DDRC (Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary)
4631 Richardson Way SW T3E 7B7 Calgary, AB, Canada

The DDRC’s Zoom Workshops have been fresh and exciting this week, thanks to engaging & informative guest speakers, like Carli from Mount Royal University's Transitional Vocational Program (TVP). Carli stopped by to talk to DDRC clients about learning opportunities and the TVP program, where students can work on new skills. Education can help us to build confidence, make friends, and try something new - no matter where you decide to learn. Thanks for stopping by with some encouragement, Carli! #lifelonglearning #inclusion #everyonebelongs #yyc #calgary #FeelGoodFriday

Leonka's been staying active & energized, and has just completed the Special Olympics Alberta PEAK Program! The PEAK Program has virtual sessions each week, focusing on physical and mental health activities that you can do from your home. Just like Leonka, each participant makes there own daily exercise goals, and completing those goals earns points for yourself or your team. Sounds like a lot of fun, and Leonka says that she cannot wait for the next PEAK program to start! #yyc #inclusion #everyonebelongs #calgary #SpecialOlympics #exercise #health #goals

The DDRC office and programs will be closed Friday December 25th and Monday December 28th for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The DDRC office building will remain closed until January 11th, 2021, when regular office hours will resume. ILS, Comprehensive Care, and DDRC remote programs will continue as scheduled throughout the office closure. From everyone at the DDRC, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities - a day to celebrate, promote awareness and inclusion, and recognize persons with disabilities across the world! At the DDRC, clients celebrated IDPD with Zoom workshops about disability awareness and inclusion, championing the phrase nothing about us, without us. Today in Calgary, there was a virtual #IDPD2020 event, hosted by March of Dimes, with the theme "Coping with COVID-19, Thriving with Technology". The event f...eatured a panel discussion including topics like using technology for disability advocacy, a drum circle by JB Music Therapy, special guest Alvin Law, and an address from Mayor Naheed Nenshi. How are you celebrating #IDPD2020? #everyonebelongs #inclusion #yyc #calgary #disabilityawareness

After the shopping rush of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, December 1st is #GivingTuesday - a special day of generosity, giving back, and supporting charities! This year, if you're able to, please consider donating to the DDRC and other charities doing important work throughout the year. Today on Giving Tuesday, for each donation of $20 or more, CanadaHelps will donate an additional $2 to the charity you support. Donate today by visiting https://www.canadahelps.org//develop...mental-disabilities-r/ #everyonebelongs #inclusion #yyc #calgary #givingtuesday2020

This week is Accessible Driver Appreciation Week, and the DDRC is showing our support for #AccessibleTransportation in Alberta. DDRC clients participated in virtual Accessible Driver Appreciation workshops this week and last, creating thoughtful posters and vision boards to show their support. Ashley and Austin talked about their love of bowling and participating in community activities - adding that, they feel so happy when their arrive at their destination safely. Christoph...er said that Calgary Transit Access brings him to the DDRC, and this is where he feels most proud! Voice of Albertans with Disabilities and Calgary Ability Network started this initiative to recognize the efforts of drivers and schedulers of accessible transportation that support the full involvement and participation of those with disabilities in our community. Please join us and thank our outstanding accessible transportation workers! #AccessibleDriverAppreciation #inclusion #everyonebelongs #yyc #calgary Southland Transportation Group Checker Cabs #CareCalgary #thankful #gratitude

The DDRC office and programs will be closed on Wednesday, November 11th, for Remembrance Day. Regular hours and services will resume on Thursday, November 12th. Click here to see in-person and virtual events in Calgary on Remembrance day - https://www.todocanada.ca/things-to-do-on-remembrance-day-/

The DDRC’s 2020 Inclusion Celebration has recognized a wide variety of outstanding efforts made by members in our community, and all of this would not have been possible without YOU! As our celebration has now come to a close, we want to thank everyone for the nominations, recognitions, and kind words we have received over the past two months. We have been able to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals with developmental disabilities, the initiatives of inclusive employ...ers, and the welcoming spirit of outstanding community organizations. And, it has been wonderful to see so many people get involved by contributing their supportive and encouraging comments. Thank you to everyone for helping us celebrate our community and promote the #everyonebelongs vision! #ddrcInclusion #inclusion #yyc #calgary

Daylight Saving Time 2020 ends this Sunday, November 1st at 2 AM. Set your clocks back to standard time, or fall back one hour. Have a great weekend!

