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Blog Without Limits
...voices from the community


Staff Stories: Janis Zalitach
During my time as a Program Coordinator with CP Alberta, I have the privilege of supporting individuals on their journeys toward growth, confidence, and independence. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is witnessing the meaningful progress and achievements of our participants—whether big or small. Equally impactful is observing the social transformation that takes place within our programs. Participants who begin as strangers gradually build connections, share exper
lison435
Jun 261 min read


‘Good for one, good for all’: West Edmonton community builds accessible park for student
A west Edmonton neighbourhood is celebrating the culmination of five years of rallying behind a student with disabilities who now has a playground built with him in mind. Francis Lahaye is a kid as bright as the yellow sunglasses he wore on Saturday at the newly redesigned Lynnwood Playground. He’s quick to make a ‘6,7’ joke and he loves to hang out with his friends at the nearby school. Francis has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, so in past years, joining his friends a
News Article
Jun 241 min read


AI helping teen with cerebral palsy with his studies
Learning is a bit easier for Liam Dansereau now that he can use AI to control his laptop, something the teen with cerebral palsy struggled with previously. CTV News Edmonton's Amanda Anderson has his story. Watch here: https://www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/video/2026/06/20/ai-helping-teen-with-cerebral-palsy-with-his-studies/
News Article
Jun 221 min read


Exciting News From CBC
AccessCBC CBC is thrilled to announce that AccessCBC, their national program for Deaf and disabled creators, is returning for its fourth season in partnership with the Disability Screen Office. Applications are now open for our scripted, kids, and podcast streams. Detailed program information is available on the AccessCBC website, and the application deadline is Thursday, July 9, 2026. Please help us spread the word! You can use their promo assets (video testimonials, quot
lison435
Jun 161 min read


Why We Recognize Pride Month as a Disability Organization
Every June, communities across Canada recognize Pride Month—a time to celebrate diversity, advocate for inclusion, and acknowledge the contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. As a disability organization, some people may wonder why Pride Month is important to us. The answer is simple: inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. At CP Alberta, we believe that every person deserves to feel valued, respected, and empowered to participate fully in their community. Disability
Leah Ison
Jun 52 min read


Breaking, Splattering, and Building Connections: A Staff Team-Building Adventure
At CP Alberta, we know that strong teams are built through shared experiences, collaboration, and a little bit of fun. Thanks to the rain and a postponed Golf Without Limits event, our Edmonton staff and part of our Leadership Team stepped away from their desks and headed to Axe Monkeys in Edmonton for an afternoon of team building that was anything but ordinary. The day featured two unique activities: a paint splatter room and a rage room. First up was the paint splatter exp
Leah Ison
Jun 22 min read


Celebrating National Accessibility Week
This week, we recognize National Accessibility Week — a time to celebrate inclusion, raise awareness about accessibility, and recognize the important work still needed to create communities where everyone can fully participate. At CP Alberta, accessibility means more than removing barriers. It means creating opportunities, building connections, and ensuring people with disabilities feel seen, supported, and included in every aspect of community life. Throughout the week, we e
Leah Ison
May 311 min read


Leveling the Playing Field: A Night of Accessible Gaming
Our latest Gaming Night brought connection, curiosity, and a whole lot of fun—and it’s safe to say participants are already asking when the next one is happening. The evening kicked off with a friendly round of Wii bowling, giving everyone a chance to settle in, connect, and get into the spirit of the night. From the very beginning, the room was filled with laughter, encouragement, and a shared excitement for what was to come. We were thrilled to once again welcome Tyler Fent
Leah Ison
May 191 min read


Staff Stories: Cindy Turnquist
One moment that really stands out is our relationship with Kelly Edye from Fountain Tire. What started as support for the tournament has grown into something much more. Kelly is now the presenting sponsor of our Golf Without Limits Tournament, has helped bring in additional sponsors, players, and prizing, and even joined our Board of Directors last year. Together with his wife Shelagh, they’ve also helped grow the Darci Edye Memorial Putt for Prizes—making it a meaningful and
Leah Ison
May 141 min read


Living with cerebral palsy is so exhausting, sometimes I want to give up. Here's what's helped me
This First Person article is the experience of Alex Lytwyn, who lives with cerebral palsy and is a disability advocate, writer and small business owner of Willpower Media. At present, my life is beyond exhausting. Being in a power wheelchair can be — and is — at times very difficult. Every so often, life can feel like I am spinning my wheels and not getting anywhere. And honestly, I do have days when I just want to give up. But it's the simplest things in life that can help p
News Article
May 111 min read


