Inclusion Lethbridge

04/02/2026

Today, we recognize World Autism Awareness Day—a time to celebrate the strengths, perspectives, and contributions of autistic individuals in our community.

At Inclusion Lethbridge, we believe awareness is only the beginning. True inclusion means creating spaces where everyone belongs, every day. It means listening, learning, and removing barriers so that people of all abilities can fully participate and thrive.

Autism acceptance isn’t something we practice for just one day—it’s a commitment we carry forward in our actions, our communities, and our shared future. Together, we can build a more inclusive Lethbridge where diversity is not only recognized, but valued and celebrated every single day. 💙

04/01/2026

Add a little advocacy to your everyday! 💙

Inclusion Lethbridge is excited to offer our brand-new stickers—perfect for showing your support for inclusion, accessibility, and community. Whether you stick them on your water bottle, laptop, or notebook, these designs help spark conversations and spread awareness wherever you go.

Members receive a free 3" sticker, and additional sizes are available for purchase:
• 3" stickers – $2 each
• 5" stickers – $3 each

Every sticker helps amplify the message that everyone belongs. Stop by the Inclusion Lethbridge office today to pick yours up and wear your support proudly!

Thank you Sign Superstore for your support!

03/26/2026

🌟 Office Space Available for Rent – Starting May 1 🌟

Looking for a welcoming, professional space in a community-focused environment? Inclusion Lethbridge has a private office available for rent beginning May 1!

✨ What’s included:
•Bright, comfortable office space including skylight
• Access to shared amenities (kitchen, meeting areas, etc.)
• Centrally located in Lethbridge
• Inclusive, community-driven atmosphere

This space is ideal for professionals, or community partners who value collaboration and accessibility.

📅 Available: May 1
📍 Location: Inclusion Lethbridge Office (527 6th Street South)

If you’re interested or would like more details, please reach out to us—we’d love to connect and show you the space!

📩 Send us a message, call (403) 327-2911 or email to inquire: rene@inclusionlethbridge.org

03/26/2026

Have Your Voice Heard: Help Shape Inclusive Sexual Health Resources

Inclusion Lethbridge is pleased to share an opportunity for families in our community to participate in an important research project led by the University of Calgary.

This project is focused on co-developing accessible, inclusive, and meaningful sexual health education resources for Autistic children and youth—grounded in the real experiences of families and caregivers.

We know that conversations about bodies, relationships, and sexuality can be complex, and too often families are left without the right tools or supports. This project aims to change that—with your help.

Who can participate:

Parents, guardians, or family members (18+)
Living in Alberta
Supporting an Autistic child or youth
Open to discussing topics related to bodies, relationships, and sexuality

What’s involved:

Participate in either a one-on-one interview or a small virtual focus group (your choice)
Two virtual sessions (via Zoom):
One to share your experiences and needs
One to provide feedback on a draft resource
Receive a $50 honorarium per session

Sessions are designed to be accessible, supportive, and respectful of participant comfort.

This study has received ethics approval through the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB) at the University of Calgary.

Interested or want to learn more?
Contact the research team at:
📧 disability.sexuality.lab@gmail.com
📧 Dr. Alan Martino: alan.martino@ucalgary.ca

We encourage our members and community partners to consider participating or sharing this opportunity. Your input can help create better, more inclusive resources for families across Alberta.

03/17/2026

Take Action: Support Accessibility Legislation in Alberta

Albertans with disabilities continue to face barriers in everyday life — from accessing services and employment to navigating public spaces and communication. Right now, there is an important opportunity to change that.

Barrier-Free Alberta has launched a simple email campaign to help you contact your MLA and show your support for Bill 206 — the Accessible Alberta Act.

This proposed legislation would be a major step toward creating a province where accessibility, inclusion, and dignity are built into how we live, work, and connect with one another.

Why this matters

Accessibility legislation would:

Help remove barriers across communities

Improve access to employment, education, and services

Support independence and full participation for people with disabilities

Create a more inclusive Alberta for everyone

Take Action Today

Barrier-Free Alberta has made it quick and easy to get involved. With just a few clicks, you can send a message to your MLA and help push for meaningful change.

