Gateway Association

Transition Planning to Adulthood - (2 of 3)
2025-09-18 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Denver)
Transition Planning to Adulthood:
Thursdays
Sept 11
Sept 18
Sept 25
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Online

Part 1: Life Transitions
Part 2 : Visioning, Planning, and Valued Roles
Part 3: Navigating the Systems

A 3-part workshop series exploring the critical transition to adulthood for 14-20 year-olds and how to create a plan for the future.
This is a workshop series for parents/caregivers that engages families in building knowledge when navigating this critical time for 14-20 year olds.
This workshop series includes topics on: life transitions, valued roles in the community, visioning and planning, and navigating the systems. Note: All three workshops must be taken consecutively.
Questions?
Yonique Ritch (Facilitator) at yonique@gatewayassociation.ca
Register Here

PDD 101
2025-09-20 09:00 - 12:00
PDD 101
Saturday, September 20
9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Online

A workshop for caregivers to develop knowledge of Alberta’s government service known as Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD).

“This workshop is an introduction to and overview of PDD for those who may be eligible. You will gain an understanding of the PDD program, options available for service provision, and information to determine the best supports for your family.

This workshop will provide you with:
1. An understanding of the PDD program’s role in supporting adults with developmental disabilities
2. Knowledge of available options for service provision – Family Managed Supports (FMS) and PDD Service Providers (agency)
3. Information to guide you in determining which type of service provision will best suit your family and individual needs.

Questions? Contact Miriam (facilitator) at miriam@gatewayassociation.ca

REGISTER HERE

Having Difficult Conversations
2025-09-22 16:30 - 18:00
Having Difficult Conversations
Monday September 22
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm | Online

A workshop for people with disabilities and their families on navigating difficult conversations

Let’s get talking! Having conversations can be hard. How we communicate with others is important. During this short ninety minute workshop, we will explore what conflict is, how we respond to it and some key principles for good communication.

Questions? Stacy (facilitator) or Mike (Facilitator) at Stacy@GatewayAssociation.ca or Mike@GatewayAssociation.ca

REGISTER HERE

Transition to Adulthood - 3 part series, (3 of 3)
2025-09-25 18:00 - 21:00

FMS Admin: Abuse Prevention and Response Protocol
2025-10-01 18:00 - 21:00
FMS Admin: Abuse Prevention and Response Protocol
Wednesday, Oct 1
6-9 pm | Online

A workshop that explores ways to reduce the risk of abuse and how to handle suspicions of abuse (for Family Managed Services Administrators).

This workshop, for FMS Administrators, provides an understanding of the protocol, explores what can be done to reduce the risk of abuse, identifies types of abuse, and how to handle situations when abuse is suspected.

Note: This is a mandatory course for FMS Administrators under Family Managed Services with Disability Services.

Questions? Contact Betty (Facilitator) at Betty@GatewayAssociation.ca

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1373398615229?aff=oddtdtcreator

More than Just a Job
2025-10-04 09:00 - 12:00
More than Just a Job
Saturday, Oct 4
9am-12pm | Online

This workshop, for Family Managed Services (FMS) staff, will help you identify your values and how they apply to your work in supporting others.
You will learn how to identify and reduce the risk of abuse, keep people safe while growing independence, and building relationships both within the support network and within the community.
You will gain skills and tools to excel in your role.

Questions? Contact Betty (Facilitator) at Betty@GatewayAssociation.ca

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1374654020179?aff=oddtdtcreator

Workshop: Visioning & Planning 0-8 years (1 of 3)
2025-10-07 18:00 - 20:00
Workshop: Visioning & Planning 0-8 years
Tuesdays
October 7
October 14
October 21
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Online

A 3-part workshop series that empowers families of children with disabilities up to 8 years old with knowledge, resources, and more.

This is a workshop for parents/caregivers of children with disabilities from birth-8 years old with knowledge, resources, and a sense of direction for the future.

We will touch on a variety of topics including values and belonging in the community, visioning and planning, various transitions during early elementary school, navigating various systems (FSCD) age appropriate for families with younger children as well as advocacy and having difficult conversations.

