Inclusion Medicine Hat

11/12/2025

Tonight is our second and final letter writing event. If you would like some support in writing to your MLA, or want to learn more about the new ADAP plan, join us tonight at the MH Public library in the legion room from 6:30pm-8pm. See you there!

📝 To support our community in speaking out against our dissaproval of the new ADAP plan, which proposes a $200 cut per month for individuals on AISH, (and other issues) we are hosting Letter-Writing sessions in support of Disability Rights, in hopes to push for real policy change.

If you, like many of us have been wanting to contact your MLA and share your story, we encourage you to attend one of our sessions where we can support you in writing your letter/email and getting it sent.

Drop in, add your voice, and help flood decision-makers with letters of impactful, real life experieces.

🗓️ When:
Tuesday, Nov. 4– 2-3pm MH Public Library (Basement room)
Wed, Nov. 12– 6:30-8pm MH Public Library (Basement room)

We’ll have templates, talking points, addresses, envelopes, and stamps on hand—come as you are. Bring a friend, share your story, and help move the needle on disability rights in Alberta.

Upset with any and all things happening in the disability sector right now, or want to add your voice or support a loved one in the disability community?
Please pop in and connect/network with us! ❤️

11/04/2025

100% this!

We need a definition and shared understanding of inclusion across government ministries that aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and that is applied to all funding agreements, policies, and practice guidelines designed for children and youth.

Read our Position Statement to learn more about how we’re advocating to reduce systemic barriers. https://ow.ly/vYq950Xmx0T

Jodie Wickens
Lisa Beare
Josie Osborne
Amna Shah

11/04/2025

Don’t forget! Today is the first of our MLA letter writing sessions! Hope to see you at the MH Public Library in the legion room from 2-3pm!

📝 To support our community in speaking out against our dissaproval of the new ADAP plan, which proposes a $200 cut per month for individuals on AISH, (and other issues) we are hosting Letter-Writing sessions in support of Disability Rights, in hopes to push for real policy change.

If you, like many of us have been wanting to contact your MLA and share your story, we encourage you to attend one of our sessions where we can support you in writing your letter/email and getting it sent.

Drop in, add your voice, and help flood decision-makers with letters of impactful, real life experieces.

🗓️ When:
Tuesday, Nov. 4– 2-3pm MH Public Library (Basement room)
Wed, Nov. 12– 6:30-8pm MH Public Library (Basement room)

We’ll have templates, talking points, addresses, envelopes, and stamps on hand—come as you are. Bring a friend, share your story, and help move the needle on disability rights in Alberta.

Upset with any and all things happening in the disability sector right now, or want to add your voice or support a loved one in the disability community?
Please pop in and connect/network with us! ❤️

10/30/2025

📝 To support our community in speaking out against our dissaproval of the new ADAP plan, which proposes a $200 cut per month for individuals on AISH, (and other issues) we are hosting Letter-Writing sessions in support of Disability Rights, in hopes to push for real policy change.

If you, like many of us have been wanting to contact your MLA and share your story, we encourage you to attend one of our sessions where we can support you in writing your letter/email and getting it sent.

Drop in, add your voice, and help flood decision-makers with letters of impactful, real life experieces.

🗓️ When:
Tuesday, Nov. 4– 2-3pm MH Public Library (Basement room)
Wed, Nov. 12– 6:30-8pm MH Public Library (Basement room)

We’ll have templates, talking points, addresses, envelopes, and stamps on hand—come as you are. Bring a friend, share your story, and help move the needle on disability rights in Alberta.

Upset with any and all things happening in the disability sector right now, or want to add your voice or support a loved one in the disability community?
Please pop in and connect/network with us! ❤️

10/30/2025

🚨 The Alberta Government has proposed a new plan to replace AISH with a new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) that would cut monthly benefits by $200, reducing vital income for adults with disabilities already living below the poverty line. This comes after a $200 clawback of the Canada Disability Benefit and a $220 rent hike for AISH tenants in community housing — pushing many individuals deeper into poverty.

These cuts mean thousands of Albertans with disabilities could lose access to essentials like food, medication, and stable housing. While other sectors receive pay increases, people with disabilities are being left behind.

📣 So what can we do about this? We are joining Inclusion Alberta in calling for action — contact your MLA, write to Premier Danielle Smith, and tell the government to cancel ADAP before it forces more Albertans into crisis.

