WE ARE: PURVEYORS OF POSSIBILITIES!
A group of more than 40 creative and passionate volunteers who donate their skills and time to create or modify assistive devices that enable people living with a disability to live a richer, more independent life.
Serving individuals of all ages living with a disability for over 30 yrs!
We are passionate about building inclusive communities, providing accessible supports with little cost.
HOW WE OPERATE:
Any person living with a disability who has a need/wish/ or dream of an improvement in their daily life submits a simple Request for Assistance form, found on our website. We then team up to provide a solution.
We have a fully equipped workshop (The Ron Marshall Centre) where much of the magic happens. Our volunteers possess a variety of skill sets (engineering, woodworking, welding, handyman, teaching etc.) and many years experience in assessing the special needs and potential of people of all ages living with a disability. Many of our woodcrafters are award-winning and have their personal workshops.
Whether a project takes 15 minutes or 200 hours, there is never a charge for labour. We ask only that the client pay for purchased materials, plus a fee for shop materials required to complete a project.
We receive an average of 130 requests annually.
We know of no other such organization in Calgary that offers the services and innovation that we do at The Ability Workshop Society.
Our impact reaches well beyond our clients. Parents, spouses, siblings, teachers, therapists, care givers, etc. all benefit from the improved ability/wellness/living standards of one individual.
SAMPLE OF PROJECTS
• Sensory/Activity board
• Wheelchair dog treat dispenser
• Adapted sled
• 3D printed chin switch
• Adapted commode
• Adapted T-bar for powered standing wheelchair
• Adapted washing machine knobs
• Wheelchair brake extension
• Adapted hockey blade/stick for wheelchair
• Adapted writing device
HOW YOU CAN HELP US
Our annual budget is totally funded by grants and donations whether they be in cash or in kind.
Funding assistance directed to one of the following:
• Funding to cover operating costs ($65,000 per year)
• Maintenance and procurement of new workshop equipment ($25,000).
Donations in kind such as:
• Project materials – wood, plexiglass, metal etc.
• Specialty services to supplement our capabilities (e.g. accounting, pro-bono legal, web design, 3D printing, welding, cutting, forming, upholstery etc.)
We also need:
• Long-term workshop space to rent in Calgary (3500 sq ft)
VOLUNTEER
• As a 100% volunteer organization, we are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers! To volunteer, complete an application on the AWS website.