Since 1991, Independent Advocacy (IA) has been providing individuals with developmental disabilities the supports they need to live rewarding lives in their community. We do this by providing individualized care and support services and also by providing safe, nurturing, supportive homes.
We’re proud to help over 40 clients in the Edmonton area in their own homes. We also lease and manage 14 supported residential homes where 30 strong and independent adults enjoy lives filled with joy, dignity and love. We make sure these are safe places where they are able to learn, grow and call home.
What we believe
We believe that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has a right to enjoy a life filled with dignity within the community. We know that when we all support each other, we are better people – and the world is a better place. We believe we are all better together.
Our commitment
We are committed to helping individuals with developmental disabilities to live in the community as independently as possible. We work every day to meet and exceed Alberta Council of Disability Services, Creating Excellence Together (CET) standards – and are audited every three years to make sure we continue to measure up.
Our mission
Our mission is to provide compassionate and comprehensive in-home and community support services, empowering individuals to live as independently as possible and with dignity. We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that enhances the quality of life for those we serve.
Our people
Everyone who works here is committed to helping the people they serve to live life as independently as possible.
Adam
Recruitment & Training Coordinator
Whether I’m helping new staff get oriented or helping individuals explore their community, I am always promoting understanding and discovery. With a background in communications, I have developed a large library of online multimedia courses, taught crisis prevention for eight years, and now administer IA’s new Mental Health First Aid course. I am proud to help our clients to explore and develop their potential.
Alonia
SENIOR Team Leader
I began with IA in 1998 as a Community Disability Practitioner. Over the past 20+ years, I have enjoyed working with many unique individuals of all ages. I am so grateful for the support I receive from my colleagues and management team. Not only does everyone at IA care for the individuals we support, but also each other. At the end of the day, I always find supporting these individuals to be extremely rewarding.
Amandeep
Night Supervisor
I started my career as a primary care giver in 2012 and have earned a diploma as a physiotherapy and occupational therapy assistant. After completing college, I began working for an independent living organization. I joined the IA team in 2018 and I am proud to be a part of this family. This is a great place to work.
Samantha Harley
Team Leader
I have been in the disability service field for 12 years. I also have my certificate in disability studies from Bow Valley College. I'm excited to be a part of IA and their high standard of care and supportive environment.
Manpreet Kaur
Team Leader
My journey began as a registered nurse, where I developed a deep commitment to patient care and effective teamwork. After relocating, I was fortunate to seize an opportunity to join IA and take on the role of Team Leader. It has been a truly rewarding experience to contribute to such a dynamic and impactful organization.
Arlyn
File Administrator
Since 2002, I have had various positions at IA. I started as a Community Resource Worker/Community Disability Practitioner, then as an Assistant Team Leader and Admin Support. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering and have also completed several trainings related to my job throughout the years.
David
Owner
I can’t remember when I started at IA. My mother founded Independent Advocacy back in 1991 and it has been an integral part of my life for over 25 years. I have literally grown up here. While my education is in business, my passion is IA and supporting the individuals we work for.
Ashley
Team Manager
Ashley is a dedicated Team Manager with 9 years of experience working with individuals living with developmental disabilities.
Ashley has devoted her career to empowering individuals, promoting independence, and advocating for their rights. Her leadership style is built on the foundation of collaboration, inclusivity, and positivity.
Throughout her professional journey, Ashley has been recognized for her excellent communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those she works with. Her greatest satisfaction comes from knowing she’s made a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Lesley
Program Manager
I have been working with IA since 2005 in various positions from frontline to management and have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience throughout the years. I have a Human Services Administration Degree and Mental Health Studies Diploma from MacEwan University and I am a CET surveyor through ACDS.
Tara
Team Manager
I have been in this field since 2004 and have worked my way to becoming a Team Leader. I have had a supervisory role since 2011. I have taken Supervisory courses to help prepare myself for the role of supervisor. This job has been so rewarding and I have had the pleasure to be influential in many lives, as well as having these individuals influence my life. It has been a privilege to work with such great people. I feel blessed.
Matthew
Program Manager
Since starting with IA in 2011, I’ve had a number of different roles. My background in psychology and interest in mental health drew me to work for IA’s Outreach program. While I only intended to work here for a year to get some experience, I chose to stay with this special group of people. I feel privileged every day to work closely with Lesley and David to manage day-to-day operations for IA and help our clients get the most from life.
Mike
Team Leader
I have worked in a number of roles at IA over the past few decades. I started working with IA shortly after graduating from the University of Lethbridge with a BA degree in psychology. In 2008, I took a couple years off from working at IA to explore other passions but soon realized I missed helping others. So I returned to IA in 2010 as a Supported Independent Living (SIL) worker and am now a team leader, managing eight dedicated team members who provide support to 50 amazing individuals. I love working with my team in helping them to assist our individuals achieve their goals and reach their full potential.
Shannon
Team Manager
I have been with IA for four years but I have been supporting individuals with disabilities for over 24 years both as a frontline staff member and as a manager. It all began in high school when I volunteered to support adults with disabilities as part of a career preparation course. I immediately found the work rewarding and knew that I wanted my career to be spent helping these amazing people.
Yolande
Financial Administrative Assistant
I am proud to be a part of IA and look after all the bookkeeping and financial aspects of the agency, as well as provide administrative support. While I have a degree in Community and Rehabilitation Disability Studies Degree, I am looking forward to continuing my education and adding to my skillset.