Accessible U is coming your way

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Wanda’s father lives in an inner-city bungalow and he wants to stay in his home for as long as possible but he has been struggling to get around with his new walker. Wanda has been struggling to find practical ways to help him make modifications to his home so that he stays safe and healthy.

Ajay is looking for a new place to live after his son was in an accident that left him a paraplegic. Ajay isn’t sure what to look for, where to start, or what sort of housing his son will need in the next few years as he adjusts to his new life. He’s even reached out to home builders about building something brand new and to a realtor to help him find something appropriate.

Amal and Peter brought their newborn daughter home from the hospital and suddenly realized that with her significant physical disability, their home will need major renovations as she grows.

Carole has been using her wheelchair more frequently because her MS is becoming increasingly debilitating. Amongst many challenges in her home, navigating the multiple sets of stairs are a constant worry. She’s wondering what she could do to her home to maintain her independence for as long as possible.

Later this year, people like these will be able to find valuable resources on Accessible U, a new online knowledge hub which will offer help navigating the world of accessibility, barrier-free design and home modifications. Accessible U is an initiative launched by Accessible Housing, a Calgary not-for-profit organization operating since 1974 with a vision that everyone has a home and belongs in community. Created in response to weekly queries from individuals like these, and with the generous support of AREF, Accessible U will put the power of information back into the hands of the community and will be relevant and relatable to families, realtors, home builders, health care professionals and more. Along with the site launch, workshops and learning opportunities will be held to specific audience groups to help share the valuable knowledge long held in the minds of industry professionals, health care workers and people with the lived experience of disability.

Watch for the launch and learning opportunities later this month!

 

RECA Seeking Real Estate Industry Member for Alberta Real Estate Foundation

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The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is seeking a real estate industry member to sit as Governor on the Alberta Real Estate Foundation (AREF). The term of the appointment is 3 years commencing November 1, 2016 ending October 31, 2019.

AREF supports and originates initiatives that enhance the real estate industry and benefit the people of Alberta. The Real Estate Act states AREF’s purpose is to promote and undertake:

  • the education of related professionals and the public in respect of the real estate industry
  • law reform and research in respect of the real estate industry
  • other projects and activities to advance and improve the real estate industry.

AREF’s Board of Governors is comprised of industry and public volunteers. The AREF’s Governors are responsible for fiduciary matters, investing in community initiatives, attending board meetings, and representing the Foundation at related events.

The Foundation is seeking a candidate who supports the mission, vision, and values of the organisation and embodies the following characteristics:

  • is energetic and willing to be an ambassador for the Foundation to network and create awareness among community and industry stakeholders
  • knowledge of Alberta, current issues and the ability to identify grant making and community investment opportunities
  • solid analytical skills and an appetite for learning
  • holds respect for diverging viewpoints and is willing to contribute their personal leadership skills towards creating efficient and effective governance
  • set appropriate ends and monitor the achievement of those ends
  • independent thinker who base their decision making on analysis of available information and their own experiences
  • experience with financial management and investment responsibilities – current assets of the Foundation are around $14 million
  • The Governors collectively make decisions about each project to create successful and meaningful results that benefit the people of Alberta.

If you are interested in applying to serve as an AREF Governor, please forward a letter of introduction and resume no later than September 19, 2016 to: Rina Hawkins, Executive Assistant  Real Estate Council of Alberta  Suite 350, Richard Road SW  Calgary, Alberta T3E 6L1  E-mail: rhawkins@reca.ca or Fax: 403.228.3065

Note: RECA would like to thank all individuals who apply for this position. Please note an expression of interest does not guarantee an interview or committee position.