CanFASD is Canada's first comprehensive national research network for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), with collaborators, researchers and partners across the nation. The partnership brings together many scientific viewpoints to ensure that research knowledge is translated into community and policy action, leading to prevention strategies and improved support services. CanFASD works in partnership with national entities such as the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Health Canada, and NeuroDevNet, and is currently leading 25 major projects related to FASD prevention, intervention, and diagnostics. Researchers from CanFASD are involved in almost all FASD research projects across Canada supported by PHAC.
Level Up Gaming League harnesses the power of tabletop gaming to create positive change in the community. Their mission is to partner with organizations that support marginalized or at-risk populations and provide intentional and positive gaming experiences. Their core values are community, inclusion, and creativity.
They believe that an engaged community can bring transformational power, and all individuals, regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation, age, or religious beliefs, should have access to equal opportunities. Level Up Gaming League sees creativity as a powerful tool that frees the mind and connects people, helping them find their voice and learn how to use it. Through building a culture of inclusivity, acceptance, creativity, and honesty, their mission is to empower youth and adults to build character, develop skills, and find connection.
Kids Brain Health Network aims to ensure all children with neurodevelopmental disabilities are identified and receive early intervention and effective treatment, as well as family support. The research they fund is breaking down barriers to access and pushing diagnostic capacity into infancy to identify children with neurodevelopmental disabilities sooner. They also work to ensure all children and families have access to effective interventions and treatments early on, as well as identifying effective strategies to support parents and caregivers to reduce family stress, improve communication, and access resources that help their children realize their full potential.
Catholic Social Services partners with academic institutions, health care organizations, and community groups to conduct research on mental health. Our research focuses on the needs of vulnerable populations and aims to promote evidence-based solutions to improve mental health outcomes. By collaborating with experts in the field, they are able to develop effective interventions and support programs that empower individuals and communities to achieve better mental health and well-being.
The Lakeland Centre for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (LCFASD) is a non-profit organization that offers free programs and services in Alberta's Cold Lake, Bonnyville, St. Paul, and Lac la Biche regions, including First Nations and Métis Settlements. LCFASD's Board of Directors, including the Executive Director, are committed to providing high-quality services to those affected by FASD, including children, families, schools, employers, and community agencies. Their vision is to eliminate new FASD births in the region and provide comprehensive support to individuals living with FASD. They strive to provide accurate information, effective prevention, diagnostic, and support services for FASD to the Lakeland area.
DIVERT Mental Health is a transdisciplinary mental health training platform dedicated to transforming mental health research and practice for children, youth, and their families in Canada. It seeks to bridge the gap between the current state of mental health care and an equitable, inclusive, and accessible mental health care system that integrates diverse lived experiences.
DIVERT Mental Health aims to harness the knowledge and expertise of multi-sectoral educators by providing online experiences, research collaborations, national mentorship groups based on lived experiences, annual in-person meetings, and a certificate program in the future.
The DeafBlind Support Service Program is introduced by Connect Society, and spearheaded by the Alberta Society of the DeafBlind. The program comprises Deaf and Hearing Support Service Providers (SSPs) who have received training in Orientation and Mobility, Tactile American Sign Language, and basic Pro-Tactile. These SSPs offer support to DeafBlind individuals, as well as Hard of Hearing (or Late-Deafened) Blind individuals, individuals with low vision and hearing, by providing transportation and accompanying them in transit, serving as Communication Facilitators who can do voice-over, Tactile ASL/Pro-Tactile. The SSPs assist individuals in personal errands, social events, meetings, recreational activities, fitness, and more, to promote independence and empowerment.
The New Canadian Health Centre (NCHC) provides culturally and linguistically competent healthcare to improve the health and well-being of refugees and facilitate successful integration into the community. The NCHC addresses the challenges refugees face, such as compromised health, mental health issues, and language barriers. By providing proper detection and treatment of treatable conditions, the NCHC prevents health decline and the resulting preventable costs in the health system. The NCHC aims to ensure that healthy and productive new Canadians can contribute to the social, cultural, and economic growth of Edmonton and Alberta.