ALS Canada’s Canadian ALS Learning Institute (CALI)

There is no fee for selected applicants to participate in the CALI.

Applicants must:

• Live in Canada
• Have a personal connection to ALS (i.e. living with the disease or a current or former caregiver to someone living with ALS)
• Have access to a device with an internet connection and webcam
• Be available to attend the majority of modules on the dates/times noted

Applications are evaluated by a committee comprised of ALS Canada staff and volunteers, including people living with ALS. Evaluation criteria include availability and commitment to attend modules with an openness to learning. Additionally, ALS Canada will review applications to ensure a diverse cohort in age, background, and geography.

It is expected that participants will make every effort to be available to attend all of the modules. We understand there may be extenuating circumstances and modules may be missed. Depending on the circumstance, participants who miss multiple modules may be asked to withdraw from the program and/or can no longer participate in follow-up activities. 

Participants will learn more about the Canadian ALS landscape, clinical research and therapy development, how new therapies become approved and accessible to Canadians, and how to advocate effectively for access to approved therapies.

To foster learning and meaningful dialogue, the Learning Institute is limited to 40 participants who are selected based on application quality.

• Learn more about the Canadian ALS landscape.
• Hear from key ALS researchers deeply invested in understanding ALS and contributing to the development of effective treatments.
• Connect with other ALS community members with an interest in research and advocacy.
• Learn more about the ALS research process and gain the knowledge and skills required to advocate effectively for issues that matter the most to the ALS community, such as equitable and timely access to Health Canada-approved therapies.
• Access follow-up opportunities, such as sitting on patient advisory boards, sharing your insights on clinical trial designs with the industry, and participating in consultations that shape the future of ALS research and care, for ongoing engagement.

Attendees in this program are expected to:

• Engage in discussion throughout this program and afterward.
• Come to each module prepared (e.g. reading materials circulated in advance, questions for presenters, etc.).
• Complete an evaluation survey after each module and a final evaluation survey on the entirety of the program to help us make continuous improvements.
• Track and share your advocacy efforts.
• Embrace your new role as an ALS Canada Community Ambassador and pledge to advocate for ALS to decision-makers.

The program has been developed in consultation with people living with ALS and people caring for someone living with ALS. The program includes sessions where people living with ALS will share their experiences and perspectives.

Yes. Participants will have the option to share verbally or use the chat feature to type comments and questions. ALS Canada has developed this program with different abilities in mind.

Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to check back for future programming and reapply.

After completing the program, participants will have the opportunity to attend and participate in regular Community Ambassador meetings hosted by ALS Canada and offered exclusively to graduates of the program. These meetings are a continued opportunity to discuss the latest on ALS research and advocacy and hear from guest speakers on relevant topics.

Yes. All modules and learning materials are made available to participants afterwards for reference. Please note that the program content will only be available to CALI participants, and not the general public.

All content for the Learning Institute is currently delivered in English. We are exploring ways to make content available in other languages.