The Ability Society, a community-based nonprofit agency since 1979, provides a range of services, from information requests, skill and needs assessments to assistive device recommendations. With practical assistance, we can open the door to a world of opportunity, enhancing the quality of life for many persons with
special needs and their families.
We started as a program founded in 1979 by parents of children with cerebral palsy. The program was housed at the Alberta Children's Hospital and provided information and education involving assistive technology to children with
special needs and their families. They quickly realized that they had the capability of assisting adults with
special needs as well.
We became a nonprofit, charitable organization in 1984 named the Technical Resource Centre. In 1998, we changed our name to the Ability Society. We have incorporated seniors into the mission and mandate statements of the Society and continue to be an advocate for persons with
special needs in the community.
The mandate of the Ability
Society of Alberta (ASA) is the provision of quality asset-based services for
persons of all ages that are vulnerable or have special needs in the areas of
assistive technology, early childhood development, employment, housing,
education, seniors issues, community inclusion, community development and
independent living both within Canada and internationally. We create social
capital and build community in everything we do and as such, we are a community
tool through which a person with a special need or senior can live with dignity
and achieve their goals and aspirations.