Questions? Stacy (facilitator) at stacy@gatewayassociation.ca
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1374678503409?aff=oddtdtcreator

Families Forward: FSCD/FSS: Let's Talk About it!
2025-10-08 18:30 - 20:30
Families Forward: FSCD/FSS: Let’s Talk About it!
Wednesday October 8th
6:30 – 8:30pm
Virtual

Have questions regarding FSCD/FSS? Do you have your agreement in place? Are you looking for next steps or need to ask some questions? Join us to chat about questions that may come out of the FSCD 101 workshop and/or if you’re new to the Disability Services world in Alberta. We will host a safe space to ask questions and if we aren’t sure about the answer, we’ll help provide tips on where to go to find out.
Questions? Contact Yonique at yonique@GatewayAssociation.ca

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1374747088549?aff=oddtdtcreator

Workshop: Visioning & Planning 0-8 years (2 of 3)
2025-10-14 18:00 - 20:00

FSCD 101
2025-10-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-11-17 17:00 - 18:00
FSCD 101
FSCD 101 is an introduction to the Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) program.
The presentation will support families with understanding how to utilize their FSCD agreement and is intended for families that have received their first FSCD agreement.
Prior to attending the session, it would be helpful for families to review the Family Package, sent to you by the Family Support Services (FSS) team, as we will be referencing this document throughout the session.
Topics we will be going over include:
· the different types of services and supports
· reviewing an example agreement
· records-keeping and invoicing requirements
· and more.
Questions? Please connect with Stacy (Facilitator) at Stacy@gatewayassociation.ca
Register HERE

Workshop: Visioning & Planning 0-8 years (3 of 3)
2025-10-21 18:00 - 20:00

Transition Planning to Adulthood (Day 1 of 3)
2025-10-21 18:00 - 21:00
Transition Planning to Adulthood:

Tuesdays
Oct 21
Oct 28
Nov 4

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Online

Part 1: Life Transitions
Part 2 : Visioning, Planning, and Valued Roles
Part 3: Navigating the Systems

A 3-part workshop series exploring the critical transition to adulthood for 14-20 year-olds and how to create a plan for the future.
This is a workshop series for parents/caregivers that engages families in building knowledge when navigating this critical time for 14-20 year olds.
This workshop series includes topics on: life transitions, valued roles in the community, visioning and planning, and navigating the systems. Note: All three workshops must be taken consecutively.

Questions?
Shelley Meadahl (Facilitator) at shelley@gatewayassocitiaon.ca
Register HERE: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1374678503409?aff=oddtdtcreator

Transition Planning to Adulthood (Day 2 of 3)
2025-10-28 18:00 - 21:00
Transition Planning to Adulthood:

Tuesdays
Oct 21
Oct 28
Nov 4

6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Online

Part 1: Life Transitions
Part 2 : Visioning, Planning, and Valued Roles
Part 3: Navigating the Systems

A 3-part workshop series exploring the critical transition to adulthood for 14-20 year-olds and how to create a plan for the future.
This is a workshop series for parents/caregivers that engages families in building knowledge when navigating this critical time for 14-20 year olds.
This workshop series includes topics on: life transitions, valued roles in the community, visioning and planning, and navigating the systems. Note: All three workshops must be taken consecutively.

Questions?
Shelley Meadahl (Facilitator) at shelley@gatewayassocitiaon.ca

Transition Planning to Adulthood (Day 3 of 3)
2025-11-04 18:00 - 21:00

Visioning and Planning 9-13 year olds (1 of 3)
2025-11-05 18:00 - 20:00
Visioning and Planning 9-13 year olds

Wednesdays
November 5
November 12
November 19

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Online

A 3-part workshop series that empowers families of 9 – 13 year-olds with disabilities with knowledge, resources, and more.

This workshop is for parents/caregivers of 9-13 year-olds with disabilities with knowledge, resources, and a sense of direction for the future.

We will touch on a variety of topics including values and belonging in the community, visioning and planning, various transitions during later elementary school, IPPs, navigating various systems (FSCD) age appropriate for families with “tween” age children as well as advocacy and having difficult conversations.

Questions? Stacy (facilitator) at Stacy@GatewayAssociation.ca

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1374785583689?aff=oddtdtcreator

Visioning and Planning 9-13 year olds (2 of 3)
2025-11-12 18:00 - 20:00

Online Claims Reimbursement Systems Training - FMS
2025-11-12 18:30 - 21:00
Online Claims Reimbursement Systems Training – FMS

Wednesday, November 12
6:30 pm – 9:00 pm | Online

A workshop for Family Managed Services Administrators focused on enhancing your understanding and management of the Online Claims Reimbursement (OCR) system.

This session will address common challenges and streamline your experience with the system, ensuring you can utilize it confidently and efficiently.
Workshop Goals:

Understanding the Agreement: Gain a deeper understanding of the FMS agreements and expectations of the OCR system.
Accessing OCR: Learn the ins and outs of accessing the system effectively, including navigation tips, user support resources, and troubleshooting common issues.
Creating a Successful Claim: We’ll walk you through the process of creating and submitting claims through the OCR system, focusing on accuracy and timeliness to ensure successful processing.
Record Keeping and Preparing for Reviews: Enhance your skills in maintaining accurate records and preparing for periodic reviews.

