Author | Lightnews

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Sep 3

Share this far and wide please, our children need better, we need to demand better.

mailchi.mp/fsibc/nation...

News Release: National Exclusion Tracker launches across Canada!

mailchi.mp

1

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · May 21

@drshelleymoore.bsky.social

1

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · May 21

Here is our statement in response to Danielle Smith and her recent comments. We can't stand by and let people speak about our children like this.

$An open letter to Danielle Smith: We represent a group of over 3600 parents, families and educators who love and support disabled children in Alberta. We are the people affected by your recent ableist words about our kids and the rampant ableist policies enacted by your government. In March of 2020, the program Alberta families have relied on for decades (PUF) was decimated by funding cuts, as you know. While there have been minimal efforts to restore parts of the program, we currently have a fraction of the spaces we used to have. It is no wonder that 5 years later, we are starting to see the effects of not helping children individually. Global accommodations are not the same as individual supports, but that's not news. You, as the leader of our province, have created a situation that is unsustainable for all parties involved. Teachers are not required to take classes during their education about teaching disabled kids. Class sizes have exploded over the last several years. We have a fraction of the support staff we used to have. RCSD? No longer. In its place a model that sees almost zero support for K-12 students. FSCD and eventually PDD? A three year wait. So where are our families supposed to turn to get help for our kids? Wanting our children to meet their full potential is simply not too much to ask. You can't create the current reality and then blame it on the children who can't manage in this situation, segregate them, and then say it was the teachers who wanted it. We don't punch down on kids. We act like the adults in the room and work collaboratively to solve the very complex, multi-faceted situation that we have created and just is not working. At the foundation of all of it is this: Disabled children have a human right to an inclusive education. It is your job as Alberta's premier to ensure they receive that. Please make sure our kids have a seat at every table that makes decisions about them. With immense concern for our children's futures,$

1 22 33

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Mar 17

Congratulations to our friends working in education and our families of kids who have been unable to go to school for so long. We hope the rest of the school boards can come around and end the rest of the strikes quickly. Congrats again Edmonton and Fort Mac!

"Tentative agreement reached! Our strike efforts have been successful!

Please read your email for more information. More details and instructions will be shared tomorrow"

1 4

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Feb 25

Another reminder that our rally is being held today at 1 pm, we hope to see you out there!

Rally for equitable education for all kids today, February 25th at 1 pm at the legislature in Edmonton.

1 3

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Feb 24

Good afternoon, we hope to see you tomorrow at the Legislature. Naheed Nenshi will be speaking at around 1 pm!

Rally for equitable education for all kids, at the Legislature in Edmonton, Alberta. Tuesday, February 25th at 1 pm.

1 2

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Feb 21

Thanks to @orlaghokelly.bsky.social for being such a hero to our families and thank you to the families who have supported this and put their names forward. This is only the start, and we're going to work to make sure our kids get the education they deserve.

The first page of a court order brought forward on behalf of Albertan families affected by the ministerial order.

The second page of a court order brought forward on behalf of Albertan families affected by the ministerial order.

5 8

Reposted by Hold My Hand AB

Shamelessly Shantel @shamelesslyshantel.bsky.social · Feb 20

Thanks to @orlaghokelly.bsky.social for being such an amazing lawyer in this. @holdmyhandab.bsky.social for backing this and getting the families in. @drshelleymoore.bsky.social for being a phenomenal expert witness. And all the many families who took the risk and put their names forward.

10 21

Reposted by Hold My Hand AB

The Progress Report @theprogressreport.ca · Feb 21

A group organizing under the name Hold My Hand Alberta is claiming a major victory today in securing an injunction against several ministerial orders. The orders had exempted several school boards from the normal requirement to provide in-person learning—specifically to students with disabilities.

Alberta judge blocks order keeping special needs kids out of class during strike

EDMONTON — An Alberta judge has granted an injunction to block a ministerial order that has prevented children with special needs from attending school as a support strike drags on.

www.stalbertgazette.com

1 15 30

Reposted by Hold My Hand AB

Sarah Doll (She/Her) @dollface24.bsky.social · Feb 20

Looks like a justice agreed this ministerial order was discriminatory and granted the emergency injunction. It's almost as if you can't play fast and loose with the educational rights of disabled kids, just because they're disabled.

2 8 16

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Feb 19

We spoke with Marie Renaud today and she had some great insights into what's happening in Alberta right now. Let's give our children the best and brightest future possible.

www.tiktok.com/@marierenaud...

You think the UCP would is only coming for disabled Alberta on AISH? Think again…there’s a pattern. #disability #alberta #AISH #FSCD #PDD

TikTok video by Marie 🇨🇦

www.tiktok.com

1 2

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Feb 18

We're hosting a rally for equitable education next week, please let us know if you can make it.

www.facebook.com/share/1FypbZ...

