Getting to Know Our Advocates… Introducing Cara Milne

This review is a part of the Spring 2021 Disability Concerns Canada Newsletter. In this newsletter, every edition will focus on a different Canadian classis and introduce you to its regional advocate. 

Cara Milne lives in Calgary, AB and is the Regional Advocate of the Alberta South and Saskatchewan Classis. A proud member of River Park Church, she is passionate about community building and helping all people, including people with disabilities, to be active members of their faith communities. Cara became part of the Disability Concerns Ministry about 10 years ago but has worked in the disability field her entire career. She teaches post-secondary students in a Disability Studies Diploma and has had her own training company called M-Powered Planning for almost 20 years. Cara travels all over Canada teaching organizations, churches, and schools how to build communities for people with disabilities. She has written two books on the subject which you can check out on her website. 

Cara has always felt that the Disability Concerns Ministry is respected within her classis. She sees a willingness from all the churches to learn and create atmospheres that are accessible. However, she often wishes she was busier. “I wish churches would use me more,” she says. “I see churches interested but unsure where to start. I am here for them!” 

Not sure where to start? Cara recommends supporting people with disabilities to serve, rather than ‘be served’. Everyone has something to offer—big or small. Also, look around to see if your space is even accessible for people to come in! Lastly, she recommends beginning by getting to know the adults with disabilities that you have already in your community or their families. What do they really need? Make sure their voices are being heard. 

Cara currently serves on both the Executive Team of Disability Concerns Canada and the CRC/RCA Disability Concerns advisory team, and we love the energy, ideas, and enthusiasm she brings so that everyone can belong and everyone can serve.