11 results for tag: inclusion

4 ways I.C.A.N! changes lives of people with disabilities

Inclusive Community Activities, No barriers (I.C.A.N!) program through Between Friends has been improving the lives of people with special needs since beginning a few years ago. In 2017, Between Friends I.C.A.N! program is expanding, and we are thrilled to be able to offer more opportunities than ever before! Between Friends I.C.A.N! provides equal opportunity for community recreation. Rather than a participant with special needs being excluded or doing an alternate activity, community programs and camps are adapted to integrate I.C.A.N! participants as seamlessly as possible. But, I.C.A.N! is not just attending an activity or camp with your ...

Perspective of a Practicum Student

My name is Reena and I am a practicum student who has spent the last couple of months working with Between Friends. At the beginning of September, I had no idea what to expect... embarking on this journey as a Between Friends program assistant. I was initially thrilled and intrigued to take on this position, as I always wondered how Between Friends provides social, recreation and self-development opportunities for a number of individuals with disabilities. One of my goals for the semester was to further expand my knowledge on the purpose and impact this organization has in our community. Through the number of individuals I have met at these ...

Fundraise

YOU can help people with disabilities access social, recreational and self development programs by planning & hosting a fundraising event! Host An Event We are so thankful to be part of a community that fosters diversity and inclusion. Over the years, we have witnessed many participants, families, and friends make the decision to help Between Friends achieve its goals by financially supporting the programs and services we offer. Where Do Your Fundraising Dollars Go? They help participants like Rebecca and Chelsea... sisters with Down syndrome who access our fee assistance to attend Between Friends Camp Bonaventure. Thinking of hosting a ...

Spread the word to end the word… forever

The Message Spread The Word To End The Word is a fantastic movement. The goal is to make the 'R' word (R****d) usage less prevalent, and further, to make any derogatory association extinct. Over the past 7 years, the 'Spread the Word' movement has gained considerable momentum, but this action does not have to be limited to one day, or one week, or one month. There is no reason this conversation can't be a consistent message year-round. More than 640, 000 have now taken the pledge. "More than 640, 000 people have now taken the pledge to end the use of the R-word, both online and on petitions and posters. When pundit Ann Coulter lashed out with ...

Inclusive Pathways to Physical Literacy

A number of local organizations including the City of Calgary and P.L.A.Y. Calgary have come together to encourage physical literacy, attempting to identify and solve accessibility issues for people with disabilities in Calgary and area.  Just like reading and writing, physical literacy is more than physical education. It directly relates to one’s ability to make choices and have the confidence to engage in a broad range of physical activities over the course of one’s life.  You need the building blocks of the alphabet before you learn to read and write, counting before you can do mathematics, knowledge and practice of musical notes before you ...

Group Hug

by: Michelle Murray Office Administrator inclusion [in-kloo-zhuh n] noun 1. the act of including. 2. the state of being included. 3. something that is included. When I was a child, I was bullied.  For some reason the other kids decided there was something wrong with me.  They’d turn their backs, walk away, and yell at me.  Worst of all, they isolated me from my surroundings. When I was a child, inclusion was never taught; most of the children I went to school with taunted and teased anyone who seemed slightly different; which always led me to think – what is difference, and who decides who’s different? My mother always taught ...

Power Up with Girl Power!

by: Penny Coleman W.E.S.O.A.R! Girl Power Program Leader I have always wanted to see women and girls succeed. I had envisioned that after I coached my sons in soccer and t-ball that I would love to coach an all-girls team. Then my youngest son, Landon started volunteering with Between Friends and that got me started.  It didn't take long to fall in love with everything about Between Friends and all who entered into it…staff, leaders, volunteers and the participants.  After a short stint as a volunteer, I quickly jumped into a role of Between Friends W.E.S.O.A.R! program leader… and was hooked. Why Girl Power? While I enjoyed running ...

Camp Bonaventure

Between Friends Camp Bonaventure Registration is Open For Available Summer Sessions     Between Friends Camp Bonaventure creates a summer full of excitement, friendship and fun. Children and youth thrive at Camp Bonaventure. They are encouraged to challenge and develop their abilities through horseback riding, canoeing, sailing, wall climbing, golf, swimming and many other exciting activities and adventures. Camp Bonaventure is available to children and youth with and without a disability from the age of 4 - 17 years old. Individuals are divided into age-appropriate groups. Activities are customized to all ability levels to maximize ...

Employment Opportunities

Join Our Team! At Between Friends, we are unified in our passion to deliver exceptional social and recreational programming for people of all ages with disabilities. Between Friends is a committed team willing to go the extra mile to make a difference in the lives of individuals and throughout our community. Check below for list of existing & future employment opportunities. Between Friends embraces diversity and talent. We offer competitive salaries and wages to attract and retain quality committed employees. Opportunities for personal and professional development are available with an encouraged emphasis on work/life balance. If you would like ...

programs

Between Friends' programs provide unique opportunities for individuals with disabilities to have social interaction with peers who may or may not have a disability. These shared interactions and experiences often become the foundation of understanding and lasting friendships. Social and recreational opportunities provide outlets for self-expression and self-development, promote mental and physical health, improve skills and enhance community participation. These experiences improve participants’ quality of life and also give them a chance to develop a true sense of freedom and independence. program registration information To ...