Organization
Alberta Council of Disability Services(ACDS)
The Alberta Council of Disability Services (ACDS) is a non-profit member association established in 1972 that represents community disability services providers across Alberta, working closely with the provincial government to strengthen supports for Albertans with developmental and other disabilities. It influences public policy, conducts sector-specific research, and provides resources and training to the community disability services workforce.
About
Founded in 1972, ACDS is Alberta's primary sector association for community disability services (CDS) providers — the organisations that deliver funded day programmes, residential support, employment, and community participation services to Albertans with developmental disabilities. ACDS operates from Edmonton and represents providers in every region of the province.
What They Do
ACDS advocates on behalf of the Community Disability Services sector through collective policy engagement with Alberta's government, conducting research on sector sustainability, workforce development, and service quality. It offers training, information sharing, and standards development for member organisations, and publicly highlights systemic issues facing service providers and the people they support — including funding adequacy and workforce retention challenges.
Who They Serve
ACDS primarily represents organisations that support adults with developmental disabilities in Alberta, including people with intellectual disabilities, autism, and complex support needs. Indirectly, its advocacy benefits the thousands of Albertans who receive community disability services and depend on a well-resourced, well-trained sector.
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