Questions? Contact Yonique at Yonique@GatewayAssociation.ca

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1374790267699?aff=oddtdtcreator

Disability in the Media
2025-11-19 12:00 - 13:30
Disability in the Media
Explore authentic disability representation in media & learn inclusive practices at our DEAM 2025 session on November 19.

Join us on November 19th with Katie MacMillan from Kello Inclusive, as part of AEFN’s DEAM 2025 Campaign. Disability in the Media invites employers and disability sector professionals to explore how media can move beyond tokenism toward authentic disability representation.
The session will examine the historical exclusion of disabled voices in Canadian media, challenge harmful tropes such as the “Super Crip” and “Tragic Victim,” and emphasize the importance of cross-disability perspectives and inclusive language.
Attendees will learn how to identify ableism, adopt more responsible storytelling practices, and involve disabled talent at every stage of media creation. Real-world examples from Kello Inclusive will demonstrate what meaningful inclusion looks like in practice, while practical tools and strategies will help participants evaluate and improve their own media content.
The session will conclude with an open Q&A, reinforcing the call to shift narratives by centering disabled voices and building inclusive, accessible media from the ground up.
ASL available upon request.
REGISTER HERE
Katie is a mother, leader, advocate, and the founder of Kello Inclusive – a talent agency exclusively representing disabled and visibly different talent, because the beauty of disabilities, diversities, and differences deserves to be represented fairly and fully.Katie spent 15 years teaching French, English, Psychology, and Sociology in an Edmonton Public high school before transitioning careers nearly two years ago. Her experience as an educator shaped her passion for equity and inclusion, but it was her lived experience as the parent of four beautiful children – one of whom lives with Cerebral Palsy – that truly redefined her path. Her daughter’s disability and the many experiences that have come with it sparked Katie’s deep commitment to advocacy, social justice, and reimagining representation in media. These experiences are at the heart of why Kello Inclusive exists today: to challenge ableism, create meaningful opportunities, and push for authentic, inclusive storytelling in the entertainment industry.

Visioning and Planning 9-13 year olds (3 of 3)
2025-11-19 18:00 - 20:00

PDD 101
2025-11-19 18:00 - 21:00
PDD 101
Wednesday, November 19
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Online

A workshop for caregivers to develop knowledge of Alberta’s government service known as Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD).

“This workshop is an introduction to and overview of PDD for those who may be eligible. You will gain an understanding of the PDD program, options available for service provision, and information to determine the best supports for your family.

This workshop will provide you with:
1. An understanding of the PDD program’s role in supporting adults with developmental disabilities
2. Knowledge of available options for service provision – Family Managed Supports (FMS) and PDD Service Providers (agency)
3. Information to guide you in determining which type of service provision will best suit your family and individual needs.

Questions? Contact Miriam (facilitator) at miriam@gatewayassociation.ca

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1374826776899?aff=oddtdtcreator

Transition Planning to Adulthood: Weekend Blitz, Day 1
2025-11-21 18:00 - 21:00
Transition Planning to Adulthood: Weekend Blitz
Friday, November 21
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, November 22
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Online

Covers the 3 part series in 2 days
Part 1: Life Transitions
Part 2: Visioning, Planning, and Valued Roles
Part 3: Navigating the Systems

A 3-part workshop series exploring the critical transition to adulthood for 14-20 year-olds and how to create a plan for the future.
This is a workshop series for parents/caregivers that engages families in building knowledge when navigating this critical time for 14-20 year olds.
This workshop series includes topics on: life transitions, valued roles in the community, visioning and planning, and navigating the systems. Note: All three workshops must be taken consecutively.
Questions?
Yonique Ritch (Facilitator) at yonique@gatewayassociation.ca
Register Here

Accounts and Claims
2025-11-22 09:00 - 11:00
Accounts and Claims
Thursday, November 22
9:00 – 11:00 AM | Online

A 2-hour workshop is tailored for families with FSCD agreements looking to optimize their use of the OCR system. This workshop intended to facilitate an open dialogue on utilizing the OCR system effectively.
The training has been developed by FSCD to address four significant challenges facing system users. They are:

Understanding the Agreement
Accessing OCR
Creating a Successful claim; and
Record keeping and preparing for reviews

A Service Roadmap has also been developed to give users a high-level overview of the entire process, with helpful links at each step to provide further details.
Questions? Contact Li (Facilitator) by email Li@gatewayassociation.ca
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1374835192069?aff=oddtdtcreator

Transition Planning to Adulthood: Weekend Blitz, Day 2
2025-11-22 09:00 - 16:00
Transition Planning to Adulthood: Weekend Blitz
Friday, November 21
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, November 22
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Online

Covers the 3 part series in 2 days
Part 1: Life Transitions
Part 2: Visioning, Planning, and Valued Roles
Part 3: Navigating the Systems

