SRSAN’s History
From 2001 onward, learn all about SRSAN’s history.
2001
Several people were able to take the Leadership course given by The Leadership Today Society of Alberta. Those 38 people and the PDD South Board met on September 12, 2001 to talk about future meetings. Everyone believed that a regional group should continue to meet. The group also talked about:
A name
Where to meet
When to meet
How often to meet
Problems to work on
Possible future items to talk about
The group met again on November 9, 2001 in Blairmore, Alberta. We picked:
Our Name: South Region Self-Advocacy Network (SRSAN)
Where to meet: Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and Crowsnest Pass; rotating between cities.
What days to meet: Any day of the week, but planned ahead.
How often to meet: Every 3 months
Sandra Mak, the top person of Leadership Today, helped the group to make plans for the future and talked about what we thought was important. We wrote our ideas on flip chart paper.
2002
We set another date to meet on February 15, 2002 to talk more about how SRSAN would work. In the next meeting on March 27, 2002 we had a facilitator from Community Development help SRSAN pick its vision and mission.
Vision is what we want SRSAN to look like in the future.
Mission is what we plan to do.
Southern Alberta Individualized Planning Association (SAIPA) said they would support SRSAN to:
carry out their vision and mission;
connect with others in the south region and in Alberta to make life better for everyone;
speak up and become leaders;
learn more about their community and what it can offer;
set up Leadership Today Society of Alberta training for individuals, support staff and the community;
Have an annual conference and ongoing workshops for individuals and support staff.
SRSAN held the first self-advocacy conference, “Let’s Get Connected” at the Lethbridge Lodge Hotel. About 100 people came to the conference.
2003
SRSAN held their second self-advocacy conference titled “Building Stronger Connections”.
2004
On September 22, Clarence (Butch) Marsh passed away suddenly in a tragic accident. Clarence was a great man who worked very hard to see self-advocates be part of the community. He helped in the community and was a good role model for others. At that time, Clarence was Chairperson of SRSAN. Clarence often said “Anyone can learn at any age, people just need a chance.” He was a very good leader and advocate. He will be missed very much by his family and friends.
SRSAN held their third self-advocacy conference titled “Overcoming Challenges” which was an emotional tribute to remembering Clarence and Jim Marsh.
2005
SRSAN held their fourth self-advocacy conference and the first Clarence Marsh Memorial Award was presented to Lana Rutledge.
2006
Self-advocates supported by Peak Vocational and Support Services express their desire to volunteer their time to help SAIPA. Several advocates come in on Wednesday and Thursday mornings to put together the SRSAN newsletter which is later named “The Ripple”. The Ripple gives other self-advocates inspiration and tools to use when speaking up.
SRSAN Guidelines Committee met to work on these guidelines.
SRSAN Conference Planning Committee meet to make plans for the fifth annual self-advocacy conference – “Moving to Independence” to take place on October 14th at the Medicine Hat Lodge.
Rodney Barrows is the second person to receive the Clarence Marsh Memorial Award.
2007
The sixth annual conference took place. It was titled “Advocating Your Choices Today”.
Melodie Scout received the Clarence Marsh Memorial Award for all her hard work in promoting self-advocacy and demonstrating her leadership skills. Clarence would be proud.
SRSAN presented a plaque to Judy (Coe) Brown to recognize all of her hard work and dedication. They said, “It has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated.”
2008
SRSAN had been working for seven years and it was time to have a retreat. The retreat was to renew, refresh and review what SRSAN does and stands for. It was a two-day retreat and SRSAN revised their mission, vision, values and established two-year goals.
“Who You Are Makes a Difference” marked the seventh annual self-advocacy conference for SRSAN. Two awards were presented: the Clarence Marsh Memorial Award that went to Virginia Fawcett and an Ally Recognition Award established by Southern Alberta Individualized Planning Association (SAIPA) was awarded to Karen Vloo, a support staff that works at Taber Special Needs and supports the self-advocacy group Dynami. Both Virginia and Karen make a difference!
