For immediate release – April 13, 2026

Inclusion Alberta is proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Rotary Employment Partnership, an Alberta built social innovation with international recognition, during the 2026 Inclusion Alberta Family Conference, taking place April 17–18 at the Fantasyland Hotel in Edmonton.

The Rotary Employment Partnership was co-developed by a single Rotary Club and Inclusion Alberta in 2001 that has since spread to create nearly 1,000 meaningful jobs across the province for people with intellectual disabilities by connecting employers with job seekers through Rotary members’ personal and professional networks. It is one of the most respected and enduring community partnerships for Rotary Districts 5360 and 5370, with recognition nationally and internationally.

“At a time when families are facing unprecedented cost of living pressures, having a real job means stability, independence, and dignity,” said Wendy McDonald, Chief Operating Officer and parent of an adult with an intellectual disability.

Brendan Robertson started his job as warehouse attendant at NorthStar Equipment Rentals in Edmonton, a job that he secured through the Rotary Employment Partnership.

“I like the work at NorthStar,” said Brendan. “I get to work in the wash bay washing the vehicles and equipment. That is my favourite thing to do. This job allows me to keep working towards my goal. To keep pursuing my calling, to be a carpenter. The Rotary Employment Partnership has opened doors that have changed so much for me.”

For employers, the impact is equally transformative.

Inclusive employer Clark Builders has hired 3 valued employees through the Rotary Employment Partnership since 2020 and championed the removal of barriers to trades education for persons with intellectual disabilities.

“Give a person a job and their life will completely change,” said Steve Lenarduzzi, President of Clark Builders. “Through the Rotary Employment Partnership and Inclusion Alberta’s hands-on support, we’ve seen firsthand that inclusive employment strengthens teams, builds loyalty, and makes us a better company. All of our team members, including those supported through this partnership are valued contributors to our success.”

The Partnership pairs business driven opportunity with individualized, professional employment support, ensuring long-term success for both employees and employers. Its mandate to ‘do things differently’ than has traditionally been done in disability employment programs is its key to quality and success. Partnership staff are not job developers; potential jobs are identified by Rotarians and employers and Partnership staff then work with them to pin down their particular needs.

The Rotary Employment Partnership is delivered in Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Lloydminster, Okotoks and Red Deer, through a collaboration between Rotary Clubs in Districts 5360 and 5370 and Inclusion Alberta. Funding from the Government of Alberta has played an important role in enabling the professional coordination and on-the-ground employment supports that make Rotary’s voluntary engagement effective and impactful.

“We are grateful for the Government of Alberta’s longstanding support of the Rotary Employment Partnership,” said McDonald. “That support has helped demonstrate that inclusive employment is not only possible, but practical, proven, and good for business.”

For 25 years, Inclusion Alberta’s consistency and understanding of how Rotary works have given Rotarians the confidence to open their personal and business networks to create employment opportunities. The success of the Rotary Employment Partnership shows just how much more is possible when employers, volunteers, community organizations and government work together—with thousands more Albertans with intellectual disabilities still eager for the opportunity to contribute through meaningful work.

The anniversary celebration at the 2026 Inclusion Alberta Family Conference will recognize the people at the heart of the Partnership — youth and adults with intellectual disabilities who want to work or are working, employers, and Rotarians — whose collective commitment has resulted in hundreds of lasting employment relationships, some spanning more than two decades.

Inclusion Alberta’s Family Conference is the largest and longest running event of its kind in the world, bringing together over 600 individuals with intellectual disabilities, families, allies, and professionals to advance inclusion in every aspect of community life, including employment. The President’s Reception on April 17 will celebrate the Rotary Employment Partnership’s 25-year legacy, while the closing plenary on April 18 will share powerful stories from businesses and employees that reflect the Partnership’s lasting impact.

As the Rotary Employment Partnership enters its next chapter, Inclusion Alberta and our partners, Rotary Districts 5360 and 5370, remain committed to building on 25 years of trust, collaboration, and results, so that people with intellectual disabilities have access to meaningful work, economic security, and the chance to thrive in their communities.

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Inclusion Alberta Chief Operating Officer Wendy McDonald is available for interviews. Please contact Sara Protasow, Inclusion Alberta Communications Coordinator at sprotasow@inclusionalberta.org or 780-906-4693.

About Inclusion Alberta: Inclusion Alberta is a family based, non-profit federation that advocates on behalf of children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families. Together, we share a dream of meaningful family life and community inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities. As an advocacy organization we support families and individuals in their desire to be fully included in community life.