Summer at EDSS has been a wonderful experience with a team of amazing staff and volunteers to bring our kiddos and adult participants to summer day camp. We are truly blessed to have created a wonderful team and so many positive experiences and lasting memories. Our EDSS family is growing, and thanks to this summer team, we have lots of new friends and supporters of EDSS for the future!
I also want to thank the Telus World of Science for hosting our group this past week for our wrap up celebration field trip. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and we would highly recommend making a visit there for anyone looking for a full day experience!
We are excited for the fall programs to get started so please read more about the upcoming registrations for the new Literacy and Communication Pilot Program, Jr. Basketball and the Jr. Dance programs starting soon.
Enjoy the beautiful long weekend and the last days of summer!
Reminders
We are excited to launch a new Literacy and Communication Pilot Program this fall. It will be based on the Natalie Hale’s Whole Child Reading approach and be delivered through our Speech Therapy professional service providers. Read further on the Family Support page here to learn more and let us know your thoughts.
We have being attending webinars to learn more about the CBD and DTC. Here is a great resource for you to learn more: What is the Canada Disability Benefit? — Canada Disability Benefit This information is particularly urgent for those who receive AISH.
“People who get AISH and do not update an AISH office on or before September 4, 2025 could face a penalty. If you do not update AISH, you may automatically see the maximum CDB amount of $200/month taken off your monthly AISH payment. This $200/month loss would start in October 2025. You will not be taken off AISH benefits or have your benefits paused, but you will lose the full amount of $200/month. This is true even if you would not be eligible for the full $200/month benefit. At this time, people who are taking steps to apply for the CDB and communicate this to the AISH program will not see an automatic reduction in their AISH benefit.” - Plan Institute
Our advocacy committee has begun our work and we are working on developing our advocacy strategy. There is a lot to process in this space for our families so keep watching for more information as we continue our strategy development. Please visit this site to learn more about your Government’s request for input. Your voice matters: Transforming disability income support in Alberta | alberta.ca
I would like to encourage you to share with us what your interest will be in participating in the fall programs. We are planning on starting Club 21 again in the fall on Friday nights for both the children (8-12), and the teen groups (13-17), if there is enough interest. We are also exploring the option of using other community facilities such as the Meadows, ACT centre or other locations when possible, and so we are interested in your feedback. Please send your feedback to contact@edss.ca with how frequent your kiddo would attend
Uniquely Me planning is well underway and we would like to share a few highlights of the upcoming event on Thursday, October 9th.
Step in the world of high fashion with "La Dolce Vita" and experience the exclusive event that will transport you to the runways of the iconic Milan Fashion Week.
Uniquely Me is a gala evening of music, entertainment, fashion and a full-scale celebration that will highlight the many talents of our participants born with Down syndrome and collaborations with local artists.
We are looking forward to seeing our newest models and a new co-host this year, Alana Gersky.
After a huge response to our local entertainers, Martin Murphy and the Pre-Tenors will be returning this year. We are looking forward to all our local celebrity models and partners who will be joining us for our premiere fundraising event of the year. If you would like to get involved, there are partnership opportunities available, and we are also looking for donations of auction items. This is a great opportunity to promote your local business or products. Click here for more information and to purchase your tickets now. Bring your guests for a wonderful night out and help us raise funds and awareness about Down syndrome and the endless possibilities our community has to offer.
Join Our Team
We are hiring a Fund Development Manager and Program Assistant - Day Program Lead
to help grow and sustain our vital work.
Learn more and apply here: edss.ca/careers
30th Anniversary - History Photobook
We are still working on a history photobook and we would love to feature your family!
Whatever your journey has been, I would like to invite you to share with us a bit about your experiences – sharing your favorite memories and your family photos – both “then” and “now”. If you have a baby/toddler photo and then a current family photo that would be great to include in our 30th Anniversary photo album project.
We are loving the snapshots we are getting into the families that have contributed so far. Please add your families history to our book. Share your memories with us!
Please share your memories and photos with us at guest@edss.ca as soon as possible.
