Welcome to The Alberta Council of Disability Services.

ACDS is the representative association for 130 member agencies that provide services to individuals with developmental disabilities. Formerly named The Alberta Association of Rehabilitation Centers (AARC), was established in 1972 by a group of vocational service operators. Incorporated the following year, AARC functioned as a not-for-profit society governed by a provincial volunteer Board of Directors and is now named the Alberta Council of Disability Services (ACDS).

ACDS has evolved into an umbrella, not-for-profit association that exists to serve its member organizations. Volunteers and professional staff represent ACDS members. The association facilitates interaction, co-operation and communication between members, the Government of Alberta Ministry funders, community and other external stakeholders. Member support is provided through education, accreditation, (including the establishment of standards) and collaboration, and has evolved into an important communications channel.

ACDS' mandate is to provide supports, to community-based service providers of individual's with developmental disabilities, requiring a wide range of care/support needs. The goal is to ensure quality service delivery for clients. In fulfilling this mandate, ACDS does not limit its support exclusively to its members. The association's education, accreditation and collaborating efforts also have a positive effect on organizations outside the umbrella. ACDS is an important source of information for, and a respected partner with, other recognized groups engaged in strategic planning for the future of human services.