The DDRC’s CHOICES North Team is nominating Jamie in our 2020 Inclusion Celebration! Jessica from the North Team wrote For the past two years, Jamie has been working on finding his path into the community of Calgary. His initial uncertainty prevented him from exploring new horizons or expanding his community experiences, and his comfort zone was to stay in familiar places. But the story does not end there! Jamie decided to explore the path less travelled, and started with... small steps towards expanding his experiences. With the support of the CHOICES North Team and his belief in himself, he was ready to become an explorer in the community. One of his first experiences was when he visited the Indigo/Chapters bookstore at the Dalhousie Station Mall where he was able to chat with a staff member about Coronation Street (his favourite British TV soap opera). The employees there were able to find a book on the show to share with him, and the resulting smile on Jamie’s face was truly contagious! The bookstore staff, Jamie, and I actually all giggled together! Then COVID-19 happened, and life took a definite change in direction. But this did not stop Jamie from continuing to explore. In fact, he was also willing to try out new things, to connect more with others in the community, and to feel he belonged. He used binoculars for the first time at Inglewood Bird Sanctuary; and the first bird he saw was a beautiful Wood Duck. Jamie has been making connections with people in the community - when walking through Bowness Park he would wave and say hello to people passing by. What’s next for Jamie, you may ask? He has definite plans to meet his friends from DDRC in the community, and to continue to push his boundaries, and to face new challenges directly and with confidence! Congratulations, Jamie! #ddrcInclusion #inclusion #everyonebelongs #calgary #yyc

Mihaela is nominating Alberta Health Services South Calgary Health Center for the DDRC's 2020 Inclusion Celebration! Mihaela said - "I would like to nominate the Alberta Health Services staff that work at the South Calgary Health Centre for an inclusion award. I have been volunteering with Alberta Health services [AHS] for 6 years. The AHS staff always make me feel welcomed and like I am a part of the community. Volunteering with AHS has given me the opportunity to not only b...e a part of their team and community, but to be involved in it and give back while gaining work experience. As a volunteer they have helped me gain confidence in myself, learn more about myself and the work I do, and build new skills. Volunteering brings me joy because I get to work alongside heroes. These heroes have and continue to work tirelessly in the fight against COVID-19. I want to nominate AHS, South Calgary Health Centre, for an inclusion award for all of their hard work and everything they are doing during the pandemic to keep people safe and healthy, and for being an open and inclusive place to work. I want to honour everyone from doctors, nurses, reception, and all other staff members for their service." Congratulations, AHS South Calgary Health Centre! #ddrcInclusion #inclusion #everyonebelongs #yyc #calgary

MRU Best Buddies is nominating Austin for the DDRC's 2020 Inclusion Celebration! Best Buddies International is a volunteer organization dedicated to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities and creating one-on-one friendships. Since joining MRU Best Buddies, Austin's confidence and outgoing energy has taken off. From friendly bowling matches, to cheering on the Flames at the game, and fun and exciting events, Austin is a steadfast Best Bud. And recently, Austin's been c...onsistently scoring over 200 at the bowling alley - look out bowling fans! Austin exemplifies the spirit of #inclusion, and with Best Buddies he has been making more connections in his community and having more adventures than ever! #ddrcInclusion #everyonebelongs #yyc #calgary

Darby is nominating Crowchild Twin Arena in the DDRC’s 2020 Inclusion Celebration! Darby wrote, they are always so welcoming to me, the staff have developed relationships with me, and they always celebrate my achievements at work and outside of work. And, they gave me my first paid job! His love of sports, especially hockey, motivated Darby to work as close to the action as possible. Starting out as a volunteer in 2016, Darby worked hard to keep the arena in tip-top shape ... with the added perk of watching the sport he loves. Now he works in the Tuck Shop, selling snacks to hungry athletes and spectators. Darby’s coworkers and manager, John, are always eager to catch up with him when he arrives - asking about his latest Special Olympics Canada activities, getting his thoughts on ‘last night’s big game’, or about what’s new with his volunteer work at Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. Darby feels at home when working at Crowchild Twin Arena, he’s part of the crew. From the occasional Zamboni ride, to special event celebrations, Darby’s a member of this community and he wants to thank them for being so inclusive and promoting the #everyonebelongs vision! #ddrcInclusion #Calgary #yyc #inclusion