👉 Take part in the campaign here:
https://win.newmode.net/barrierfreealberta/voteyesforbill206accessiblealbertaact

Our Message

We believe Alberta deserves accessibility legislation. This is a critical opportunity to build a province that values inclusion, equity, and dignity for every resident.

We encourage our community members, families, and allies to take a moment to add your voice.

 For decades the disability community has been calling for accessibility legislation, but Alberta has remained one of only two provinces without this critical framework that would identify, prevent, and remove barriers. On March 12, 2026, Marie Renaud, MLA for St. Alberta tabled Bill 206 - Accessi...

03/13/2026

Recent changes to Bill 12 and eligibility for Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped are raising serious concerns across Alberta.

As Philip Ney from Inclusion Alberta explains, redefining eligibility around being “permanently unemployable” creates a troubling reality for many people with disabilities.

For decades, people with intellectual disabilities have been working in their communities with the support of inclusive employers. Through initiatives like those led by Inclusion Alberta, more than 1,600 individuals have found meaningful employment and opportunities to contribute to their communities.

This change risks forcing people into an impossible choice:
➡️ continue working and risk losing essential benefits
➡️ or keep supports but give up on employment and community participation

At Inclusion Lethbridge, we believe people with disabilities deserve the opportunity to work, belong, and be included in community life without being penalized for it.

We encourage our community to learn more by reading the full article shared by Inclusion Alberta:
🔗 https://inclusionalberta.org/curated-news-content/

We are also proud to share that Ben Rowley, a member of the Inclusion Lethbridge Board and a dedicated self-advocate, recently had an opinion piece published in the Lethbridge Herald titled “A Home is a Human Right.”

Ben’s article highlights the importance of inclusive housing and community belonging for people with disabilities. We will share a photo of his article in the comments below.

Community voices and lived experience matter in these conversations. 💬

As Inclusion Alberta’s Philip Ney explained, “Some people will hear this as good news. But there’s a really big problem here, and that’s that Bill 12 redefined eligibility for AISH, and it defined it as a severe disability that makes somebody permanently unemployable.”

For decades, people with intellectual disabilities have been working in their communities with the support of inclusive employers. Inclusion Alberta alone has helped 1,600 people with intellectual disabilities find jobs.

But this change creates a troubling choice.

“People with disabilities are having to choose between a benefit cut and scraping by in the job market, or else having their benefits maintained, but giving up on the possibility of employment,” Ney said.

Read the full article on the curated new page of our website here: https://inclusionalberta.org/curated-news-content/

03/12/2026

After a recent nomination we had the honour of being present last evening at the 100 Women Who Care Lethbridge event alongside two incredible local organizations — Chinook Sexual Assault Centre and Lethbridge Pregnancy Centre.

While we didn’t take home the final vote this time (congratulations to Chinook Sexual Assault Centre!), we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share about Inclusion Lethbridge and the work we do supporting individuals and families in our community.

Events like this are a powerful reminder of what can happen when women come together with a shared goal of strengthening the community we all care about. The generosity, connection, and empowerment in the room last night was truly inspiring.

Thank you to the organizers of 100 Women Who Care, Lethbridge and to everyone who listened, asked questions, and connected with us. Opportunities like this help build awareness, partnerships, and momentum for creating a more inclusive community.

We are so grateful to be part of a city filled with people who care deeply about making a difference. 💙

We are incredibly grateful to a generous anonymous donor for sponsoring the refreshments at our upcoming charity event. Your kindness and quiet generosity truly embody the spirit of giving. 💗

03/11/2026

☕ A coffee that gives back.

We’re excited to share our Inclusion Lethbridge Fundraising Coffee, created in partnership with the amazing team at Cuppers Coffee & Tea.

Every bag purchased helps support the work of Inclusion Lethbridge — advocating for inclusion, supporting families, and empowering individuals with disabilities in our community.

💛 Fresh roasted locally
💛 Delicious, high-quality coffee
💛 Proceeds support inclusion in our community

It’s a simple way to enjoy your daily cup while helping create a more inclusive Lethbridge.

☕ Grab a bag today and sip with purpose.

🛒 For more Info:
https://www.cuppers.ca/product-category/fresh-roasted-coffee/fundraising-coffee/inclusion-lethbridge/