JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Since 1986, the Canadian Abilities Foundation has served Canadians with disabilities; we have strived to be a source of information, inspiration and opportunity these many years – through good times and more challenging periods as well. We now feel that circumstances have changed, and so must we. We feel, along with many other individuals and organizations, that our contribution has been substantial – but inadequate for effecting lasting change that can truly make a fundamental difference to people with disabilities and the communities in which we all live. In other words, it is time to elevate the dialogue. We are no longer satisfied with speaking exclusively to people with disabilities – we now want to engage the stake- holders who are affecting their lives, along with all other members of the community. So, we have decided to turn a corner. Abilities is the only place where people with disabilities, professionals, service organizations, consumer groups, government departments and corporations converge to contemplate matters of mutual interest. So, who better, along with our many partners, to lead the conversation? What conversation? You know, the one about equality amongst all citizens. Yes, that conversation, the one about equal access to education, health care, employment, transportation – and the list goes on! We are reinventing ourselves – not completely, but in many of the ways that matter. We have decided to offer our space to the population of people with disabilities, and everyone else who cares about access and full participation – starting with our website! If you have not visited recently, come to www. abilities.ca and join the conversation. There you will find a crisp, new presentation, easily navigated and very inviting; you will find the accumulated knowledge and contacts gathered over two decades; you will find many individuals who think in a similar vein as you do – and others who don’t. You will find an opportunity for critical dialogue – a meeting place where people with disabilities and the broader community can come together to discuss issues that affect us all.

This is our invitation to join us and help us grow the website. You will find that the Abilities website will change very quickly in exciting and useful ways – and your participation is needed in order for this amazing resource to reach its full potential. Join the website and participate in the growing list of blogs, register to receive our monthly e-newsletter, and check out news, views and opportunities from our partner organizations. And while you are there, if you have not already done so, subscribe to Abilities Magazine! Now, more than ever, we need your support to continue our work. And, for current visitors to our website, you don’t have to worry about losing out on the services that already exist, including tons of reference material and resources on health, active living, parenting and family life, housing, employment, education, transportation, recreation, relationships and sexuality, travel and so much more.

You can continue to take advantage of amazing resources, such as Access Guide Canada, Access to Learning Canada, and News, Views and Opportunities from around the world. In fact, you’ll find new resources on literacy, the latest disability news, and opportunities and updates from our extensive list of partners. Those services and resources will continue to be there for you...and now you have an opportunity to participate in a conversation that will undoubtedly make our world a better and more participatory place for all of us.