👉 Inclusion Alberta has put together an incredible resource to educate and support in ways to take action. Follow this link to access it and learn more https://inclusionalberta.org/adap-facts-and-take-action/

Individuals and families are increasingly reaching out to Inclusion Alberta expressing disappointment, fear and confusion about the newly proposed Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) and what it means for them. We have created a resource where you can learn the facts about ADAP and what you can do to help stop the cut.

https://inclusionalberta.org/adap-facts-and-take-action/

10/30/2025

🍂 Wow! We had an incredible time at our Annual Inclusive Life Walk. Thank you to everyone who came! Over 100 people from our community attended and we were blown away by your support! It just keeps getting better and better every year. We love watching our community grow!

🌭A huge thank you to Jason and Shawna Wogrinc with Jag Flo for donating and providing a delicious hot dog lunch and for giving their time! We appreciate you both!!

🥤And to Millie's - Sodas & Sweets thank you for your delicious drinks! Having you there was so fun!

Here are a few pictures of the day! Can’t wait to do it again next fall!

10/03/2025

Our 4th annual Inclusive Life Story walk us happeninb TOMORROW! It’s from 11:00-1:00pm at Police Point Park. We would be so pleased if you joined us.

🌭There will be a hotdog lunch provided with a coin donation. Millie's - Sodas & Sweets food truck will be there serving delicious dirty soda drinks. The first 60 people will get a FREE small drink.🥤 Make sure to get your ticket from our Inclusion Medicine Hat table to redeem for your drink. 🎟️

We hope you will come support those in our community impacted by disabilities, in their pursuit to live a meaningful, inclusive life, just like the rest of us have.

We will have boards along the path highlighting stories of community members who are achieving inclusion. Inclusion IS possible! And the benefits are ten fold!

Share this post with anyone looking for support or resources for them or their loved one with a disability. We hope to see you there! You can find the event link attached. Please help us spread the word by sharing! 🙏

09/20/2025

Inclusion Medicine Hat is hosting our 4th annual Inclusive Life Story walk on Oct 4th from 11:00-1:00 at Police Point Park. We would be so pleased if you joined us.

🌭There will be a hotdog lunch provided with a coin donation. Millie’s food truck will be there serving delicious dirty soda drinks. The first 60 people will get a FREE small drink.🥤 Make sure to get your ticket from our Inclusion Medicine Hat table to redeem for your drink. 🎟️

We hope you will come support those in our community impacted by disabilities, in their pursuit to live a meaningful, inclusive life, just like the rest of us have.

We will have boards along the path highlighting stories of community members who are achieving inclusion. Inclusion IS possible! And the benefits are ten fold!

Share this post with anyone looking for support or resources for them or their loved one with a disability. We hope to see you there! You can find the event link attached. Please help us spread the word by sharing! 🙏🙏

06/05/2025

Another one of our incredible board members is Joeleene. 😁

“Joeleene Brassard has had the opportunity to be a part of Inclusion Medicine Hat for 3 years. Inclusion has always been an area of importance to her. Growing up she was blessed to have aunts who had disabilities. This provided her a unique opportunity to see the impacts of both exclusion and inclusion in theirs and their families lives. When Joeleene became a mom to her own child with a disability, she knew without hesitation, that her child would be allowed the same opportunities and experiences as her other children. These lived experiences have resulted in Joeleene’s desire to share, encourage, and educate others to understand the value and importance for everyone to live a fully inclusive life, and the positive effects this has on individuals, families, and communities. All people have purpose and value to offer the world!”

We couldn’t agree more, Joeleene! Thank you for being on our board and for the impact you make!

06/02/2025

Another board member we’d like to introduce is Becky Markie.

Becky is a very proud parent to two amazing kids! Her 16 year-old son Gregor has an intellectual disability. Becky became involved with inclusion Medicine Hat over 2 years ago. Her family was sponsored to attend the Inclusion Alberta Family conference in Edmonton and that is where she felt her family was seen, heard, loved and cared for just as they were. She met some amazing friends and supports who helped her navigate through life’s challenges of having a child with an intellectual disability. When they got home from the conference she knew she needed to be a part of Inclusion Medicine Hat, and joined the board where she can support others and make an impact. She loves a good thrift store, a cold Diet Coke, and spending time with her family!

We love having you on our board, Becky! Thank you for your service!

06/02/2025

Monica Braat is another one of our incredible board members!

Monica has been involved with Inclusion Medicine Hat since its inception. She is proud to serve as the Alberta representative on the board of Inclusion Canada and as Past President of Inclusion Alberta, where she continues to support advocacy efforts for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. She is also the Director of Learning Supports and Services with Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education, where she focuses on building inclusive, responsive supports for all students. She is a mom to a 26-year-old son whose presence in her life has shaped not only her advocacy, but her vocation. Inclusion isn’t just something she works toward, it’s something she lives every day! Monica is grateful to be part of a community that shares that commitment!

We are so grateful for your contribution to our board and for your knowledge and expertise, Monica!