Don’t Wait – Nominate!

Posted on By Communications Team

Nominations for the 20th annual Inclusion Awards are open, but only for one more week! Nominations close on July 15, so if you want to recognise someone who has gone above and beyond in supporting inclusion, don’t delay.2014 Inclusion Awards

If you’re relatively new to the everyone belongs™ blog, you might be wondering just what the Inclusion Awards are. Since 1996, the DDRC has been recognising individuals for the work they have done to make Calgary an inclusive city. The awards are presented at a gala event in September, where the contributions of these outstanding Calgarians are celebrated.

So, what sort of contributions would qualify?

  • A local employer prioritising diverse hiring practices at their business.
  • A teacher working for inclusive education in their classroom.
  • A community member who volunteers to help out at events that promote inclusion.

This is only a small sample of the type of people we want to recognize. Chances are good that someone in your life would be a perfect candidate for nomination!

There are 14 awards available in three different categories:

Community

  • Inclusive Education Award
  • Inclusive Employer Award
  • Inclusive Community Award
  • Corporate Spirit Award
  • Volunteer Spirit Award
  • Good Neighbour Award
  • Special Achievement Award

People with Developmental Disabilities

  • Award of Excellence in Arts and Culture
  • Award of Excellence in Career and Community
  • Outstanding Self-Advocate Award

DDRC Employee

  • Leadership Award
  • Team Spirit Award
  • Agency Spirit Award
  • everyone belongs™ Award

Additional information on each award can be found on the nomination forms. Nomination forms are available here. Nominees are not eligible to win if they have received an Inclusion Award in the past two years. To view a list of all previous winners, click here.

The nomination form is quick and easy, and can be submitted via e-mail, fax (403.240.3230), or sent to the main office by mail:

Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary
ATTN: Aurora Graveland-Daines
4631 Richardson Way SW
Calgary, AB  T3E 7B7

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!