MADTI - Make A Difference Through Inclusion

Communication access matters. Our ASL interpreting services help ensure Deaf Albertans can fully participate in meetings, events, and everyday life. Book today by emailing [email protected]

To our Kababayan, our Filipino community,

On behalf of Make A Difference Through Inclusion (MADTI), we offer our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and the Filipino community who lost loved ones at the Lapu-Lapu Festival in Vancouver on April 26, 2025.

One of the things we truly appreciate is our Filipino heritage, learning the values of family, community, belonging, and hospitality. We don’t just have a picnic, we have a pageantry showcasing our culture and history. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebration which include food, music, performances, games, and other activities.

Which is why it is with profound sorrow that a day of celebration turned to tragic loss of lives, imprinting trauma for many who were injured, and the families and friends impacted by the loss of loved ones. It is a reminder of how fragile life can be, and how deeply we are all connected in both joy and in pain.

To those who are mourning: you are not alone. We grieve with you. We feel the brokenness, the anger, and the disbelief. We feel the weight of this senseless act, and the pain and trauma it has caused.

Let it also be a wake-up call to our Nation’s future leaders that mental health cannot be dismissed, ignored, or stigmatized, **mental health matters.**

We all have a role to play in creating a country where help is available, we must listen, support, and care—before tragedy strikes again. We may have not been able to save the 11 lives taken, but let’s honor them by building a nation where such heartbreak is less likely to be repeated.

Together, we grieve.💔
Together, we heal. ❤️‍🩹
- Estela Dalayoan-Pinlac

Whether it is today, a week from now, or months after, grief can be timeless, so if you are needing support or know of someone who need support, please seek help. There are many resources available to help.
https://miss604.com/2025/04/lapu-lapu-day-tragedy-in-vancouver-resources/
https://bc.cmha.ca/news/support-for-filipino-community/
https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/lapu-lapu-day-mass-casualty-incident.aspx

If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming an ASL / LSQ Interpreter, this is your chance! Unfortunately, the shortage of ASL / LSQ interpreter is felt across Canada.

If you enjoy learning a new language, helping people, or if you are looking for a career change, then consider becoming a certified ASL Interpreter.

Alberta is facing a critical shortage of ASL interpreters, leaving many Deaf individuals without essential communication access. Discover the challenges, technological solutions, and initiatives aimed at addressing this growing issue in our latest blog: https://hubs.la/Q03bklns0

https://www.facebook.com/reel/965960878912350

We are thrilled to host a Zoom event called "ASL Chat." This is for Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth who are in Grade 6 - Grade 12. Come and hang out with us for an hour on November 7 from 4:30 - 5:30 pm. Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/r/XhyUVLS0xX

Show your support! Removing accessibility barriers should be a priority for everyone because it affects everyone directly or indirectly. Deaf & Hear Alberta thank you for sharing this event, we will be there!

Support a barrier-free province at the Accessibiliy NOW rally on Saturday, Sept 28! Come and bring your friends.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/fzZi67WyrxH8jzCo/?mibextid=WC7FNe

We are thrilled to announce another event CAD is hosting.

Unity in Diversity! It is a multi-cultural celebration of all sorts of cultures and ethnicities.

Save the date:
October 19, 2024!

If you have any questions or concerns please contact us at [email protected]. See you all there!

Representation matters. We at MADTI encourage all Deaf and Disabled Creators to apply. You never know where it will lead and the impact it will have.
Can you remember the first time you saw someone like you on TV?

AccessCBC | Business and Rights UPDATE: The deadline for submission has been extended to MARCH 28, 2024 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time for both streams. Successful applicants will be notified by end-April 2024.

MADTI’s Accessible Customer Experience services can be tailored to fit the needs of your business. Whether it's assessing customer accessibility needs, or implementing your accessibility plan, we've got you covered.