We Advocate
Claim This Podcastby Gordon & Annie VanderLeek
Podcast Overview
<p><b>We Advocate</b> is a podcast about empowerment, advocacy, and understanding the systems that affect Albertans with disabilities. Hosted by <b>Gordon VanderLeek</b>, a Calgary wills and estates lawyer, and <b>Annie VanderLeek</b>, a disability advocate, the show explores the intersection of law, policy, and lived experience for people with disabilities and their families.</p><p><br></p><p>Each episode breaks down complex topics — from AISH and the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) to support programs both provincial and federal, guardianship & trusteeship for those with disabilities, issues on capacity, and general planning opportunities— in plain language that helps listeners make sense of their rights and options.</p><p><br></p><p>With insight, empathy, and a dash of candid conversation, Gordon and Annie share their experiences from both sides of the advocacy table — legal and personal — helping listeners stay informed, prepared, and empowered to navigate life with confidence.</p><p><br></p><p>If you care about disability rights, inclusion, legal issues and social policy reform in Alberta and beyond, We Advocate is your trusted voice for clarity and change.</p>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/23/2025
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Recent Episodes
April 1, 2026
014. Measuring the Impact of ADAP – Why Data, Stories, and Research Matter
Episode Summary: In this episode of the We Advocate Podcast, Gordon and Annie are joined by returning guest Dr. Gillian Petit, along with Phil Ney from Inclusion Alberta, for an important conversation about research, lived experience, and the future of disability supports in Alberta. As Alberta prepares for the rollout of the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), this episode explores a critical question: Are these policy changes actually improving people’s lives? Why this matters: Th...
March 18, 2026
013. Why Alberta Needs Strong Accessibility Legislation
Episode Summary: In this episode of We Advocate, Gordon and Annie welcome Michelle Christensen and Sam Mason for an important conversation about accessibility, systemic barriers, and why Alberta urgently needs strong, effective accessibility legislation. While disability policy is often discussed in terms of income supports or services, this episode zooms out and asks a broader question: What kind of society are we building if people with disabilities still face preventable barriers in work, ...
February 18, 2026
012. Reimagining Disability Supports in Alberta: What Does Real Reform Look Like?
Episode Summary: In this solo episode, Gordon VanderLeek steps back from reacting to policy changes and instead asks a bigger question: If we could redesign Alberta’s disability support system from scratch, what would real reform look like? With the introduction of the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), ongoing concerns about AISH, and limited consultation with the disability community, this episode explores what meaningful change could be, not just administrative adjustments, bu...
14 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is We Advocate?
<p><b>We Advocate</b> is a podcast about empowerment, advocacy, and understanding the systems that affect Albertans with disabilities. Hosted by <b>Gordon VanderLeek</b>, a Calgary wills and estates lawyer, and <b>Annie VanderLeek</b>, a disability advocate, the show explores the intersection of law, policy, and lived experience for people with disabilities and their families.</p><p><br></p><p>Each episode breaks down complex topics — from AISH and the new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) to support programs both provincial and federal, guardianship & trusteeship for those with disabilities, issues on capacity, and general planning opportunities— in plain language that helps listeners make sense of their rights and options.</p><p><br></p><p>With insight, empathy, and a dash of candid conversation, Gordon and Annie share their experiences from both sides of the advocacy table — legal and personal — helping listeners stay informed, prepared, and empowered to navigate life with confidence.</p><p><br></p><p>If you care about disability rights, inclusion, legal issues and social policy reform in Alberta and beyond, We Advocate is your trusted voice for clarity and change.</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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