Media Release: Community Disability Service Workers Appreciation Week

Alberta Declares May 22-28, 2023

Community Disability Service Workers Appreciation Week

Cardston, ALBERTA, May 19, 2023 – The Alberta Disability Workers Association (ADWA) actively raises awareness of the essential work being done by Community Disability Service Professionals across Alberta. ADWA is pleased the Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, Jeremy Nixon, formally declared May 22-28, 2023, as Community Disability Service Workers Appreciation Week.

Service provider organizations, families, and individuals across the province will be celebrating the important and valuable work of Disability Service Professionals.

ADWA Executive Director, Sue Manery is excited about the declaration and stated, “The actions and supports provided every day by people employed in Disability Services make such a positive difference not only in the lives of people with disabilities, but also in their communities. I truly admire the commitment and passion they have for their profession and congratulate them on this well-deserved public recognition.”

Along with Manery, Alex Stoye, president of the ADWA Board, believes it is time this public recognition is provided to this under-acknowledged, essential workforce. Stoye states, “This is the first time that the work of Community Disability Services has been formally recognized on a provincial level. A declaration  such as this is a fantastic way to bring awareness to the professional and competent work of this community.”

When asked what it means as a Community Disability Service Worker, to have this appreciation week declared, ADWA Champion, Heather Lyons said, “It’s huge! It shows the whole province the work we do is essential and vital, and makes a big impact in the lives of so many Albertans with disabilities. It shows our advocacy and hard work has brought this recognition that every worker, in every role, deserves. It shows we are not forgotten.”

Every day, everywhere, across Alberta, Disability Service Professionals are providing quality services to people with disabilities.

In Cardston, Cardston Support Services provides Community Disability Services.

About Alberta Disability Workers Association (ADWA)
ADWA is the leading voice for people employed in Community Disability Services. ADWA delivers targeted advocacy, promotes skill development and certification, and elevates the profile of Community Disability Service professionals and the essential services they provide to Albertans with  disabilities.  

ADWA put forward a request to Alberta’s Minister of Seniors, Community & Social Services to formally recognize the valuable and essential work of Community Disability Service Professionals. Minister Jeremy Nixon responded by declaring the Appreciation Week, in the attached Declaration.

For information about ADWA, please visit www.adwa.ca . Follow on Facebook, Twitter @AlbertaDWA, and Instagram @adwa.ca.