2009
“RESPECT YOU, others and the community!” marked the eighth annual self-advocacy conference for SRSAN. Two awards were presented: the Clarence Marsh Memorial Award that went to Edmund Zaiser and an Ally Recognition Award was awarded to Laurie Harvey, a support staff that works at CORE Association in Medicine Hat and supports the self-advocacy group CORE Masters. Both Edmund and Laurie make a difference!
SRSAN held its first Walk and Roll for Self-Advocacy. On June 5th, 2009, people gathered at the Lethbridge City Hall where they listened to Rodney Barrows and Lana Rutledge talk about their experience as self-advocates. Representatives from the City of Lethbridge spoke and Bridget Pastoor, MLA for Lethbridge East, helped to start off the walk and roll. People had signs showing their support of the event and the messages they wanted community to see. People walked to Galt Gardens and had Tom Cain conclude the event. He spoke of SRSAN inviting other minority groups to join us next year. To celebrate the event, people gathered for a BBQ at the Elks compound.
2010
In 2010, SRSAN held its second retreat. SRSAN decided on goals for the next two years and elected their new executive members. These members consisted of a group that was elected by the SRSAN membership . In 2010, SRSAN had over 70 members who helped vote in the election!
In 2010, SRSAN changed the name of the Walk And Roll for Self-Advocacy to the Citizen Walk About. This was to include all citizens who believed in self-advocacy.
Like past years, SRSAN again gave out the Clarence Marsh Memorial Award to a hard working self-advocate. In 2010, Colleen Handell was the deserving winner!
SRSAN also worked hard to get involved in their communities in 2010 by meeting with ministers, participating in “Community Awareness Day” and making presentations about what SRSAN does!
2011
In 2011, SRSAN got even more involved in the community! SRSAN held the third annual Citizen Walk About with more than 100 people attending! This walk included people of all different cultures, backgrounds and diversities. SRSAN also participated in Pink Shirt Day to raise awareness about bullying.
SRSAN continued to have regular meetings and met in locations across the south region. These areas included Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Brooks, Taber and Pincher Creek.
SRSAN showed support for AACT, ACDS and SADAT by attending their annual conferences.
SRSAN also handed out its Clarence Marsh Memorial Award to Ray Remington.
2012
SRSAN participated in two rounds of the social policy framework development through the Government of Alberta, created a voters package that went out to all of SRSAN and SAIPA contacts for the provincial election, hosted their fourth annual Citizen Walk About and their third planning retreat! They also voted in a new executive!
2013
On April 25 and 26, SRSAN held its ninth Self-Advocacy Conference, titled “Opening Doors in Community.” Advocates and allies alike gathered at the Sandman Hotel; the keynote speaker for this conference was Valerie Cade, an acclaimed speaker, consultant and author. Her speech, “There’s a Hero In You!” inspired attendees to believe that anything is possible, all while making participants laugh and cry. Advocates got the chance to attend breakout sessions regarding sex, finances, dance, healthy lifestyles and employment.
SRSAN advocated to PDD about budget cuts. Advocates sent letters to the ministers, MLA’s, and the premier to ensure they were aware of people’s concerns.
SRSAN played an active role on the PDD board, updating PDD on projects and initiatives they were working on.
SRSAN made a presentation to Minister Oberle in Medicine Hat about who SRSAN is and the importance of community access.
2014
Advocates shared their questions, comments and stories during focus groups held by PDD in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. People asked PDD lots of questions, and talked about wanting to go back to school, find meaningful work and more ways to be included in the community.
Self-advocates from SRSAN and representatives for Albertans Advocating For Change Together (AACT) helped organize the provincial self-advocacy summit. Advocates made a presentation on the importance of advocating to the government. They discussed meeting tips and techniques and how to create a strong and effective letter-writing campaign.
SRSAN also held its fifth annual Citizen Walk About.
Advocates made a presentation in Lethbridge about who SRSAN is. Advocates received an opportunity to share personal stories with PDD program branch CEO Jillian Carson and the Assistant Deputy Minister at the time.
2015
On September 25, SRSAN held its sixth annual Citizen Walk About.
SRSAN made their voices heard about the government’s Safety Standards legislation for people with developmental disabilities. Many advocates felt the standards were unfair and an invasion of privacy. Advocates wrote letters to then Minister Heather Klimchuk, discussing their questions, concerns and solutions that might work.
