We started as a program founded in 1979 by parents of children with cerebral palsy. The program was housed at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, and provided information and education related to assistive technology to children with special needs and their families. We quickly realized that we had the capability of not only assisting children and their families, but also adults with special needs as well.
In 1984 we became a nonprofit, charitable organization named the Technical Resource Centre and in 1998, we re-branded as the Ability Society incorporating seniors into the mission and mandate of the Society while continuing to be an advocate for persons with special needs in the community.
In 1986 we opted for the path less travelled and started to practice self-sustaining Social Enterprise business methodology, which was unpopular at the time. It was indeed a road less travelled. Our pioneering determination was rewarded with 20 years of growth and a wealth of knowledge on the successful operation of Social Enterprise.
We are now proud to be one of the premier Social Enterprise success stories in Canada and are renowned world class leader.