A 3-part workshop series exploring the critical transition to adulthood for 14-20 year-olds and how to create a plan for the future.
This is a workshop series for parents/caregivers that engages families in building knowledge when navigating this critical time for 14-20 year olds.
This workshop series includes topics on: life transitions, valued roles in the community, visioning and planning, and navigating the systems. Note: All three workshops must be taken consecutively.
Questions?
Yonique Ritch (Facilitator) at yonique@gatewayassociation.ca

Abuse Prevention and Response Protocol ( FMS Admin)
2025-11-29 12:00 - 15:00
Abuse Prevention and Response Protocol ( FMS Admin)
Saturday, Nov 29
12-3pm | Online

A workshop that explores ways to reduce the risk of abuse and how to handle suspicions of abuse (for Family Managed Services Administrators).

This workshop, for FMS Administrators, provides an understanding of the protocol, explores what can be done to reduce the risk of abuse, identifies types of abuse, and how to handle situations when abuse is suspected.

Note: This is a mandatory course for FMS Administrators under Family Managed Services with Disability Services.

Questions? Contact Betty (Facilitator) at Betty@GatewayAssociation.ca

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1374851019409?aff=oddtdtcreator

Families Forward: Fostering Encouraging and Collaborative Conversations with Decision Makers
2026-01-14 18:30 - 20:30
Families Forward: Fostering Encouraging and Collaborative Conversations with Decision Makers

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm | Online

Let’s talk about how we as caregivers have conversations with the school, in health care and with the disability sector for our children with disabilities. Join us for an informal session on this topic!
Lets dive a little deeper into this topic and walk away with some new tools and strategies and come prepared to share some strategies that have worked for you!

Have questions or concerns? Please contact stacy@gatewayassociation.ca

Transition Planning to Adulthood (1 of 3)
2026-01-22 18:00 - 21:00
Transition Planning to Adulthood
Thursdays
Jan 22
Jan 29
Feb 5
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Online

Part 1: Life Transitions
Part 2 : Visioning, Planning, and Valued Roles
Part 3: Navigating the Systems

A 3-part workshop series exploring the critical transition to adulthood for 14-20 year-olds and how to create a plan for the future.
This is a workshop series for parents/caregivers that engages families in building knowledge when navigating this critical time for 14-20 year olds.
This workshop series includes topics on: life transitions, valued roles in the community, visioning and planning, and navigating the systems. Note: All three workshops must be taken consecutively.
Questions?
Yonique Ritch (Facilitator) at yonique@gatewayassociation.ca
Register HERE

Abuse Prevention & Response Protocol ( FMS Admin)
2026-01-24 09:00 - 12:00
Abuse Prevention & Response Protocol ( FMS Admin)
Saturday, January 24
9 – 12 noon| Online

A workshop that explores ways to reduce the risk of abuse and how to handle suspicions of abuse (for Family Managed Services Administrators).

This workshop, designed for FMS Administrators, provides an understanding of the protocol, explores ways to reduce the risk of abuse, identifies types of abuse, and outlines how to handle situations when abuse is suspected.

Note: This is a mandatory course for FMS Administrators under Family Managed Services with Disability Services.

Questions? Info@gatewayassociation.ca

REGISTER HERE

Transition Planning to Adulthood (2 of 3)
2026-01-29 18:00 - 21:00
Transition Planning to Adulthood
Thursdays
Jan 22
Jan 29
Feb 5
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Online

Part 1: Life Transitions
Part 2 : Visioning, Planning, and Valued Roles
Part 3: Navigating the Systems

A 3-part workshop series exploring the critical transition to adulthood for 14-20 year-olds and how to create a plan for the future.
This is a workshop series for parents/caregivers that engages families in building knowledge when navigating this critical time for 14-20 year olds.
This workshop series includes topics on: life transitions, valued roles in the community, visioning and planning, and navigating the systems. Note: All three workshops must be taken consecutively.
Questions?
Yonique Ritch (Facilitator) at yonique@gatewayassociation.ca

Visioning and Planning Birth-13 year olds (1 of 3)
2026-02-04 18:00 - 20:00
Visioning and Planning Birth-13 year olds
Wednesdays
February 4
February 11
February 18

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm | Online

A 3-part workshop series that empowers families of children ages birth – 13 year-olds with disabilities with knowledge, resources, and more.

This workshop is for parents/caregivers of birth-13 year-olds with disabilities with knowledge, resources, and a sense of direction for the future.

We will touch on a variety of topics including values and belonging in the community, visioning and planning, various transitions during later elementary school, IPPs, navigating various systems (FSCD) age appropriate for families with “tween” age children as well as advocacy and having difficult conversations.

Questions? Stacy (facilitator) at Stacy@GatewayAssociation.ca

REGISTER HERE