Belinda’s back with another outstanding nomination in the DDRC’s 2020 Inclusion Celebration Congratulations Amanda Ruda, from Bethany Care Society! Belinda’s mother, Carroll, is a resident at Bethany Seniors where Amanda devotes her time as a social worker. Beginning in March, Belinda was unable to visit her mother because of the pandemic family members of residents were left wondering when we would be able to see our loved ones again, it was getting hard not knowing whe...n I would be able to see my mom. Amanda started connecting Belinda and her mother on Skype calls, every single Wednesday morning. Even mornings when Carroll was asleep, like clockwork Amanda would call and talk one-on-one with Belinda. I was still able to see my mom and connect with Amanda at Bethany - and even when outdoor visits were allowed, Amanda has faithfully still continued my Skype calls with Mom. I want to thank Amanda for going out of her way for these visits. If I didn’t have these Skype calls I would not be able to see Mom. Join us in thanking Amanda, not just for the tremendous and heartwarming work she has done for Belinda and Carroll, but for all the families she has worked to keep connected and in touch during these times! #ddrcInclusion #everyonebelongs #calgary #yyc #inclusion #feelgoodfriday

The DDRC’s Comprehensive Care program and Community Support Workers provide support to adults and children with developmental disabilities, their families, and care givers by offering quality respite services, promoting family bonds, and building supports in the community. Ali Han is joining our 2020 Inclusion Celebration with her nomination of one of Comprehensive Care’s tremendous employees Community Support Worker, Ramanjeet! Ali wrote, observing Ramanjeet with clients ...and colleagues, he has only shown the greatest patience, kindness, and a gentle demeanour it is awesome to have someone like Ramanjeet to work with. His positive attitude only brings more merit to our field of work. Ramanjeet has been with the Comprehensive Care program for a number of years and is known to create a welcoming environment for both staff and clients at the DDRC. Ramanjeet’s Team Leaders say that, he is generous and thoughtful with the support he provides he brings a willingness to learn and engages with his coworkers to foster the level of support that we provide to all DDRC clients. With Ramanjeet’s support, we have seen clients grow to be more outgoing, engaging and active members of their communities. Congratulations, Ramanjeet! #ddrcInclusion #everyonebelongs #yyc #calgary #inclusion

The DDRC office and programs will be closed on Monday, October 12th, for Thanksgiving. Regular office hours and programs will resume on Tuesday, October 13th. If you are looking for some fun events in the Calgary area this weekend, click here https://www.todocanada.ca/things-to-do-calgary-this-weekend/

Natalie is joining the DDRC’s Inclusion Celebration with her recognition of an outstanding inclusive employer Connect First Credit Union! Natalie wrote, I would like to nominate Connect First Credit Union because the staff have always been really kind to me. They make me feel included in the activities both in and out of the office that they’ve organized. Over the past 10 years, staff members have always displayed patience when explaining or training me to do new tasks. S...ome of those tasks have been scanning, data entry, filing, stuffing envelopes, and putting brochures into folders. I also write a weekly sports article for their newsletter! My current boss, Jolene, is working on plans for a special meal out to celebrate my 10-year employment milestone! Everything has been put on hold recently, and I want to let them know I can’t wait to continue my work and see my colleagues. Thank you Connect First Credit Union for all you’ve done this past year! #ddrcInclusion #everyonebelongs #yyc #calgary #inclusion

Leonka and Marilyn are recognizing the phenomenal work that Indefinite Arts Centre has done over this past year to keep our community connected, creative, and included in the activities they love. Congratulations Indefinite Arts Centre for your 2020 Inclusion Celebration recognition! Leonka and Marilyn wrote - Inclusion at the DDRC means Everyone Belongs, to me it means no one gets left behind. 2020 has been a challenging year to promote inclusion when we are all in lockdown... or quarantine or self-isolation as a result of COVID-19. Indefinite Arts, was not going to let a pandemic stop them from providing support and to over 300 artists with disabilities. The staff quickly put their creative hats on, and in no time were connecting with the artists of Indefinite and offering creative support over ZOOM sessions. For some of the artists, myself included, the Zoom sessions were loud and overwhelming - so again they looked at what was happening and created ‘Quiet Zooms’ for us, so that we could create at home with the support of the staff and the company of other artists. What and how did we create? In order to ensure that all artists would have the opportunity to create in the safety of their homes, Indefinite Arts put together 4 different ‘flux kits’, and their volunteers delivered them to artists over the past 6 months. The flux kits are like a treasure chest of creativity and fun, including everything needed to create something wonderful and keep us busy. Along with a variety of supplies to work with, there were instructions and idea sheets of inspiration. All of the artists were treated to a flux kit, at no charge, well except for maybe a smile. Indefinite Arts has gone above and beyond to ensure each of us artists were included and could continue to create and share our work. We were invited to submit pieces to be displayed on the walls of the temporary COVID-19 hospital spaces at Peter Lougheed Centre, as well as a few other special art shows around the city during the pandemic. The Studio has now opened its doors and a small amount of artists have returned, but the ZOOMs are continuing and rumour has it another Flux kit is on the way, and I can’t wait! Everyone has been included and heard, as Indefinite Arts works hard to ensure the creative minds and talents are carried on. #ddrcInclusion #everyonebelongs #yyc #calgary #inclusion

