Skills Society: Supporting the Citizenship of People with Disabilities

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Skills Society: Supporting the Citizenship of People with Disabilities

We support people with disabilities, their families, and communities. Skills Society supports people with disabilities, their families, and communities.

Through day-to-day services and innovative projects, we work to help people with disabilities experience meaningful lives as valued citizens. Many people with disabilities live on the margins of our communities, often in isolation, and are not offered the same opportunities most citizens are afforded. Skills Society provides support services to children and adults with developmental disabilities, survivors of acquired brain injury, and their families. Communities benefit when people with disabilities are provided stable, individually tailored services, housing and support. When people are supported to realize their full potential, they can contribute their skills, knowledge and gifts to the mosaic of talents and personalities that make our communities strong and healthy.

11/16/2025

November 16 is Louis Riel Day, recognized each year across the Métis homeland. This day is both a time of remembrance and a celebration of the strength and resilience of the Métis Nation. Riel’s vision for his people continues to inspire, and we honour his legacy by reflecting on and celebrating Métis identity, resilience and contributions to Alberta and Canada.

[In this image, bold white text on a dark blue background reads "Louis Riel Day," with the date "November 16, 2025" displayed in a white box at the bottom left. On the right side is a stylized portrait of Louis Riel, shown wearing a buttoned vest and jacket. The bottom of the image features a vibrant, woven Métis sash pattern in red, blue, yellow, and white, symbolizing Métis culture and identity.]

11/14/2025

This year marked a big milestone for CommuniTEA Infusion Project, celebrating 10 seasons of serving iced tea, sparking conversations, and building community across Edmonton.

From small block parties to bustling markets, the Tea Van attended 27 events, served over 3,000 cups, and connected with more than 5,000 people. None of it would be possible without our amazing Community Builders and drivers who keep the mission of inclusion and connection alive each season.

Read the full story and meet Sam, our Lead Community Builder, on our website: https://www.skillssociety.ca/news/communitea-infusion-2025

[In the image, people are pictured gathering outdoors around folding tables set up in a parking lot, participating in a CommuniTEA event. Some individuals are seated while others stand and chat, with supplies and containers organized under the tables. The colourful CommuniTEA VanA and parked cars are visible in the background, along with tall trees and a clear sky.]

11/11/2025

Today we take a moment to pause and reflect on the sacrifices and dedication of those who came before us. Remembrance Day is a chance for our community to honour their legacy and think about the ways we can carry forward hope, peace, and care for one another.

[The image has a dark blue background with bold white text at the top reading ‘Remembrance Day November 11.’ Below, large white text says ‘Lest We Forget.’ A large red poppy with a teal petal and black center is featured prominently on the left side.]

11/08/2025

Today on Indigenous Veterans Day, we take time to acknowledge and honour the important contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit veterans. Many stepped forward to serve despite the barriers they faced, and their commitment continues to be an important part of our shared history. We hold gratitude for their courage and reflect on the lasting impact of their service.

[A yellow woven background with large white text in the center reading ‘Indigenous Veterans Day.’ Red beaded poppies are placed around the corners. At the bottom right, a black box with white text reads ‘November 8, 2025.’]

11/03/2025

In our Skills Society 2025 Annual Report, Executive Director Ben Weinlick reflects on the history and ongoing legacy of the community living movement.

Ben shares insights on what community living really means, why remembering history matters, and how we can support people with intellectual disabilities to thrive with choice, belonging, and growth.

Read the full article, "Executive Director 2025 AGM Report," on page 38 of our Annual Report here: [insert blog link]

[In the image, a photograph of water being sprayed over a green garden is a background. Over the image, large red text reads "Executive Director Report" with small illustrated green leaves placed decoratively around the words. Below the image, a black bar contains the words "Annual Report Article Share" in bold white capital letters.]

10/28/2025

We’re back to spotlight another Shout Out Wall monthly draw winner and valued member of our Skills community!

Meet Pius:

Pius values the open communication and supportive leadership at Skills Society. He appreciates the opportunities to grow professionally and the encouragement to build new skills that strengthen his work and support his career development.

For Pius, engaged citizenship means being active in the community and contributing toward shared goals, whether that is advocating for human rights, participating in decision making, or fulfilling responsibilities that benefit society.

Pius enjoys taking initiative and learning by doing. His adaptability, curiosity, and commitment help him stay motivated and continue growing in his role.

Thank you, Pius, for the energy and dedication you bring to your work and the Skills community!

[In this image, Pius is seated and smiling in a office space next to a computer desk and cabinet. On the left side, a quote reads, “Engaged citizenship is being active and working toward shared goals.” Below the quote is his Pius Nsamba's name and the title "Employee at Skills Society" in teal text.]

10/24/2025

As Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) comes to a close, we’re sharing a few highlights from the 2025 DEAM Conference and other events that took place this month.

This year’s DEAM Conference was held in Calgary, on Treaty 7 territory, and marked the 4th annual event hosted by the Alberta Employment First Network.

The conference brought together advocates, service providers, community members, employers, and the Chamber of Commerce to explore what inclusive employment looks like in action.
The event was accessible for all and featured inspiring keynotes and panel discussions from people with lived experience and employers like ATB who are walking the talk when it comes to inclusive hiring.

Bean Gill moderated the day and kept the room both engaged and laughing throughout.

A big thank you to everyone who helped make this event and the month’s celebrations possible. October is a month to celebrate and bring awareness to disability employment and this year PDC supported several events that took place in Edmonton, including: the EmployAbilities Employer Awards, Gateway Inclusion Perks, the Chrysalis and GoodWill reverse job fair, and Goodwill DEAM Connect.

