A Disability Resource Fair, to be held Friday, September 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., will help put Cochrane community members in touch with the many support services in the region.
At least six local organizations will participate in the event, says Carolyn Long, Director of Wellness Services at Vecova. To ensure their offerings don’t overlap, they’re in regular communication about the area’s needs and how to best address them.
“All of the organizations within the sector connect,” she explains. “It has been very beneficial for these organizations to work together so closely.”
In addition to Vecova, which facilitates programming and services for people living with disabilities in Cochrane and the surrounding area, the fair will include Universal Rehabilitation Service (URSA), Foothills Advocacy in Motion Society (FAIMS), Prospect, Accredited Supports to the Community (ASC), and Above & Beyond Care.
As a collective, the organizations seek to spread awareness of their programs in Cochrane, Airdrie and the surrounding Rocky View County.
“We know there are individuals in our communities who need these services, and historically people would often travel to Calgary to access them,” says Long. “We’re trying to ensure everyone in Rocky View County knows about our services, so people don’t have to travel so far to get what they need. We can bring these services directly to the community.”
Vecova, which has had a presence in Cochrane since 2019, provides housing, employment support, community access, mental health services and adapted recreation to local clients. Long points out that it’s important for people to be able to stay in their home communities rather than relocate.
“We have clients who want to stay in Cochrane,” she says. “We provide support staff to those individuals, who are able to live and work in their neighbourhood of choice.”
Using a home sharing model, Vecova employs what they refer to as “supportive roommates" who live with and support clients in their own homes. The organization also works with clients who live independently but need occasional support with daily living skills.
Long says that anyone eligible for the Alberta government’s PDD (Persons With Developmental Disabilities) funding can access Vecova’s services. Her team is also happy to help applicants and their families navigate their programming options and point them in the right direction. They can email info@vecova.ca to get started.
They can also visit the Disability Resource Fair, which is open to everyone in the community. It will take place September 12, between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at Bearspaw Community Association.
“It will be an opportunity for individuals who are looking for supports and services, or know somebody who’s looking, to come check out what we all do,” says Long. “Each of these organizations are unique and offer something different to create the best fit for your needs.”
Additional information about Vecova can be found on their website.