Inclusion Foothills Association

10/19/2026

Okotoks Lit Up for Inclusion!

On October 15, the Town of Okotoks joined communities across Canada for Light It Up! for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

The Okotoks Municipal Centre was illuminated in purple and blue, helping shine a light on the importance of inclusive employment and creating opportunities for people of all abilities.

A big thank you to the Town of Okotoks for taking part and showing support for a community where everyone has the opportunity to work, contribute, and belong.

It's wonderful to see our community be part of something happening across the country! 💜💙

10/15/2026

Tonight, Canada Lights Up for Inclusion!

Tonight, buildings, landmarks, and businesses across Canada will shine purple and blue for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

From small communities to major cities, these lights are a reminder of something important: everyone deserves the opportunity to work, contribute, and belong.

We're excited to see communities across the country, including right here in the Foothills, coming together to raise awareness about inclusive employment.

At Inclusion Foothills, we see every day what can happen when employers recognize people's abilities and create opportunities for them to succeed.

Tonight, we join Canadians across the country in shining a light on inclusion. 💜💙

If you spot a building lighting up tonight, take a photo and share it with us!

10/13/2026

Celebrating Our Community Partners!

At our recent Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) event, we took a moment to recognize some of the wonderful businesses and organizations that have supported Inclusion Foothills H.I.R.E. in different ways.

From creating employment opportunities to offering their time, resources, and support, each has played a part in the work we do across our communities.

We know that building more inclusive communities takes people working together, and we're grateful to have these businesses and organizations alongside us.

To all our community partners, thank you for showing up, working with us, and helping make a difference. Your support means a lot to our team and the people we serve.

Please join us in celebrating and thanking these amazing community partners!

Cactus Club Salon & Spa Pharmasave Turner Valley Immaculate Moves Ltd. Fix Auto Okotoks Okotoks Cinemas Best Western Plus Okotoks Inn & Suites 10fold Regional Field House Missions Thrift Store - Okotoks Okotoks On Deck Plaka Greek Taverna Okotoks Claresholm Library Fix Auto OkotoksEastern Slopes Veterinary Services Pharmasave Turner Valley Optimum Wellness Centres - High River High River Tim Hortons

10/12/2026

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Inclusion Foothills!

Today, we're grateful for the people who strengthen our communities: our participants, families, staff, volunteers, community partners, and supporters.

Thank you for being part of a community where everyone has the opportunity to feel included, valued, and supported.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, gratitude, and special moments.

10/08/2026

10/08/2026

Celebrating Our 2026 Inclusive Employer Award Recipients!

As part of our Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) celebration, we had the pleasure of recognizing four businesses that are making a difference through inclusive employment.

Congratulations to:

KIDTIRE – Okotoks KIDTIRE Inc

The Dining Car – High River The Dining Car at High River Station

Dogvana – Okotoks Dogvana Okotoks

MEZ Global Market – Okotoks MEZ Global Market

Each of these businesses has shown, in their own way, what it means to create workplaces where people feel valued, supported, and included.

From opening doors to employment opportunities to working alongside our H.I.R.E. team to support employees, their commitment reminds us that inclusive employment makes our communities stronger.

Thank you for being part of this work and for helping create opportunities where everyone can contribute, grow, and belong.

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 award recipients!

10/08/2026

Families who are interested in pursuing an inclusive education for their child are invited to join us for a free virtual workshop on October 20 from 6:30-8:30pm.

𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟬𝟭: 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

​𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: October 20, 2026 | 6:30pm-8:30pm

​𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲:Virtual/Zoom

𝗪𝗵𝗼: Everyone is welcome to join but this event will be of particular interest to families of children with intellectual disabilities pursuing an inclusive education.

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: Catherine Oakleaf, Inclusion Alberta Director of Advocacy and Stacey Andrews, Inclusion Alberta Senior Advocate

𝗧𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿: This event is free to attend but please register in advance at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/YOHkls1UTuCRuO1Hyij_ug #/registration

Whether your child is newly attending school in kindergarten to grade 12 or you are looking for strategies to strengthen your child’s inclusion at school, this virtual session will help you understand your child’s rights, available supports, best practices, and practical approaches for working collaboratively with your child’s school team.

Together, we’ll explore how families can work collaboratively with educators, navigate common challenges, and advocate for meaningful inclusion to ensure their children have equitable opportunities to learn, belong, contribute, and build relationships alongside their peers.

Join us to gain practical information, resources, and opportunities to ask questions in a welcoming and supportive environment. This workshop is primarily tailored to families of children with intellectual disabilities but will share approaches and practices that are effective for all learners.

10/08/2026

What a wonderful evening of conversation, connection, and celebration!

Last night, we came together for 'Let’s Talk Inclusive Employment', our Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) event in Okotoks.

The evening brought together employers, participants, community partners, and supporters to share experiences, exchange ideas, and have meaningful conversations about creating more inclusive workplaces across our communities.

One of the highlights was celebrating our 2026 Inclusive Employer Award recipients and recognizing the many businesses that continue to work alongside Inclusion Foothills H.I.R.E. to create meaningful employment opportunities.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, took part in the conversations, and helped make the evening possible.

To our employer partners, thank you for recognizing people's strengths, opening doors, and showing what inclusive employment looks like in action. We truly appreciate your continued support across the Foothills and Willow Creek regions.

The conversation doesn't end here! Throughout October, we'll continue celebrating inclusive employment and the people and businesses helping make it possible.

Here are a few moments from last night!

10/07/2026

Today’s the day!

Tonight, we’re coming together for 'Let’s Talk Inclusive Employment'.

As we recognize Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’re creating space for employers, participants, community partners, and guests to connect, share experiences, and have real conversations about what inclusive employment looks like in our communities.

We’ll also be recognizing some of the employers who are helping create meaningful employment opportunities where everyone can contribute and belong.

📅 Tonight, October 7
⏰ 7:00–8:30 p.m.
📍 Best Western Plus Okotoks Inn & Suites

It’s a free event, and there’s still time to join us. Scan the QR code to register.
We’re looking forward to seeing you tonight!

10/05/2026

Just 2 days to go!

This Wednesday, we’re bringing employers, community partners, and guests together for an evening of real conversations about inclusive employment.

What does an inclusive workplace actually look like? What can employers do differently? And how can we create more opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute, grow, and belong at work?

These are some of the conversations we’ll be having at our Disability Employment Awareness Month – Let’s Talk Inclusive Employment event.

📅 Wednesday, October 7
⏰ 7:00–8:30 p.m.
📍 Best Western Plus Okotoks Inn & Suites

It’s a free event, and there’s still time to join us. Scan the QR code on the flyer to register.

Come be part of the conversation.