Election Awareness at the DDRC

Posted on By Communications Team
A red maple leaf with text reading: "Did you know? The 2015 election marks the 42nd federal election in Canada. The first election was held in 1867, the year that Canada became a country. On October 19, VOTE."
One of the facts in our “Did You Know?” campaign. These are posted around the DDRC office.

It’s been a year of elections for Calgarians, and the DDRC has been working to keep the conversation going about the importance of voting. With the federal election coming up on October 19th, we want to make sure our clients and staff members have the resources and information they need to cast their ballots.

Did you know that Canada is one of only four countries in the world that allows people with developmental disabilities to vote? It’s true. In 1993, Canada removed restrictions for individuals with developmental disabilities. Italy, Ireland, and Sweden are the only other countries with the same rules as us. This is one of the many reasons that we feel it’s so important to get our clients out on election day to make their voices heard.

We will be hosting a “Vote Pop-Up” for staff and clients on October 5th to help first-time voters or those who haven’t cast a ballot for awhile learn what to expect when they get to a real polling station on election day. We’ll go over what forms of ID they’ll have to bring with them, what accessibility options will be available, how to properly mark and cast a ballot, and more. Employees will have a chance to learn how to properly support someone while they vote. We’ll also take this opportunity to confirm whether or not individuals are registered to vote, and help them register if they still need to.

The DDRC has created an election guide for staff members and a plain-language workbook for clients to learn about what we’re voting for in this election, what the main parties are, and provide answers to some frequently asked questions. Interested in learning more yourself? You can access a copy of the guide and workbook to save and go over at home.

In the latest issue of Connection, we asked people around the office what they would do if they were the Prime Minister. If you haven’t had a chance to pick up a copy, take a look here.

 

The Writer’s Corner: Kaleigh & Julie

Posted on By Communications Team

We’ve always known it’s true, but we are excited to be able to share it: the DDRC’s got talent! This month, we were approached by two separate individuals, each with a passion for writing and a story to share. So without further ado, we introduce to you: The Writer’s Corner.

Kaleigh
Kaleigh on the cover of Connection magazine.

 

 

Readers might remember PACE client Kaleigh Mirosch from the last time she was featured in our enewsletter, or from the cover of the Spring 2013 issue of Connection magazine. The food connoisseur shared her latest review with us: Starbucks in Britannia.

 

 

JulieP
Central Team CRW Julie Picoc

Julie Picoc joined the DDRC’s Comprehensive Care team in 2013, and became a Community Resource Worker with the Central Team in September of 2014. Before coming to the DDRC, she worked as a teacher and a nanny in both the Philippines and Hong Kong.

She has been in Calgary for seven years, and insists that she even likes our Alberta winters! The hardest thing for Julie is being away from her family, but she is motivated to stay by a desire to provide for her children.

Julie has been writing poetry since high school, but has had a hard time dedicating time to her art while working full-time. She is making it a priority to spend more time writing again. She says that her work is inspired by everyday life, sharing that “since I am away from my family, I love to write about life.”

What then could be a more appropriate title for the poem that she has chosen to share with us? Click here to read Julie’s poem, “Life.”

 

The content of these submission do not reflect the views of the DDRC.

The everyone belongs Toastmasters Club

Posted on By Communications Team

Founded in 2011, the everyone belongs™ Toastmasters Club has received rave reviews from the Area Governor, and has been praised as fostering a caring and safe environment for all members. As of April 9, 12 members from the past year have graduated, and now the club will welcome 10 new members.

Crysta Trask and Denis Falconer address the Toastmasters group.
Crysta Trask and Denis Falconer address the Toastmasters group.

Toastmasters, for those who are unfamiliar, is an international organization that allows people the opportunity to master the art of public speaking, receiving feedback from peers rather than an instructor or coach. For DDRC clients, this is a chance to speak out and be heard in a supportive environment.

The club is overseen by Crysta Trask, the DDRC’s Creative Coordinator. Trask believes that Toastmasters is an ideal way to build self-esteem and confidence, while developing speaking and leadership skills. Participation also provides practice of basic conversation skills that are essential for successful social inclusion.

“We do all of this in a safe, relaxed, and non-judgemental environment,” Trask said. “We celebrate individual successes equally, and we delight in group successes.”

The everyone belongs Toastmasters Club was founded by long-time DDRC client Marilyn Wilson, who passed away last July. Wilson’s views on public speaking were that “the more you do it, the better you will be.” This has been proven by our club’s members: as of the end of March, each member of the everyone belongs™ Toastmasters club has received their “Competent Communicator” designation, awarded after their tenth and final speech.

Theresa shares her experiences at her final Toastmasters meeting.
Theresa shares her experiences at her final Toastmasters meeting.

Theresa is one of the members who has completed her Toastmasters journey at the DDRC. She shared her experiences with new members who might be anxious about public speaking.

“When I first started Toastmasters, I was kind of worried, so I asked people about it and asked for advice,” Theresa said. “I’ve learned a lot, and I’ve come a long way. I like Toastmasters now.”

Area Governor Dennis Falconer visited the everyone belongs group in March, and commented that our club “has taken the ethos of Toastmasters and offers something more than words can describe to this wonderful group of people.”

Members of the club meet every Thursday in the Learning and Leadership Centre.

Client Success Stories

Posted on By Communications Team

At the DDRC, we love being able to watch our clients succeed. Join us in celebrating just a few of their recent accomplishments!

Career and Leisure Services:

Ryan is now volunteering at the YMCA.

Yad and Shawn are both volunteering at Southland Leisure Centre.

Phung is volunteering at 2000 Days Pre-K, helping out with craft activities for the children at the centre.

Eileen celebrated her tenth year working for GoodLife Fitness and received a beautiful watch as a gift for her service.

PACE:

Chris is now working as a kitchen helper for a high-end restaurant downtown.

Daniel has been getting rave reviews for his volunteer work at Holy Cross Manor, where he distributes mail, visits with residents, and helps out with a fitness class.

Daniel has started working as a ramp attendant with Air Canada.

Congratulations to everyone for their hard work and dedication. We are very excited to see what successes 2015 brings!