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Non-Governmental Organizations

Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability (ALA)

The ALA is an alliance of individuals, agencies and national organizations partnering to improve access to active living opportunities for Canadians with disabilities. The five guiding principles of the organization stress that:

Active living is important to the quality of life of all people, and quality of life is a fundamental right of Canadians.
Empowering individuals is essential to any successful program or service.
Programs and services are best delivered at the community level.
All individuals must be given equal opportunity to participate in physical activity.
Preserving individuals’ respect and dignity is fundamental to the success of the active living movement.

Among the goals identified by the ALA, is a 20 percent drop in physical inactivity among disabled Canadians by 2003, and that all Canadians with a disability be aware of the active living message. Perhaps most importantly to post-secondary students is a stated goal to “develop and distribute curriculum guidelines on physical activity, fitness and recreation for colleges and universities.”

The ALA’s Web site offers information on ways to be healthy and active in cities across Canada. It can also be of assistance to community leaders, offering tips on making their recreation programs more inclusive. Contact information is provided for provincial and territorial ALA representatives.

Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability
720 Belfast Rd.
Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 0Z5
Toll free: 1 (800) 771-0663
Tel: (613) 244-0052
Fax: (613) 244-4857
Email: info@ala.ca
Web site: www.ala.ca