2026 Inclusion Alberta Family Conference

Belonging and relationships are essential to the well-being of every one of us, irrespective of whether someone has a disability or not. We all thrive and grow when we know we belong, are welcomed, and embraced by our teachers, friends, family, and community. In this plenary, our two keynote speakers, Dr. Virginia Walker and Janet Klees will open our day by sharing how both the classroom and community can and must be places of belonging where relationships for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families flourish. 

Inclusive employment is one of the most powerful ways to a meaningful life filled with purpose, contribution, relationships, and greater financial security. Yet for so many adults with intellectual disabilities, it has long remained out of reach. Thanks to Alberta Rotarians, Rotary Clubs and Districts, this is changing.  
 
Over the past 25 years, Inclusion Alberta’s Rotary Employment Partnership has grown to encompass 49 clubs in communities around Alberta, generating over 950 jobs to date. This incredibly successful Partnership provides lessons in the capacity of the community to be welcoming and inclusive and in the desires of persons with intellectual disabilities to contribute and participate as fully as possible in all life has to offer. This Partnership is living testimony that attempts to determine which persons with intellectual disabilities can and cannot work is a false and harmful narrative. 
 
Hear from Rotarians and business leaders who have championed inclusive hiring and the positive impact this has had on their workplaces, and from employees with intellectual disabilities and their families who will describe the life-changing impact of meaningful employment and the opportunity to belong and contribute. 

Join us on Saturday evening from 7pm - 11pm in the Fantasyland Hotel Ballroom for a fun and casual celebration for family members of all ages! A DJ will be playing party favourites and even if you don’t like to dance, it’s an opportunity for Conference-goers to connect, celebrate and enjoy some snacks. There will be entertainment for children (including face painting and the famous ‘freeze-dance’ and ‘limbo’), but please note that parents are responsible for their supervision – Child Care and Teen Club are not provided.

Dinner will NOT be provided but snacks, finger foods and soft drinks will be available along with a cash bar. For dinner, there are numerous restaurants and food courts in the mall if you’d like something to eat before the Family Celebration Dance.

All Conference participants are invited to join us for the Family Celebration Dance. Please add it to your schedule if you plan on attending.

Thank you to Siksika Nation for sponsoring the entertainment for the Inclusion Alberta Family Dance!