Redirecting...

www.facebook.com

1 2 2

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Feb 3

We've never asked for financial support from our community before, so please know we feel the importance of this ask. Many have inquired and here it is, please feel free to share this around. What we are doing is not without cost. Thanks for whatever you can do!

gofund.me/70db31d6

Donate to Help With Legal Costs, organized by Keltie McDonald

Hello! My name is Keltie Marshall. I am a co-founder of Hold My Hand AB. We are proudly working … Keltie McDonald needs your support for Help With Legal Costs

gofund.me

6 6

Reposted by Hold My Hand AB

Shamelessly Shantel @shamelesslyshantel.bsky.social · Feb 1

Getting Organized. Getting ready.

4 7

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Feb 1

We're just getting started here on bluesky so if there's anyone we should be following, please tag them so we can give them a follow. Thank you so much!

1 4

Reposted by Hold My Hand AB

The Breakdown AB @thebreakdownab.bsky.social · Jan 31

The Alberta Govt is being sued!

Students with disabilities say Demetrios Nicolaides Ministerial order that excluded them from the UCP's own requirement to guarantee in classroom learning in an apparent attempt to gain leverage during a strike by support workers!

#abpoli #abed #ableg

/1

8 83 230

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Jan 31

Today Hold My Hand AB is very proud to announce that we are part of the fight against a discriminatory ministerial order. We would like to thank Orlagh and all plaintiffs involved in the case from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you from all of our kids. You’re real life heroes.

3 12

Reposted by Hold My Hand AB

Sarah Doll (She/Her) @dollface24.bsky.social · Jan 31

Looks like it's not just me who thinks this ministerial order is a big deal and we should act accordingly. @holdmyhandab.bsky.social has been working hard to coordinate this. Thanks for all your hard work.

1 6 19

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Jan 31

Parents/caregivers Only!
For those impacted by the strikes. What are 2 of the biggest ways your families have been impacted by the strikes/decisions by the board or government.

Need as much as we can get in before 10:30

Thank you
Hold My Hand Admin

2 5

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Jan 31

The HMH event taking place today should take no more than an hour, if you're paying for parking please take this into consideration.

1

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Jan 31

Information for those visiting the Legislature today

Washrooms- The only accessible public washrooms at the Alberta legislature Grounds are the:
Queen Elizabeth II Building (Mon-Fri/0815-1630) (S-S/Seasonal)
Bandshell Washrooms (Mon-Sun/0800-2200) Closed during winter months
Pedway Washrooms (Mon-Sun/0600-1800) Closed during winter months

Parking Please be aware that parking is very limited around the Legislature Grounds on weekdays. There are a few locations for parking below:
Paid Indigo parking lot on 106 St and 97 Ave
Small free public lot on 107 St and 98. Ave
Paid street parking along 99 Ave
Free street parking along 107 St
Legislature Building parking is for approved building business visitors only

Safety and Concerns
During the event if there are any safety or security concerns, please contact the Alberta Sheriffs dispatch at 780-422-3787. Sheriffs are at the Legislature Grounds 24/7 who're agents of the property providing law enforcement services that can be dispatched to assist or render aid.

Marches - If your event includes a "March" please contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 so they can be notified regarding possible traffic disruptions and to obtain a "parade permit" for the march. On the Alberta Legislature Grounds please limit any marches to the sidewalks and not the roadways.

Time Slot Events are requested to remain within a 2-hour timeslot. Please hold your event within your this time slot as to minimize chance of multiple events occurring at the same time/overlapping.

Litter Please ensure that any litter, garbage, or items left behind from the event is cleaned up appropriately.

Structures - All Structures, tents, or stages unless you've received written approval from Alberta Infrastructure are prohibited. If you plan on setting up large structures or tents, please contact Alberta Infrastructure to seek approval as you'll need proof of $2M in liability insurance and a Grounds User License must be signed prior to approval being granted. If approved, please carry a physical copy of the signed agreement as it must be provided if requested by Sheriffs.

Posters/Banners Please do not attach any posters or banners to anything on the Legislature Grounds. Individuals can carry and display banners or lean them against a structure as long as they aren't physically attached.

1 1 1

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Jan 30

Update from our very own @shamelesslyshantel.bsky.social

"You guys want a rally we are doing a rally. February 25 at 1 pm, Edmonton Legislature. Stay tuned for details."

1 2

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Jan 27

DS: [email protected]
780-427-2251

Demitrios Nicolaides
780-427-5010

If you need help finding the contact information for your MLA, let me know and I'd be happy to help you. Reach out to Hold My Hand on facebook or here on Bluesky.

Thank you everyone.

1 2

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Jan 27

Please email your MLA, call your MLA's office, call the premier, call the education minister. Tell them this isn't okay, these are our children. They're leaving our kids out to dry while they give themselves raises and subsidizing charter schools.

1 1

Hold My Hand AB @holdmyhandab.bsky.social · Jan 27

The UCP continues to not care about parents, EA's or the children affected by the strike with the latest being a ministerial order by the education minister saying they can just send kids home OR hire contract staff based on needs. This, instead of just giving EA's a living wage.

🧵

1 1 1