Thank you to Everyone who attended IDPD Calgary 2020!
Our keynote speaker: Alvin Law
Armless “and” Amazing! Two words that normally don’t go together but for Alvin Law, they do. In 1960, he was born without arms. In 1976, he was “Timmy”, Easter Seal’s spokesperson for disabled children. That year, a press release said; Alvin may appear “disabled” but this 16 year old plays drums and trombone with his feet! He is the essence of the charity’s goal to focus on children’s “Abilities” and quality of life”!
In 2020, Alvin is a Hall of Fame Speaker, who in 2018 was also inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame...two Halls of Fame! Must be quite the story. Indeed.
In 2020, Alvin is a Hall of Fame Speaker, who in 2018 was also inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame...two Halls of Fame! Must be quite the story. Indeed.
Drum Circle & Music Therapy
by JB Music Therapy
Our Emcee and Panel Host: Makrina Morozowski
Makrina works at the Distress Centre, a former competitive athlete, and an overall adventurer. Makrina is well known in her community for her welcoming presence and empathetic ear, as well as her relentless spirit and ability to encourage others. She is involved in the disability community, including Easter Seals Alberta. She has been involved in IDPD days across the province of Alberta. Makrina enjoys swimming, hiking, CrossFit, and monoboarding! Makrina lives with Cerebral Palsy and it is an inherent part of who she is, though it is not the only factor. Makrina does not let her disability define her whole being. Makrina welcomes many to attend IDPD 2020 through an online format to see some great speakers and a panel discussion.
Our Panelists
Leanne Squair
Leanne Squair is the Issue Strategist for Access and Disability at the City of Calgary. She is the administrative contact for all matters related to city accessibility and disability. During the pandemic, Leanne has been liaising with other city agencies, non-profits and service organizations to ensure persons with disabilities are not experiencing barriers and hardship during Covid-19. If you have a question about the City of Calgary services, Leanne, is the city staffer who can point you in the right direction.Leanne is married, with two amazing adult children and a Golden Retriever that she enjoys spending time with, especially during the pandemic. She loves the outdoors, travelling and watching sports.
Rebecca Neels
My name is Rebecca Neels, but almost everyone calls me, “Becca”. I am twenty-three years old. The reason I agreed to be a part of IDPD this year is due to my own experiences living with Cerebral Palsy. I have developed an intense passion for disability advocacy!
Jon Bateman
Jon Bateman is an Executive Advisor to the Auditor at The City of Calgary. Over his twenty-year career, he has worked in various communication-based roles in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Jon holds a Master's degree in Community and Economic Development from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Applied Communication degree and Social Work diploma from Mount Royal University. On August 8, Jon, his partner Lisa and their dog Digby welcomed a new addition to their family when Briggs Bateman was born.
Patricia Timmermans
Patricia Timmermans and her guide dog Cooper are a dynamic duo to be sure. With her trusted four-legged companion by her side, Pat gets around for her morning coffee, rides the C-Train and gets to and from the CNIB office where she volunteers at front reception and sometimes on outings to schools. Pat enjoys the opportunities to talk about guide dogs in schools and doesn’t mind that she gets upstaged by her furry sidekick. Patricia is a blogger, a proud wife, mom, and Grandma.
Leanne Squair is the Issue Strategist for Access and Disability at the City of Calgary. She is the administrative contact for all matters related to city accessibility and disability. During the pandemic, Leanne has been liaising with other city agencies, non-profits and service organizations to ensure persons with disabilities are not experiencing barriers and hardship during Covid-19. If you have a question about the City of Calgary services, Leanne, is the city staffer who can point you in the right direction.Leanne is married, with two amazing adult children and a Golden Retriever that she enjoys spending time with, especially during the pandemic. She loves the outdoors, travelling and watching sports.
Rebecca Neels
My name is Rebecca Neels, but almost everyone calls me, “Becca”. I am twenty-three years old. The reason I agreed to be a part of IDPD this year is due to my own experiences living with Cerebral Palsy. I have developed an intense passion for disability advocacy!
Jon Bateman
Jon Bateman is an Executive Advisor to the Auditor at The City of Calgary. Over his twenty-year career, he has worked in various communication-based roles in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Jon holds a Master's degree in Community and Economic Development from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Applied Communication degree and Social Work diploma from Mount Royal University. On August 8, Jon, his partner Lisa and their dog Digby welcomed a new addition to their family when Briggs Bateman was born.
Patricia Timmermans
Patricia Timmermans and her guide dog Cooper are a dynamic duo to be sure. With her trusted four-legged companion by her side, Pat gets around for her morning coffee, rides the C-Train and gets to and from the CNIB office where she volunteers at front reception and sometimes on outings to schools. Pat enjoys the opportunities to talk about guide dogs in schools and doesn’t mind that she gets upstaged by her furry sidekick. Patricia is a blogger, a proud wife, mom, and Grandma.
Calgary IDPD 2020 would like to thank the Premier's Council of Alberta and our sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
(Please click on each sponsor logo to view their videos)
(Please click on each sponsor logo to view their videos)
Gold Sponsors
(Please click on the sponsor logo to view its video)
Silver Sponsors
Congratulations to the Premier's Council 2020 Award Recipients
Award of Excellence in Community
Recipient, Valerie Arbeau
Award of Excellence in Public Awareness
Recipient, Makrina Morozowski
Award of Excellence in Employment
Recipient, Autism Society of Alberta
Award of Excellence in Education
Recipient, Aksana Kirton
Award of Excellence in Community
Recipient, Valerie Arbeau
Award of Excellence in Public Awareness
Recipient, Makrina Morozowski
Award of Excellence in Employment
Recipient, Autism Society of Alberta
Award of Excellence in Education
Recipient, Aksana Kirton