Our next Families Forward meeting will be on June 24th, 7pm at Gateway Association's new office.  Our new address is:

Suite 104, 18304, 105 Avenue, Edmonton, AB.

Funding for our kids and adults with developmental disabilities always seems to be on the chopping block. In part, that’s because kids, adults and families affected by disability do not seem to have a significant political voice.  Those with developmental disabilities have difficulty speaking up, and their families are often too exhausted to take action. Recently, I’ve learned that another reason is that our MLAs do not know much about the challenges our kids, adults and families face. When faced with a decision to make, they have nothing much to inform them, so they look to the bottom line.

Now, that is something we as families can change. ASEA and Families Forward from Gateway Association for Community Living have begun a Family Network. Its goal is to build a network of families of children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities in each riding  across Alberta, who will build relationships with their MLAs to inform and educate them about the issues we face. We are hoping that as MLAs get to know us, our challenges, and the contributions we can make, they will make better-informed decisions about legislation and regulations that affect our children and our families.

If you are interested in getting to know your MLA to help him or her understand the issues affecting our loved ones with developmental disabilities, we would love to have you join our network. To find out more, or to get involved you can email Deborah at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Renate at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please be sure to put Family Network in the subject line.