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Since December 1986, the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability (Alliance) has encouraged, promoted and provided inclusive physical activity opportunities for Canadians with a disability. As the Alliance embarks on their second decade of service, it is important to celebrate past achievements while at the same time challenge past practices, in order that future programs and initiatives will continue to develop in diverse environments.
Recently, a four month review and inquiry was undertaken by six researchers in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation at the University of Alberta. Their objectives were to identify and evaluate the Alliance's past, their accomplishments and current status. After completing the inquiry, the researchers produced a number of recommendations specific to the Alliance, although many of the issues included could well be applicable or relevant to any volunteer organization whose mandate refers to persons with a disability.
Resources used to gather information included a variety of archival material such as newspaper articles, meeting minutes, published documents, internal memoranda and the use of semi-structured interviews.
THE PAST
The first step in evaluating the Alliance was to examine the organizational history. Broadly described, the Alliance has been an interwoven partnership of individuals, agencies and associations whose common goal has been to promote physically active lifestyles for persons with a disability.
The origins of the Alliance can be traced back to 1985 when Dr. Robert D. Steadward approached Dr. Ted Wall with a proposal to consider hosting an event that would create an opportunity for discussions among Canadian professionals in the field of programs and initiatives for people with a disability. Hence, the idea of the 1986 Jasper Talks was formulated and materialized as a meeting hosted in Jasper, Alberta, co-chaired by Dr. Steadward and Dr. Wall.
Jasper Talks consisted of 38 delegates from across Canada. Delegates represented a broad cross-section of interest groups, including those from public education and recreation sectors, universities, community organizations, sport groups, and provincial and federal government departments. This working group was tasked to make comprehensive recommendations to advance and promote physical activity for persons with a disability.
Out of the 1986 Jasper Talks came the development of a National Advisory Committee for people with a disability to carry out the vision of active living...