Building a More Accessible Alberta: Advocacy as Part of Our Legacy

For nearly 50 years, Cerebral Palsy Alberta has been committed to creating a more inclusive province—one where people with disabilities can fully participate in their communities. While our programs support individuals and families directly, our work has always extended beyond service delivery. Advocacy has been a vital part of our story.

Two important partnerships that reflect this commitment are our work with the Alberta Ability Network and Barrier-Free Alberta.

Stronger Together: Alberta Ability Network

In 2007, thanks to funding from the United Way of Calgary and Area, the initiative - Calgary Ability Network (CAN) - came to be. Through the years, CAN evolved and grew into the Alberta Ability Network (AAN) where our aim is to bring together key stakeholders to address issues and challenges, understand barriers and develop action plans to address issues affecting person with disabilities across Alberta. Through this network, we join forces with like-minded groups to share knowledge, advocate for change, and address barriers that affect our community.

By working collectively, we can push for more inclusive policies, improved supports, and greater awareness of the challenges people with disabilities face every day. This collaboration strengthens our impact and ensures that advocacy efforts are informed by a wide range of lived experiences.

We would also like to recognize that the United Way of Calgary and Area continues to be a strong funding source for our AAN inititaitnve.

Advocating for Change: Barrier-Free Alberta

Our involvement with Barrier-Free Alberta reflects our belief that accessibility should be a right, not a privilege. Barrier-Free Alberta is a provincial coalition advocating for strong, effective accessibility legislation—legislation that ensures all Albertans can access spaces, services, and opportunities without barriers.

Through this work, Cerebral Palsy Alberta contributes to a broader movement focused on creating lasting, systemic change. From raising awareness to encouraging community members to speak up and engage with decision-makers, we are proud to play a role in shaping a more accessible future.

Advocacy as Part of Our History—and Our Future

As we celebrate 50 years of impact, we recognize that our work is not just about where we’ve been—it’s about where we’re going. Advocacy has always been a cornerstone of our organization, and it will continue to guide us as we move forward.

Whether it’s supporting families, delivering programs, or working alongside partners like the Alberta Ability Network and Barrier-Free Alberta, our goal remains the same: to create a province where everyone belongs.

Together, we are building a more inclusive Alberta—one step, one voice, and one barrier removed at a time.