank you for all that you do.

Sincerely,

Hon. Pete Guthrie, P.Eng.
MLA, Airdrie-Cochrane

Municipalities across Alberta have come together to recognize and celebrate the dedicated professionals in Community Disability Services—Here are just a few leading the way in 2026; Break out the cameras and help capture the lit up landmark near you!

• Town of Bonnyville, City Banner
• City of Brooks lights up City Hall
• City of Calgary-Letter of Acknowledgement, and Lighting of the Calgary Tower
• City of Camrose
• Town of Coaldale
• City of Cold Lake Proclamation
• City of Edmonton lighting up High Level Bridge on May 18th
• Town of Elk Point Proclamation
• City of Grande Prairie, Proclamation
• City of Leduc, Proclamation
• City of Lethbridge lights up City Hall and Proclamation
• City of Medicine Hat lights up the Sammis Teepee
• Town of Onoway Proclamation
• City of Red Deer Proclamation
• City of Spruce Grove Proclamation
• Town of Slave Lake

  

  City of Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas

  

  Town of Elk Point Proclamation from Mayor Wanda Cochrane

  

  City of Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen

  
  

  

  Town of Onoway Mayor Bridgitte Coninx

  

  City of Cold Lake Mayor Bob Lattice

  

  City of Red Deer Mayor Cindy Jefferies

  
  

  

  Town of Coaldale Acknowledgment by Mayor Jack Van Rijn

  

  City of Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Acker

  

  City of Leduc Mayor Lars Hansen

  
  

Celebrations around the Province 2026:

Central Region:

Camrose Community Disability Service Professionals.

Click here to see the Weeklong list of celebrations in Camrose

Calgary Region:

Community Celebration at the Genesis Centre on Wednesday May 20th, 2026 from 11 until 2 pm (Tickets on EventBrite)

Northern Alberta

Collaborative BBQ Celebrations will be held on various days in the Cities and towns of:

Barrhead, Fort McMurray, Slave Lake, Peace River and Grande Prairie.

Southern Alberta

Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Taber will be hosting acknowledgement ceremonies and gatherings.

 Letter from Chief Executive Officer Alberta Council of Disability Services 

Calgary Region – Lunch at Rotary Challenger Park (Registration required)

North-East Region –  Scavenger Hunt and Pancake Brunch

Central Region – Scavenger Hunt

South Region – Lighting the Medicine Hat Teepee yellow for the week of May 19-24.

Camrose Proclamation 2025

Cold Lake Proclamation 2025

Leduc Proclamation 2025

Red Deer Proclamation 2025

Beamount Proclamation 2025

Appreciation Week 2023 and 2024