Chrysalis started in 1968 as Industrial Research and Training Centre (IRTC). A first of its kind agency that trained adults with developmental disabilities to produce manufactured goods. After four years, became the Western Industrial Research and Training Centre (WIRTC), a non-profit society operated by a volunteer Board of Directors then WIRTC evolved into Chrysalis in 1992.

Chrysalis opened their second location in Calgary in 1988 and has continued the wonderful work of empowering individuals who no longer wanted to stay in school or be inactive at home. Chrysalis opened the Chrysalis Calgary Studio Arts Program in May of 2009 and has encouraged individuals with disabilities to develop artistic technique with professional tools and guidance. Though young, the program has risen in success and has had over 15 years of art shows and has raised funds through selling the beautiful art that Chrysalis’s People Accessing Services (PAS) have created.