I.C.A.N!

INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES WITH NO BARRIERS (I.C.A.N!)

Through I.C.A.N!, Between Friends gives our members the opportunity to attend a community program. Between Friends creates partnerships with community programs, and supports them in their journey to inclusion. Between Friends can then support our members in the community, and support our partners with building capacity and inclusion within their own organization.

I.C.A.N! is Between Friends’ vision comes to life: where people with disabilities are viewed and recognized as valuable citizens. 

Between Friends trains Recreation Inclusion Facilitators (aka “Rec Buddies”) to join members in their community program and provide inclusion support. The Rec Buddy will act as a mentor to help support both the community partner, and the Between Friends member, in  order to create an inclusive environment. Once the member, community partner, and Rec Buddy feel ready for independence, the member can attend the program without the support of the Rec Buddy.

The RIFs do not act as a 1:1 community aide, or respite worker.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

To participate in I.C.A.N! Services, the participant must:

• Be a current Between Friends member 
• Fit the age range requirements of the community program
• Be independent in personal care and require minimal behaviour support OR attend the community program with the additional support of a community aide or respite worker
• Have an interest and desire to participate in the program

REGISTRATION

Contact our Membership Team at 403 269 9133 or info@betweenfriends.ab.ca for more information about Between Friends I.C.A.N! services,  and to get the registration process started.  Our I.C.A.N! service runs in all months except July and August. Sign-up for I.C.A.N! Is available at any time.

I.C.A.N! SERVICES FEES

Access to I.C.A.N! is a perk of your Between Friends membership. There are no additional fees for I.C.A.N! Services, beyond the cost of your membership and the cost of the community program. Please visit our partner facilities to confirm program fees and to make payments directly with them.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN I.C.A.N! PARTNER?

COMMUNITY RECREATION PROVIDERS

If you are a recreation provider in the Calgary area interested in growing in your organization’s inclusion journey, please reach out to our Membership Team at 403 269 9133 or info@betweenfriends.ab.ca to get started.

I.C.A.N! PARTNER INFORMATION

A formal partnership with Between Friends through our I.C.A.N! Services come with many advantages to your organization and community. Some of the advantages include:

• Expanding your membership to more participants and families
• Building capacity within yourself, staff, and organization
• Professional growth opportunities
• Fostering an inclusive environment and community
• Training opportunities for your staff and skilled facilitators
• Opportunities to connect with the Team Lead, Community Development & Education on an on-going basis regarding inclusion practices and more
• Access to community resources for on-going support