Inclusion Lethbridge

11/12/2025

📣 You’re Invited!

Join us for the Naturally Speaking Toastmasters Open House at Inclusion Lethbridge! 🗣️✨

If you’ve ever wanted to build confidence, improve your public speaking, or become a stronger communicator — this is the perfect opportunity to learn how Toastmasters can help.

📍 Where: Inclusion Lethbridge, 527 – 6th Street South
🗓️ When: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Come discover the power of your voice and connect with a welcoming community that celebrates growth, inclusion, and self-expression.

Learn more about Toastmasters and self-advocacy, or check out SRSAN for connecting with self-advocates in the disability community.🌟

11/06/2025

📬 Your Words Matter! 🖊️

Join us for an empowering Letter Writing Night where we’ll come together to raise our voices for disability, inclusion, and justice.

🗓 When: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 — Drop-in anytime between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM
📍 Where: Owl Acoustic Lounge
– 606 3 Ave S, Lethbridge
💌 Cost: Free entry – just bring yourself (and a friend!)

We’ll be writing letters about critical issues affecting our community, including:
✉️ AISH rent increases
✉️ CDB clawbacks
✉️ The introduction of ADAP
✉️ Costs of mandatory medical assessments
…and more.

🕊️ Every letter helps build awareness and put pressure where it’s needed most — because real change starts with our voices.

Come share a table, a story, and a purpose. Let’s write for justice, inclusion, and dignity. 💜

11/04/2025

💚 Our Annual Membership Drive is Here!

Nearly 70 years ago, families in our community came together with one powerful belief:
that every person belongs.

From those early days of breaking barriers in schools, workplaces, and communities, Inclusion Lethbridge was born — built on family leadership, advocacy, and the vision that no disability precludes full citizenship.

Today, that legacy continues — but we need you to keep it strong.
By becoming a member, you help us continue advocating, supporting, and connecting individuals and families with developmental disabilities to the resources and belonging they deserve.

✨ Membership is activism.
Your membership helps sustain our advocacy work, ensures families have support when navigating complex systems, and empowers self-advocates to lead change in our community.

Membership Options:

Individual – $25

Family – $35

Associate – $100

📍 How to Join:

Stop by our office and fill out a membership form

Call us — we can complete it online and accept e-transfers

Or join through our Zeffy link:
👉 https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/virtual-membership-drive-for--2026

Once your membership is processed, we’ll follow up by phone or email to finalize your registration.

Your support keeps Inclusion Lethbridge thriving — for today, tomorrow, and the next generation of families who believe in a truly inclusive community.

💬 Do you love someone with a disability? So do we.
Join us in building a community where everyone belongs.

Visit our website for more details: www.inclusionlethbridge.ca

11/03/2025

Join us for our Inclusion Family Holiday Party. Hope to see you there.

10/30/2025

The Alberta Government has proposed replacing AISH with a new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) that would cut monthly benefits by $200, reducing vital income for adults with disabilities already living below the poverty line. This comes after a $200 clawback of the Canada Disability Benefit and a $220 rent hike for AISH tenants in community housing — pushing many deeper into poverty.

These cuts mean thousands of Albertans with disabilities could lose access to essentials like food, medication, and stable housing. While other sectors receive pay increases, people with disabilities are being left behind.

📢 We’re joining Inclusion Alberta in calling for action — contact your MLA, write to Premier Danielle Smith, and tell the government to cancel ADAP before it forces more Albertans into crisis.

👉 Learn more and find tools to take action, and learn more, or call/email/message us for more information.

Individuals and families are increasingly reaching out to Inclusion Alberta expressing disappointment, fear and confusion about the newly proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) and what it means for them. We have created a resource where you can learn the facts about ADAP and what you can do to help stop the cut.

https://inclusionalberta.org/adap-facts-and-take-action/

10/30/2025

Just a reminder that the October SRSAN meeting is this afternoon at 1:00pm here at the Inclusion office, or you can message Chelsey at: chelsey@inclusionlethbridge.org for a virtual meeting link. See you there!

10/23/2025

🔥 Change Starts With Us! Join the SRSAN Movement! 🔥

Are you ready to stand up, speak out, and shape a more inclusive future? 💪 The South Region Self-Advocacy Network is calling all self-advocates, families, and allies who believe in disability justice, awareness, and rights for all.

This is your space to connect, share your story, and be part of real change — from breaking barriers to building community power. Together, we’re raising our voices for fairness, access, and respect across Alberta.

🌟 Whether you’re new to advocacy or a lifelong champion — your voice matters.
💬 Learn, grow, and lead with others who believe in inclusion, equity, and belonging.
✊ Let’s move from awareness to action — and create a community where everybody belongs.

🗓️ October 30 from 1:00pm-2:30pm
📍 Inclusion Lethbridge, or virtually (Email Chelsey at chelsey@inclusionlethbridge.org for more information).
💚 Everyone welcome — bring your passion, your ideas, and your voice!

10/23/2025

🎄✨ Low Sensory Day at the Christmas Tree Festival! ✨🎄

Check out this magical and inclusive holiday experience designed for individuals and families who benefit from a quieter, low-sensory environment. Enjoy Christmas Tree Lane, a festive scavenger hunt, storytime with Mrs. Claus, photos with Santa, and cozy treats like cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate — all in a calm, welcoming space.

📅 Wednesday, November 19, 2025
🕘 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (1-hour sessions, max 100 people per session)
📍 Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre
🎟️ Registration required — scan the QR code for tickets and full details!

Let’s make this season merry, bright, and accessible for everyone 💚

10/22/2025

Just a reminder this event it happening in Picture Butte this evening.
If you haven't registered, go to:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/picture-butte-long-term-financial-planning-workshop
See you there!

Money Anxiety & Budgeting in Uncertain Times (Picture Butte)
Inclusion Lethbridge · with Financial Advisor Andrew Mertz
Date: Wednesday, October 22
Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Location: Picture Butte — FCSS Picture Butte (607 Highway Avenue North)
Cost: Free

About the Workshop
Feeling stressed about bills, groceries, or rising costs? This plain-language session is for individuals and families on fixed or limited incomes. Financial advisor Andrew Mertz will share practical, judgment-free tips to help you breathe easier and make a plan that works in real life.

🎯 Money Anxiety is Real—Let’s Tackle It Together.
Join us Oct 22, 5:30–7:30 p.m. in Picture Butte for a free, plain-language workshop on Budgeting in Uncertain Times with financial advisor Andrew Mertz. Perfect for folks on fixed/limited income.
✅ Practical tips you can use right away
✅ Judgment-free space

Register:
Click Going and complete this short form to save your seat: PLEASE RSVP to:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/picture-butte-long-term-financial-planning-workshop
Info: 403-327-2911
Questions? (403) 327-2911

10/21/2025

October 19-25 is Invisible Disabilities Week — a timely reminder that many disabilities aren’t visible. In Canada, about 27% of people aged 15 and older (≈ 8 million) live with one or more disabilities.

And yet: nearly 37% of people with disabilities report being limited in their everyday life and facing barriers from others’ misconceptions or assumptions.

Not all disabilities can be seen — and that’s why a little understanding and kindness can go a long way. Let’s make sure everyone feels seen, valued and supported.

October 19-25 is Invisible Disabilities Week, a good reminder that 80% of people in Canada with a disability have one that isn’t visible. These include neurological, cognitive, sensory, mental health, hearing impairment, MS, and chronic conditions that don't appear as "disabled" to others.

Not all disabilities can be seen, and a little understanding and kindness can go a long way in helping everyone feel seen, valued and supported.