Staff Stories: Michelle Kristinson
I believe I have the best role at CPAA, leading both the Alberta Ability Network (AAN) and Barrier-Free Alberta (BFA). Working alongside hundreds of community advocates, people with lived experience, disability organizations, and allies allows us to expand our reach and influence the policies and practices that shape the lives of people with disabilities. How cool is that? It has been truly inspiring to be part of the BFA movement advocating for accessibility legislation. Whi
Leah Ison
May 61 min read


Staff Stories: Kim Henye
Thank you to everyone who has supported us over 50 years! Working at Cerebral Palsy Alberta for nearly 29 years has brought me so much joy and admiration for others. I was born with a disability (Arthrogryposis), and as I already have had lived experience; witnessing other situations showed me a greater understanding how families and persons with disabilities can overcome any obstacle or diversity with the willingness to strive, and the understanding that each day is another
Leah Ison
May 52 min read


Staff Stories: Leah Ison
Working as a Communications and Engagement Specialist has been more than just a career for me—it’s been a journey of growth, connection, and purpose. Over time, I’ve had the opportunity to grow not only professionally, but personally as well. This role has pushed me to learn, adapt, and see the world through new perspectives. Every story I help share has shaped the way I understand our community and the impact we make together. One of the most meaningful parts of this work ha
Leah Ison
May 11 min read


Staff Stories: Darcy Hines
What makes me proud to be part of CP Alberta is knowing that the generous donations we receive throughout the province, along with our fundraising efforts, have a direct impact on the programs we offer to our members. Having been a former volunteer with CP Alberta, I’ve seen firsthand how much our members enjoy participating in these programs and how meaningful they are. Now, as part of the operations team, scheduling donation pickups allows me to see the process from both si
Leah Ison
Apr 301 min read


Staff Stories: Christy Bangen
The moment at CP Alberta that will stay with me is my first week as the new program coordinator in Calgary. I was very nervous as I entered the programs room to join the Music Therapy class. One of our participants’ caregivers had to leave the room and I stat beside our program participant so she wasn’t alone. She was a very serious looking girl and had her arms securely folded across her chest. No expression whatsoever. As the music started, I whispered something into her ea
Leah Ison
Apr 281 min read


Dating a Psychologist with Cerebral Palsy
What do you do when you’re born with a brain-body communication glitch?. If you’re Dr. Dan, you don't just "manage". You go out and collect a PhD, a Paralympic gold medal in table tennis, and a career as a dating coach just to keep things interesting. This week, the Sickboy Podcast sits down with the legendary Dr. Dan to talk about life with Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. Dan gets real about the "Super Crip" pressure to be ten times better than everyone else just to be
Leah Ison
Apr 241 min read


Leadership Through Service: Celebrating Our Volunteer Board of Directors
When people think of volunteers, they often picture helping hands at events or in programs. But behind the scenes, there’s another group of dedicated individuals helping guide our organization forward—our Board of Directors. This National Volunteer Week, we’re proud to recognize an often unseen, but deeply impactful group of volunteers who play a critical role in everything we do. Volunteers at the Leadership Table Our Board of Directors is made up of individuals who generous
Leah Ison
Apr 222 min read


Stories That Matter: Disability Book Week
Every story has the power to shape how we see the world—and during Disability Book Week , we celebrate the voices, experiences, and perspectives of people with disabilities through the pages of incredible books. Disability Book Week is a time to recognize the importance of authentic representation in literature. For too long, disability has been misunderstood, misrepresented, or overlooked entirely in storytelling. Today, more authors with lived experience are sharing their o
Leah Ison
Apr 172 min read


Celebrating the Heart of Our Community: National Volunteer Week
Every year, National Volunteer Week gives us the opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible people who make our work possible—our volunteers. At CP Alberta, volunteers are more than just helping hands. They are champions of inclusion, builders of community, and a vital part of everything we do. Whether they’re supporting programs, lending their time at events, or helping behind the scenes, their impact reaches far beyond the moments they give—it creates lasti
Leah Ison
Apr 172 min read


Celebrating the Heart of Care: National Caregiver Day
Behind every moment of progress, every milestone reached, and every challenge overcome, there is often a caregiver—quietly, consistently, and compassionately showing up. On National Caregiver Day, we take time to recognize and celebrate the incredible individuals who provide care, support, and advocacy for people living with disabilities. Caregivers are parents, siblings, grandparents, friends, and professionals. They are the steady presence in both the big moments and the ev
Leah Ison
Apr 71 min read
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