Stories from Folks we Serve

 

Supporting people to be valued citizens is at the heart of what we do

Jason’s story: Captain Community

Inspired by Jason’s true story of being a great neighbour and active citizen.

Many thanks to SOS kids magazine for donating the illustrator of the comic book. Thanks to Yvette Prefontaine for voice overs. U of A CSL, Steven Cresswell for editing, voice overs and producing, SKILLS Society, and Mandy Halabi of Youcan Society for connecting us with SOS magazine.

Creative Housing Collaboration with Melcor

Check out the video about a creative housing collaboration we have been part of stewarding.

Ryan’s Story of Being A Karaoke Regular

This is Ryan! Ryan is a regular at his local bar's karaoke nights. He loves music, and is using his love of music to connect with his community.

Tyler’s Story – Metal, Mosh Pits, and Magic

This is Tyler! Tyler had Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (and some other conditions) which affects his muscles, and makes it hard for him to move and speak. He likes Heavy Metal, video games, and Pro wrestling, which he goes to every month. He knows the wrestlers, and has a running feud with one of the refs. Tyler has fought through a difficult past to now living his best life connected in community thanks in part to support from Skills Society.

CommuniTEA Infusion: Dignity and Drinks in One Funky Van

CommuniTEA is a mobile tea house that travels to neighbourhoods around our city — creating a “pop-up” town square where people come together, get to know each other and strengthen connections. In today’s fast-paced society, fewer people are connected to their communities in meaningful ways. CommuniTEA becomes a gathering place for people, creating opportunities for meaningful exchange.

People with disabilities are the key leaders of this initiative taking the role of community builders in Edmonton neighbourhoods.

Daniel’s Story: Drumming to his own beat

Daniel was very involved in his community thanks to a family that insisted he have a good life and be included in every day community life. Daniel and his family taught us a lot during our 5 year Project Citizenship Exploration. www.projectcitizenship.com . Daniel was loved by his family, community and Skills family. Sadly he passed away a few years ago, but his story, memories and inspiration live on.

Housing Solutions Lab in Action

Skills Society, Inclusion Alberta, Civida (formerly Capital Region Housing), and Homeward Trust partnered to explore affordable and inclusive housing for people with developmental disabilities.

The creation of housing and support models that are affordable, accessible, and also support the social inclusion of people with developmental disabilities is complex work that requires the coordination and cooperation of multiple stakeholders and deeper insight into the perspectives and experiences of people with disabilities.

In this video you’ll hear from some people we support on what’s important in designing inclusive housing that fosters belonging.

The Rights We Want!

In 1995 a group of 40 self-advocates supported by Skills Society came together to develop The Rights We Want! Statement of Our Rights & Responsibilities. This document led to significant change both within Skills Society and in the community disability service sector as a whole. The document continues to be foundational to our work today and is an integral part of the organizational culture.

In this mini-documentary you’ll hear from self-advocates and allies within Skills Society about the history and legacy of the The Rights We Want!.

Quentin’s Story

Quentin is an exceptional young man who takes part in his community through a variety of meaningful activities with others.