The information from these letters were used in a community discussion that took place on February 27th. Included in the discussion were self-advocates, employees from PDD, Public Health as well as the Environmental Public Health Inspector and Administrator for the south zone. Each person got a chance to make a presentation before the whole group was allowed to ask questions and give answers. Advocates also met with MLAs in the south region to discuss the safety standards.
SRSAN was given an awesome opportunity to participate in a mixed abilities production called Unlimited in partnership with Lisa Doolittle, U of L drama professor and Pamela Boyd, artistic director of Momo Mixed Ability Dance Theatre in Calgary. From March 17 to 21, the actors with and without disabilities packed the University Theatre, inspiring tears, laughter and a greater understanding of meaningful inclusion.
On May 28 and 29, advocates held the 10th annual Self-Advocacy Conference, Humour Me: Dealing With Every Day Life at the Medicine Hat Lodge. Topics included Healthy Eating, Zumba Fitness, Budgeting and The Right To Love. More than 130 people attended!
2016
This proved to be an exciting year for SRSAN. With the 2015 provincial election sweeping change across Alberta, a new government brought many changes to the lives of self-advocates.
Listening to the voices of self-advocates across Alberta, the government held a province-wide consultation about PDD Safety Standards through an online questionnaire, and an open house style meeting. The consultation team came to Lethbridge March 7. 116 self-advocates, service providers and community members attended the consultation and provided information on their safety concerns and what could be done better. More than 200 self-advocates also provided their opinions through the online questionnaire, focus groups, and other means.
On April 1, the government announced it would repeal the entire Safety Standards regulation and come up with a better solution during a second phase of consultation. Advocates were thrilled to finally have their voices heard, realizing the true power of self-advocacy.
In June, Human Services Minister Irfan Sabir announced the government would no longer use the Supports Intensity Scale for people with developmental disabilities. Self advocates from Lethbridge and Medicine Hat came together to participate in a focus group to determine how to better support people with developmental disabilities. The feedback from this session was sent to Minister Sabir, and published in letters to the editor in newspapers across the south region.
That September, SRSAN’s celebrated the 7th annual Citizen Walk About under the theme, “Celebrating who we are and where we come from” to recognize disability pride. Despite heavy rain, self-advocates and the community shone as people shared their stories, gifts and talents!
SRSAN also decided it was time to change its mission, vision and values. Angie Irvine, a registered psychologist with experience in disability services, helped facilitate discussions with the SRSAN executive and a focus group. They discussed SRSAN’s successes, what was important to SRSAN, and what people wanted out of the group. Read the new mission, vision and values here.
2017
With its new mission, vision and values in place, SRSAN was ready to take action! The group got three unique opportunities to meet with important decision-makers in the province:
Shannon Marchand, Deputy Minister, Seniors and Housing: SRSAN made a presentation about who they and the work they do.
Lonnie Slezina, Executive Director, Community and Social Services (south region): Talks focused on how disability services in the south region can support SRSAN, and the potential for information sharing
Irfan Sabir, Minister of Human and Social Services: Self-advocates shared a presentation on SRSAN, and provided suggestions regarding disability education, as well as the AISH and RAMP programs. During this visit, The Ripple Newsletter team interviewed the minister to get his take on the importance of self-advocacy.
Other important highlights:
Helping to rewrite the AISH guidelines and application form in plain language
Hosting a Canada 150 booth at Whoop Up Days which showed the progression of the disability rights movement across Canada
Hosting the eighth annual Citizen Walk About under the theme, “The Disability Rights Movement Across Canada Over The Past 150 Years”
Participating in a focus group to discuss healthy relationships and sexuality
2018
2018 is proving to be another busy year for SRSAN! In May, the group presented its 11th Self-Advocacy Conference with the theme, “Weaving Your Own Path.”
For SRSAN members, this topic is extremely important.
“For most self-advocates, weaving your own path is important because [people with disabilities] often don’t get to make decisions,” says Ben Rowley, member of the conference planning committee. “A lot of people with disabilities are sheltered so it’s hard to learn and grow. This is about showing people that they can achieve their dreams, even though it might take a little
longer to get there.”
