Another Wonderful DEAM

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We are thrilled to say that this year’s Disability Employment Awareness Month was a huge success! With a variety of great events focusing on the importance of inclusive employment, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

Among the events was the DEAM Employer Awards, which recognized local businesses and corporations for their inclusive hiring practices. We were excited to see 120 guests at the event!

The DDRC was proud to nominate three businesses:

– Men in Kilts
– Canyon Meadows Golf Club
– United Active Living Communities

Men in Kilts sent us the following message:

“I wanted to reach out and formally thank you for nominating Men In Kilts for a DEAM Employer Award. It was truly a great honor to be in attendance with all those great employers. It was exciting to see the number, size and diversity of businesses at the gala. Overall the event left me with a great sense of pride in what’s been accomplished so far, but also hopeful and excited for the future. Thank you again.”

Take a look at the images below to see some of this year’s DEAM highlights:

Client Success: Stephen Whiteside

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Stephen Whiteside shows off his selections for Chapter's "Staff Picks" table.
Stephen Whiteside shows off his selections for Chapters’ “Staff Picks” table.

Not everyone gets to work at their dream job, but South Team client Stephen Whiteside has been in his dream job for nearly two decades.

As an avid reader, working at Chapters was a natural fit for Whiteside, who has been at the Macleod Trail location for about 18 years now. Recently, he hosted his own “Staff Picks” table, where Chapters employees get to select a number of their favourite books, and put them out on a table as a recommendation to customers. Some of the selections from Whiteside include parts of the series for Wonder Woman, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Star Trek. He said that he hopes readers who visit the store will enjoy these books as much as he did.

During his breaks and after his shift, it is not unusual to find Whiteside browsing the store to find his next title for the “Staff Picks” table.

Computer Literacy Course comes to DDRC

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The DDRC has partnered with Bow Valley College to introduce a computer literacy course to the our clients this fall, and we were thrilled to host a launch celebration in September!

The 12-week course focuses on supporting clients with relevant goals, such as finding community employment. Three Community Resource Workers from the PACE team act as facilitators, making sure learners are comfortable with the concepts taught by a Bow Valley College instructor.

Topics covered include basic computer functions, using the Internet, digital literacy, online safety, and commonly used computer programs. Learners are also shown how computer skills can help them with employment – searching for a job, writing a cover letter and résumé, applying for a job by email, and more.

Bow Valley College’s Bernice Gowan believes that clients will benefit from being part of an organization that is “literacy friendly.”

“Literacy is about belonging. It’s important at home, at work, and in the community,” Gowan said.

2016 Inclusion Award Winners

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Congratulations to this year’s award winners!

Award of Excellence – Arts and Culture Alexander Gorski
Award of Excellence – Career and Community Joey Duong
Award of Excellence – Career and Community Kieran Corrigan
Outstanding Self-Advocate Award Kais Mussa
Inclusive Education Award Dr. Gordon Higgins School
Inclusive Employer Award Gibson Energy Inc.
Inclusive Community Award Inside Out Theatre
Volunteer Spirit Award James Walters
Special Achievement Award Darrell Howard
Leadership Award Neemi Kassam
Team Spirit Award Client Services Coordinators
Agency Spirit Award Shannon Mills
everyone belongs™ Award Jessica Boulter

Thank you for the work that you do to make Calgary a more inclusive city!

Awards.

Highlights from the 2016 Inclusion Awards

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On September 22nd, the DDRC celebrated the 21st annual Inclusion Awards! The event was a huge success with approximately 400 people in attendance. Throughout the evening, we recognized 13 deserving individuals with awards for their outstanding contributions to making Calgary a city where everyone belongs™.

The theme for 2016 was “by the sea,” and everyone looked ready to set sail after donning some of the fun costumes at our photo booth. If you had a shot taken at the photo booth, you can e-mail us for information on how to download your free picture.

We would like to provide a heartfelt thanks to:

Here are some moments from the evening:

We appreciate each and every one of you. The Inclusion Awards couldn’t have happened without all of your support!

A DEAM Come True

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deam-banner-chocolate-week

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), and we’re thrilled to be working with the Calgary Employment First Network (CEFN) again to let everyone know all about it!

The CEFN is hosting three great events this month to celebrate inclusive employment:

Wednesday, October 12: Let’s Talk Employment – Inclusive Leadership

What: Calgary Economic Development and the CEFN will discuss best business practices for creating a culture that embraces diversity. A panel of employers will share their experiences, challenges, and successes related to creating an environment where employees with disabilities can thrive. Register here.
When: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Where: Global Business Centre, Terrace View Room, 5th Floor; 136 8 Avenue SE

Wednesday, October 19: DEAM Film Festival

What: Bow Valley College, in partnership with the CEFN and Picture This…Film Festival, are pleased to offer a unique one day film festival focusing on employment and individuals with disabilities as part of the workforce. There will be a broad selection of films highlighting local and international perspectives on this important issue, with opportunities for discussion. Register here.
When: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Bow Valley College, North Campus Theatre, Room N124; 345 6 Avenue SE

Thursday, October 20: New Conversations

What: This unique seminar is ideal for Calgary HR Professionals, Managers, and business owners.  ‘Workplace Diversity Strategies: Utilizing Universal Design to Build an Inclusive Organization’ will provide Calgary Employers with insights, information and tools to build their capacity to engage in inclusive recruitment and create inclusive workplaces.
When: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Register here.
Where: Caffé Artigiano; 5010 Richard Road SW

Wednesday, October 26: #DEAMEmployer Awards Gala

What: Calgary has so many incredible employers, and it’s time to celebrate them! Nominations are rolling in, and will be accepted up until October 16, 2016. Join us as we celebrate DEAM and recognize this year’s DEAM Employer Award recipients. Contact Prospect Human Services’ Alexi Davis to register.
When: 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Where: Engineered Air Theatre; 205 8 Avenue SE

Looking for more information? Visit the CEFN website.