Voice of Albertans with Disabilities (VAD) Society
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About us
Voice of Albertans with Disabilities (VAD) Society is a provincial, cross-disability non-profit organization that has been serving Albertans since 1973. For more than 50 years, VAD has worked to support individuals with disabilities through accessibility initiatives, inclusive programming, community engagement, education, system navigation, and self-advocacy support.
VAD Society supports individuals with physical, sensory, intellectual, developmental, learning, and mental health disabilities across Alberta. As an organization led by and for persons with disabilities, VAD is committed to helping create a more inclusive and accessible province where all individuals have the opportunity to participate fully within their communities.
The organization works closely with individuals, families, businesses, service providers, community organizations, and government partners to address barriers and promote meaningful inclusion. VAD’s work includes accessibility education and awareness, volunteer and community initiatives, inclusive events and programming, housing and community connection supports, and assisting individuals in learning how to self-advocate and navigate systems and services effectively.
VAD is also committed to creating spaces where the voices and lived experiences of persons with disabilities are recognized, respected, and amplified. Through collaboration and community-driven initiatives, the organization continues to build opportunities that foster connection, belonging, accessibility, and equity throughout Alberta.
In 2026, VAD Society is launching Voices Without Barriers, Alberta’s first fully accessible music festival, bringing together artists, organizations, and community members to celebrate creativity, inclusion, and accessibility through music and shared experience.
Organization size
1-10 employees
Get in touch
Tara Lyon is the Executive Director of Voice of Albertans with Disabilities (VAD), a provincial cross-disability organization committed to accessibility, inclusion, and amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities across Alberta. Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Tara graduated from Concordia University of Edmonton in 2013 with a Bachelor of Management, majoring in Human Resource Management and Finance. She brings more than a decade of leadership experience in human resources and operations management across both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Drawing from both personal and lived experience, Tara is deeply passionate about equity, accessibility, and community inclusion. Having grown up with a disability herself, and as a parent to a son diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at age three, she understands firsthand the barriers, challenges, and stigma many individuals and families face. Tara is dedicated to creating meaningful change through collaboration, inclusive programming, community engagement, and supporting individuals in learning how to self-advocate and navigate systems effectively. Her work focuses on ensuring individuals with disabilities have equitable access to opportunities, support, and spaces where their voices are heard, valued, and respected.