Sabrina’s joining the 2020 Inclusion Celebration with her recognition of Fit Kids Care and her boss, Susan! If you know Sabrina, you know her smile, infectious laugh, and her caring and thankful attitude. After graduating from Bow Valley College's Early Childhood & Development Certificate program, Sabrina energetically tackled the job search. It took her some time and effort, but with perseverance she found the best workplace for her somewhere welcoming, an employer that re...cognized her warmth, her caring spirit, and her love for working with children. Sabrina would like to thank her boss at Fit Kids. She says that Susan, always believed in my abilities to do great things, and she gave me a chance when others were hesitant she made Fit Kids a fun and enjoyable environment for her employees and for the children she cares for, and strongly believes in everyone’s abilities to do anything they set their minds too. Sabrina added that Susan has, shown me patience and understanding when teaching me new tasks, despite her busy schedule she encourages the people around her to achieve things they never thought possible. Join Sabrina and celebrate this outstanding inclusive employer Susan and Fit Kids Care! #ddrcInclusion #everyonebelongs #yyc #calgary #inclusion #inclusiveemployer #feelgoodfriday

#WayBackWednesday is brought to you from the DDRC’s 2013 Inclusion Awards ceremony and "Outstanding Self Advocate Award" recipient, Lisa! Back in 2013, Lisa began attending the DDRC's Everyone Belongs Toastmasters group. She transformed from speaking in a soft whisper, to confidently leading meetings, and filling the room with her cheerful voice. Lisa willingly and heartedly contributed to discussions about rights & responsibilities, and stood out as a self-advocate! Those wh...o nominated her said that, they see her encouraging and helping others, both clients and staff, and that she is not afraid to let other people know about respecting other’s rights. That same year, and to this day, Lisa's a member of the DDRC’s Client Voice Committee - where she and others discuss topics related to advocacy. Lisa's voice, confidence, and contributions to our community have continued to grow. Last year, Lisa stood on the stage, shared her kind words, and presented an Inclusion Award to a deserving nominee, Kandi Layton! Lisa represents the #everyonebelongs vision and the spirt of #inclusion. If you know an individual that deserves recognition, an inclusive employer, or an outstanding and welcoming organization that you would like to thank - get involved! Share your 2020 Inclusion Celebration recognitions with us on social media or email [email protected] #ddrcInclusion #yyc #calgary District 42 Toastmasters #advocacy

Belinda wants to thank an individual in our community that goes above and beyond, works tirelessly for others, and is someone who she says does not get thanked nearly enough. Our next 2020 Inclusion Celebration nominee is the DDRC's Licensed Practical Nurse, Esme Berniko! After first noticing that Belinda was having concerns with her hearing, Esme didn’t just help her with the process of getting hearing aids - they shopped around until Belinda found the best option and fit fo...r her. Whether going to appointments, supporting her with learning how to use medical supplies and equipment, or offering guidance on monitoring her health, Esme’s work has made a huge difference in Belinda's life. Belinda had been trying for a few years to apply for the Disability Tax Credit. She asked Esme for support with the application process and says, with her knowledge on how the forms should be filled out she worked alongside with my doctor and I finally got approved. Nurse Esme never stopped until we got approved. Esme makes a tremendous contribution to the people that she works with in our community, and often this work is done behind the scenes. Belinda added that, I don’t know what DDRC clients like myself would do without Nurse Esme - so I thought I would nominate her for all she has been doing for me! Belinda made a thank you poster to express her nomination and gifted Esme one of her paintings! Join Belinda in thanking Esme for her hard work and spirit of inclusion! #ddrcInclusion #feelgoodfriday #yyc #calgary #inclusion #everyonebelongs