Parent Resources

• Virtual Family Portal Tour
• Family Portal Registration Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do new families get started?

  AdaptAbilities provides services for individuals ages 3 through young adulthood (18+) who experience language and/or learning delays, disorders, and physical or developmental delays.

  Government funding is not required to access our services. To get started, please complete an Inquiry.

  If it has been a few years since you last accessed our services, you likely already have an account on file that simply needs to be reactivated. Please call 780-431-8446 and our team will be happy to assist you.

• Where are your programs located?

  Programs are located throughout Edmonton and the surrounding areas, offered in a variety of centre-based and community settings. Please note that some programs operate from temporary locations. You can find a list of our primary sites here.

  For details about the programs available at each location, please refer to our Parent Handbook.

   

• Can I receive services if I do not have a funding agreement?

  Yes, you can register without active funding and choose to pay out-of-pocket. Financial assistance is available through our Bursary Fund for families who demonstrate a need for support.

  If you have a funding agreement in process or approved, a copy must be submitted at least two weeks before the program starts. Please review the Parent Handbook for cancellation policies to avoid additional fees.

• What programs are offered per age group?

  AdaptAbilities offers a range of programming from ages 3-18+. Please review the Parent Handbook to see which programs are suitable for your loved one. You can also view the Services page to see an overview of the programs we offer. 

• When can I register?

  Please see the Important Dates at the top of the page, as this document outlines all registration launch dates.  

  Programs are made available for registration on the Family Portal. Consent Forms must be kept up to date to register. 

• How do I register for a program?

  New to AdaptAbilities?
  Please complete an Inquiry, and we will reach out. An Intake Meeting will be scheduled once a spot in your desired program becomes available.

  Already part of AdaptAbilities?
  Log into the Family Portal to register for your chosen program. Make sure all required documentation is up to date, including consent forms, funding agreements, and participant profiles.

  If it’s been a few years since you last used our services, call us at 780-431-8446 to reactivate or set up your Family Portal account.

  Once your registration is submitted through the Family Portal, a Program Supervisor will review it. If a spot is available, your registration will be approved, and you will be asked to pay the Program Fee.

  Payment must be made within 7 days of receiving the confirmation notice. After 7 days, your registration will expire, and your spot in the queue will be lost. You will need to resubmit your registration through the Family Portal.

• When will I hear about my confirmation?

  A Program Supervisor reviews registrations within two business days of receiving your completed package, though there may be delays during busy periods.

  Once your registration is approved, you’ll receive an email notification with a payment link. The program fee must be paid to confirm your spot. The payment link expires after 7 days, after which your spot will be released and you would need to re-register if still interested.

  Registrations are processed in the order they are received.

• What are your cancellation policies?

  AdaptAbilities offers consistent, high-quality respite services and meaningful employment opportunities.

  Most programs operate in Programming Blocks, which are commitments of a program fee and/or funded or unfunded service hours. For example, a Teen Social Night Block include a $150 fee for 10 sessions of 4 hours each (40 hours total), all of which are billed once the fee is paid.

  Absences (vacations, illness, appointments) are billed to the funder. Families are encouraged to ensure sufficient funding is available before registering.

  See the Parent Handbook for cancellation and termination details.

• Why do I have to fill out an updated consent form every year?

  Consent Forms are valid for one year and expire on August 31. We require updated forms annually to ensure that we have current and accurate information about each participant, including medical details, emergency contacts, and support needs. 

  Consent Forms are completed digitally through the Family Portal, which also houses participant profile information. We ask families to review and update this information each year to help us provide the best possible support. 

  Please note that participants are unable to attend programming without completed and current consent forms. 

• How can I speed up my registration to be confirmed quicker?

  Registrations are processed first come, first served once your package is complete. A complete registration includes:

  • Current photo of your child on the Family Portal
  • Up-to-date consent forms
  • Accurate participant profile information

  A program spot is not reserved until all information is submitted and the program fee is paid.

  You’ll receive an email notification when your registration is processed and a spot is available, with a payment request. Payment must be made within 7 days or your spot will expire, and you’ll need to re-submit via the Family Portal.

• Is there a cost?

  For new families, an Intake Meeting is scheduled once a spot is confirmed, with a $50 intake fee.

  Program costs typically include:

  • Program Fee for activities and facilities (not usually funded)
  • Funding Agreement hours/funds to cover a Programming Block
  • Occasional petty cash for specific activities

  A Programming Block is a set session (e.g., a week of Hearts in Action Summer Camp) with associated fees and minimum hours. Administration fees may apply for withdrawals or changes.

  Costs not covered by a funder are the responsibility of the parent/guardian, and pre-authorized payment information is required.

  A bursary program is available to ensure accessibility. See the Parent Handbook for cancellation and termination policies.

• How long does it take to get involved with actual programming? When can my child start?

  If you’re a new family and you’ve completed an Inquiry, we’ll reach out to confirm receipt. We will only contact you to book an Intake Meeting once a spot is available in your desired program. 

  Once your Intake Meeting is booked, ensure you complete all the required documentation as quickly and completely as possible to streamline your onboarding. 

  We will do our best to accommodate your loved one at the earliest possible date. Once you are in our system, you may be placed on a waitlist for programs in high demand. 

• What will my loved one be doing?

  For children, programs are centered around three components: 

  • Expressive Arts: Includes arts and crafts activities. 

  • Essential Life Skills: Age-dependent and are aimed at increasing independence. Activities can involve things like learning to take transit, cooking skills, etc. 

  • Recreation and Motor Development: Includes physical activities, games and exercise. 

  For adults, programs are centered around the goals and desires of the participant. Annual goals are set and programming is adapted to meet these goals. Depending on the program, this looks different, but we always strive towards community integration, skill building, recreation, and volunteer/employment opportunities for all participants. 

• What type of training do your team members have?

  Our team is equipped with the following training:

  • First Aid
  • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)
  • Medication Administration (if required)
  • Risk Management
  • Training and continuous coaching around a Human Rights Approach, Trauma Informed Care and Positive Behaviour Supports