Now in its 20th year, Alberta AdaptAbilities Association has been changing the lives of individuals with diverse abilities through programs that build community and empower independence and quality of life.
CEO Michelle Hordal founded AdaptAbilities. During her time at the U of A, she provided respite services to three families who had children with disabilities and discovered a passion for the work.
“Additionally,” says Hordal, “as an adapted physical education teacher, I recognized gaps and decided to do something about it. I listened to parents share their struggles with the lack of programs and services. A common story was families sending their children to community camps and getting the dreadful phone call to pick them up, often before lunch, due to behaviours on their first day. So many families were reaching out for support. Working families were relying on respite to maintain employment but once a child reaches 13 years old, daycare is no longer an option.”
Hordal put together a team who understood the needs of the participants and enabled children to enjoy a successful experience, meeting new friends and giving families peace of mind.
“Our why is simple – because everyone has the right to belong,” says Hordal.
“Respite is a need, not a luxury. Families are given peace of mind, allowing them to take a break from the challenges of caring for an individual with diverse abilities, knowing their child is safe, supported and in a nurturing environment. Participants socialize with new people, developing long-lasting friendships while learning essential life skills and increasing their independence. Families get a well-earned break from caregiving to handle everyday tasks, work outside the house and enjoy more time with loved ones. Respite alleviates stress, improves quality of life and preserves relationships.”
The success, meaning and drive of AdaptAbilities can be seen in the inspiration for its 10th anniversary celebration mural.
Hordal explains, “The mural, created in 2014, features individual tiles that embody the unique creative spirit of each participant. Although each tile stands alone, together they form a larger vibrant picture. Participants were guided only by specific colour palettes, and none knew what the final image would look like, allowing for spontaneous creativity. Each tile represents a valued member of the community connected through AdaptAbilities. The mural symbolizes strength, courage, and triumph. We all have a voice and when work together magical things happen!”
She says of her drive to continue what can be a challenging mission some days, “The most rewarding thing is waking up each day with a deep sense of purpose, knowing that the work we do creates life-changing opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities and their families. Witnessing their growth, independence and the joy they experience as they achieve milestones is incredibly fulfilling. It’s an honour to lead an incredible team that not only provides vital support but also fosters inclusion, connection and empowerment. Making a lasting difference in their lives motivates me every single day.”
In addition to its progressive advocacy, AdaptAbilities is also progressive with its administration, including using customized ERP technology to support the social enterprise mission. Only 10 per cent of its revenue is generated through fund development, with a revenue-generating model that emphasizes attracting top talent with competitive compensation, creating a high value proposition for both the families and team members.
In 2024, Hordal was recognized with a Business in Edmonton Leaders award.
“This milestone is a testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of our entire team, as well as the amazing families and individuals we have had the privilege to support,” she says. “It reinforces the impact we’re making and inspires me to continue driving positive change.”
Looking back, Hordal is grateful to the many people and organizations that helped bring her vision to life.
“I would like to acknowledge the invaluable support of Alberta Women Entrepreneurs and the Women Presidents Organization, both of which have been instrumental in my own personal and professional growth,” she adds. “Their commitment to empowering women in business has provided me with essential resources, networking opportunities and peer mentorship that has been instrumental in giving me the courage to navigate many challenges. As a result, my confidence has increased, enabling me to take on larger projects and manage substantial year-over-year growth, all while ensuring the quality of AdaptAbilities services remains at the forefront.”
She looks forward to being part of a future where individuals with diverse abilities are fully included and celebrated in all aspects of society.
“In this future, everyone has the right to belong and barriers to participation are dismantled, creating accessible environments that build independence, connection and growth,” Hordal concludes. “It starts with champions dedicated to sharing stories of the impact of belonging and from there, engagement of leaders, change makers and community. Our goal is to serve 10,000 participants by 2030 (currently at 2,633) by providing the highest quality of respite care while we extend AdaptAbilities’ programming and respite services to many more communities across Alberta. Together we can build a vision of inclusion one person at a time.”
10130 82 (Whyte) Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T6E1Z4
T: 780-431-8446 • F: 780-669-5762
E: info@adaptabilities.ca • adaptabilities.ca
