Greetings!
As Parkinson Awareness Month comes to a close, we hope it marks not an ending, but a new beginning. A beginning of new information and knowledge, new exercises to add to your routine and deeper connections within our community. We hope our Stand Up to Parkinson’s, Lunch & Learn webinar, Sit ‘n Stand Challenge, Spring Socials and everything we hosted this month help you move forward in your Parkinson’s journey.
The door is now open (if it wasn’t before) for you to learn more about your next steps in your PD journey, hopefully learning something new along the way! Just know that the Parkinson Association of Alberta team is here for you and your support network whenever you need information, connection, or encouragement.
JUNE 2026 NEWS FROM PARKINSON ASSOCIATION OF ALBERTA
PAA SUMMER SOCIALS
Your summer forecast looks to have clear blue skies, smokies on the BBQ, and laughter in the air – the perfect conditions to celebrate summer at one of our Summer Socials & Step ‘n Stride Kickoff BBQ’s. If there’s a Step ‘n Stride walk in your region, we’re calling it a Kickoff – it’s like a mini version of Step ‘n Stride plus we’ll help get you registered!
They’re free to attend and a whole lot of fun with all our community members & team.
- Camrose | Tuesday, July 21
- Edmonton | Friday, July 10 * Kick Off
- Fort Saskatchewan | Tuesday, July 28
- Leduc | Wednesday, July 8
- Parkland | Tuesday, July 28
- Sherwood Park | Tuesday, July 14 * Kick Off
- St Albert | Tuesday, July 14
ASK AN EXPERT: PHARMACIST Q&A
This interactive Q&A session is intended to address general questions about Parkinson disease and Atypical Parkinsonism from a Pharmacist’s perspective. This program is not intended to be diagnostic, prescriptive, or replace the relationship, advice, and/or care of your physician. 10:00AM – 11:30AM | Online for 4 weeks
Registration is required for these sessions.
Program Details
- Session: Wednesday, July 8 at 10:00AM
- Location: Online via ZOOM
- Cost: Free! Registration is required
NEW PROGRAM:
VOICE, SPEECH & COMMUNICATION
This 8-week, Norquest College student-led group therapy program helps individuals with Parkinson disease improve their voice, speech clarity, and communication skills through practical techniques in a supportive peer environment.
What Participants Will Gain
- Improved vocal strength and breath support
- Better articulation and rate control
- More expressive, confident communication
- Communication practice to support memory and attention
- Real-world communication strategies
- A personalized long-term maintenance plan
Program Details
- Mondays from May 4 – June 29 | 10:00- 11:00AM
- In-Person at the Buchanan Centre
FREE TO JOIN. Registration is required
REGISTER NOW FOR STEP N’ STRIDE
Step ‘n Stride is back, and registration is officially open! Join us this September for our 14th annual Step ‘n Stride—our biggest and most exciting fundraising walk of the year. Whether you’re walking in support of yourself, a loved one, or as part of a team, every step helps make a difference.
Step ‘n Stride is for everybody! Come join us on September 12th in Yellowknife and September 19 & 20 in Alberta. We’ll be making more announcements throughout the next few months so stay tuned!
Reserve your seat at the table for one captivating presentation from Larry Gifford. Larry is the President and Co-Founder of PD Avengers, a global patient-led organization providing awareness and advocacy for people with Parkinson’s.
In this keynote, Larry Gifford brings the theme “One of a Kind” to life through his own Parkinson’s journey and the stories of a global community. While every experience with Parkinson’s is unique, the systems meant to support people often aren’t built that way. Larry will explore the tension between individuality and the need for collective action—sharing how storytelling, connection, and advocacy can transform one-of-a-kind experiences into a movement that is impossible to ignore.
This talk is as unique as the individual journeys with Parkinson’s. Purchase your tickets today.
REGULAR PROGRAMS
1:1 One On One Family Support
- By appointment only
- Please email PAA (cl************@******************on.ca) or click the button below to open in Microsoft Outlook
Drop In Speech & Voice Programs:
- Are you looking to enhance your speech and communication abilities? Parkinson’s can affect how loudly and quickly you communicate, so it’s essential to keep our vocal cords active. We provide singing and speech practice groups to assist you in this journey!
Transition To Care Program:
- This program is for Care Partners with a loved who is in or transitioning into care. Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s does not stop when they begin to require more personalized support, and you are no longer the primary care giver; but it does begin to look and feel different
- Held online through ZOOM
- $20.00 (PAA members), $25.00 (non PAA members)
- Fridays, May 29 to June 19, 2026
- 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. MST
MORE RESOURCES