You can find more DEAM events and activities on the The Pan Disability Connection website: https://pdconnection.org/news-events/

[The first image shows a dark navy circle and bright yellow dot over a teal background with bold white text reading “Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM).” Below, smaller text says, “Highlights from the 2025 DEAM Conference and the learnings that followed.” A yellow line separates the two text sections.

The second image shows a large conference room filled with people seated at round tables during the 2025 DEAM Conference. A speaker stands on stage beside a large screen displaying captions, and the room is decorated with coloured curtains. A navy circle and yellow dot overlay the the photo and teal background.

In the third image, a group of people is standing on a stage in front of a coloured curtain backdrop. They are posing for a group photo at the DEAM conference. A red banner on the right side displays the words “Proudly Supporting DEAM October” in white text, referencing Disability Employment Awareness Month. The image is framed in a teal background with dark blue and yellow circular design elements in the corners.

In the fourth image, four people are standing indoors in front of a red banner that reads “Proudly Supporting DEAM October” with additional text promoting Disability Employment Awareness Month. They are smiling and wearing conference name badges. The background includes wooden paneling and signage indicating a conference venue. The image is similarly framed in teal with dark blue and yellow circular accents in opposite corners.]

10/23/2025

In our Skills Society 2025 Annual Report, we explore how everyday actions uphold the values of the community living movement.

Rights, dignity, and inclusion are advanced not only through big systems changes, but also through the small, relational ways we show up in daily life. In this article, "It’s the Little Things - Everyday Actions That Uphold the Community Living Movement," Cameron Pierce, Manager of Positive Practices, reflects on the legacy of disability rights and the importance of positive, person-centred approaches.

Read the full article on page 46 of our Annual Report here: www.skillssociety.ca/news/its-the-little-things-everyday-actions-that-uphold-the-community-living-movement

[In the image, a human hand holds a small pile of soil. From the soil, illustrated green lines grow upward like plant stems, sprouting yellow leaves and connecting to bold black text that reads "Everyday actions that uphold the Community Living Movement." Above that, in smaller handwritten text, it says "It's the little things." Below the image, a black bar contains the words "Annual Report Article Share" in bold white capital letters.]

10/20/2025

Happy Diwali to our Skills community! Diwali is a celebration of light, joy, and togetherness. It is a reminder of the power of community and the hope we create when we come together. Wishing everyone a bright and joyful festival of lights!

[The image has a dark blue background with bold white text that reads ‘Happy Diwali.’ Below, smaller golden-yellow text says, ‘May this season bring joy, health and prosperity to you and your family.’ On the right, a simple graphic of a yellow flame above a white semicircle with a teal border represents a lit diya, symbolizing the Diwali festival.]

10/14/2025

As part of Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), we want to spotlight The Pan Disability Connection (PDC) and our very own Shauna McCallum, Skills Society’s Director of Community Supports.

The PDC began in Edmonton in 2015 as a grassroots collaboration guided by a collective impact approach. Since then, it has brought together advocates, service providers, community members, and employers who are all working toward more inclusive employment. The network has helped shape initiatives like Alberta’s proclamation of October as DEAM and continues to host regional-wide events each year.

Shauna has been part of this work from the early days and serves as the Partnership Broker. In this role, she guides key stakeholders and organizations to work collaboratively, build trust and a shared understanding, and create new partnerships, including with the Alberta Employment First Network (https://aefn.ca/about-aefn/).

At Skills Society, we’re proud to be a partner of the PDC. This commitment ties directly to our Thrive in Five pillar of employment and to supporting people with disabilities in finding meaningful work.

You can learn more and check out upcoming PDC events at: https://pdconnection.org/

[The image shows a teal background with a large yellow circle overlapping a dark navy semicircle. Inside the semicircle, bold white text reads “Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM).” Below, smaller white text highlights a spotlight on the Pan Disability Connection, with the PDC logo displayed at the bottom.

The image shows Shauna standing at a podium inside a large open space with steps behind her. She is wearing a red DEAM t-shirt and speaking into a microphone. A floral arrangement sits at the base of the podium, and several audience members in red DEAM shirts are seated and listening.

The image shows the PDC committee gathered together outdoors in front of tall office buildings. They are all wearing matching red DEAM t-shirts, and some are seated while others stand behind them. One PDC committee member at the center holds a sign that reads “Proclaim DEAM,” and everyone is smiling toward the camera.]

10/10/2025

October 10 is World Mental Health Day. It’s a day to raise awareness, reflect on mental health, and think about how we can support better mental well-being for everyone.

If you or someone you know needs support, you can find mental health resources here:�https://edmonton.cmha.ca/find-help/

10/04/2025

We talk a lot about “independence” in disability services.

It’s a word that rolls off the tongue like it belongs to everyone. But too often, when it comes to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, “independence” gets redefined to mean “what we allow.”

You can live here - but only if we say yes.
You can choose this - but only from the options we approve.
You can go there - but only if someone drives you.

That’s not independence. That’s managed compliance.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth. Real independence is messy. It means mistakes, risks, even failures. It means someone with a developmental disability has the same right to make a bad decision, or to be imperfect. Just like everyone else.

If you want to support people, stop bubble-wrapping lives. Start making space for risk, for growth, for the dignity of trying.

Because control disguised as “care” is not kindness, it’s captivity.
..

ID: Image shows a man with his arms folded smiling. Text reads: Control disguised as “care” is not kindness, it’s captivity.

Address

#203, 10408 124 Street
Edmonton, AB
T5N1R5

Telephone

+17804969686

Website

http://www.linktr.ee/skillssociety

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