13 results for tag: inclusion

COVID-19 Relaunch Plan 2021

COVID-19 has presented many challenges for our communities. For Between Friends it has presented unique challenges especially as it relates to our in-person programming. Our in-person services and programs such as Camp Bonaventure and W.E.S.O.A.R! provide valuable social and recreation opportunities for our members and are greatly missed.  Using teamwork, creativity, and a positive attitude we have been able to adjust and adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, while working to get back to in-person programming as soon as it was safe to do so. The safety of our members and personnel has been at the forefront of our minds during this process and ...

Home-New

Between Friends is in the process of upgrading our website material and appearance to ensure we are more accessible for all. We are in the early stages. Please check out our recent addition of an accessibility widget that allows you to change font size, background, etc. If you are facing any barriers on our website you can help by letting us know. Please contact us with any ideas and suggestions. CONNECT, GROW, BELONG Connecting Between Friends provides unique opportunities for individuals with disabilities to have social interaction with peers who may or may not have a disability Growing Between Friends members ...

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 *Camp Bonaventure is an Alberta Camping Association Accredited Camp Important Update: We have made the difficult decision to cancel Camp Bonaventure and offer two alternative summer options that are more likely to be able to run safely this summer.  Rec & Respite: We hope to provide small group summer programming that will provide families with fun and much needed relief this summer. These small respite groups would be all day, in-person, and located at safe community sites.  Click HERE for more informationVirtual Options/Opportunities: We are looking into providing virtual opportunities ...