But, the conference wasn’t just for those with disabilities! There was something for everyone! The conference provided 140 participants with the tools to begin weaving their own path; several speakers shared thoughts on various topics including:
What it means to belong
Personal power and telling your own truth
Finding employment
Independence vs. interdependence….
Several self-advocate speakers also shared inspiring stories and tips.
SRSAN was also fortunate enough to strengthen its continued relationship with Indigenous people, by having dancers and drummers provide a world class performance during the gala evening. We can’t thank them enough!
In July, SRSAN received a visit from Irfan Sabir, Minister of Community and Social Services, for their important plain language work on the improved AISH application.
“We were excited AISH wanted to hear from us,” said Melody Scout. “I liked helping put the form into everyday language so it’s easier for people with disabilities to fill it out.”
It is a long standing tradition to present the President’s Award to recognize individuals, groups or organizations that have shown continuous support for the individuals served by the Rehabilitation Society. SRSAN was nominated and chosen for the Presidents Award through Ability Resource Association due to SRSAN’s excellent advocacy work for individuals with developmental disabilities over the past many years but especially some of the exceptional work that has been accomplished in the last few years. Advocating and speaking up against the SIS and Safety Standards and the proactive and positive relationship you have developed with the Minister of Community & Social Services.
2019
SRSAN celebrated the 10th year of the Citizen Walk About with the theme of “Celebrating 10 years”. There were past SRSAN members, past SAIPA employees, past SAIPA board members and current members in attendance to celebrate.
Redi and Core Association from Medicine Hat partnered with SRSAN to host the Citizen Walk About in Medicine Hat for the first Year.
SRSAN members who were also representing Albertans Advocating for Change Together (AACT) participated in the PDD Eligibility Review that was held by Minister Rajan Sawhney in Calgary. This one day event brought people together of different backgrounds to talk about Eligibility for the PDD program for those who need supports. The focus of the discussion was using IQ to determine eligibility of a person.
SRSAN partnered with Ability Resource Association and SAIPA to host Picture This on the Road in Lethbridge during Disability Employment Awareness Month (October). The selection of films from the main Festival in Calgary are about Disability or films that have been produced, directed or written by people with disabilities.
SRSAN members that are part of AACT had the opportunity to meet with the Premiers Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities and Advocate for Persons with Disabilities, Tony Flores to talk about issues effecting them and solutions.
Co-hosted a plain language non partisan information session on the federal election. SRSAN also created and sent out a plain language voters guide to help people know where to vote and how to get information about the federal election. This guide was distributed across the province.
SRSAN members participated in the Basic Income Conference in Calgary where they learned about what a basic income is and how to support this.
SRSAN held a retreat to talk about the future Direction of SRSAN. This was a one day retreat facilitated by Angie Irvine. SRSAN members talked about what SRSAN did well, the positive relationships they had, what they want to work on in the future and the relationships they want to build. SRSAN took this information and developed a new committee and created new goals for the remaining SRSAN committees. (photos of some of the work attached)
SRSAN gave out the Clarence Marsh award to John Steer, a self-advocate from Medicine Hat and the Ally Recognition Award to Toby Magner, a business owner in Medicine Hat.
2020
SRSAN co-hosted an MLA Town Hall for the disability Community on May 14th. This was done with Albertans Advocating for Change Together, The Calgary Ability Network, Disability Action Hall, Leadership and Advisory of the Central Region, Self-Advocacy Federation, and Southern Alberta Individualized Planning Association. MLA’s form both the UCP and NDP, including Minister Rajan Sawhney, Minister for Community and Social Services, attended and responded to questions from the Disability Community. There were 120 people that attended from across the province over ZOOM.
Albertans Advocating for Change Together (AACT), which SRSAN is part of, has been meeting with Tony Flores, Disability Advocate, members of the Premiers Council, and Minister Rajan Sawhney’s office weekly during COVID-19. People discussed concerns about COVID, AISH, access to Personal Protective equipment such as masks, transportation and access to food.
SRSAN members had a chance to meet with Minister Rajan Sawhney to talk about COVID and the effects on people.