Our History

The Children's Link Society is a family-centered, community-based, central access point of information for families of children with special needs in Calgary and Area. Our service - unique to this area and Alberta - was formed in response to the question posed by parents when their child is diagnosed with special needs ... where do I start?

Calgary and Area is rich with resources, supports, programs and services for children including those with special needs. But in the past, there was little coordination of information across health, education and social services. Often families were left to negotiate their own way through the maze resulting in frustration, anger and increased stress.

As a result, families of children with special needs have long-identified a "need for a community-based, single-entry resource service to parents that would assist with needs identification, provide information about resources and referrals, support parents in meeting the needs of their child, and advocate for the child and family".

The Children's Link Society is that "place to start". We are a non-profit, charitable organization and have been in operation since April 1, 1997.

Our Mission

Children's Link provides information and supports links to families; communities; agencies and professionals in Western Canada for children and young adults with special needs.

Our Definition of Children with Special Needs

We define children with special needs as "children who require varying levels of support and interventions in order to be assured their place as fully participating members of their communities. Their needs may be cognitive, physical, sensory, emotional and/or social".