2016 Inclusion Award Winners

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

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

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.

Client Success: Robert Burroughs

Robert BurroughsFor many years, Robert Burroughs worked in the restaurant industry. Though he officially retired a few years ago, he decided to use the skills he learned in his past position as a dishwasher to help make a difference at the South Calgary Health Centre.

Earlier this year, Burroughs began volunteering with Alberta Health Services (AHS) every Wednesday afternoon. He is responsible for washing and disinfecting the therapeutic toys used by the Speech Language Pathologists who work with children.

To ensure the toys are properly cleaned and safe for use, Burroughs must follow a very detailed process that involves several steps. He is always wearing gloves, and uses two sinks, hot water, soap, rinse water, disinfectant, more rinse water, and paper towels to put under the toys while they air dry.

Robert volunteering at AHSFrom his experience in the restaurant industry, Burroughs is familiar with the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and knows how important it is to adhere to all health and safety standards. As a volunteer for AHS, Burroughs takes great care to reduce the spread of germs.

According to a South Calgary Health Centre volunteer, Burroughs is one of the best toy washing volunteers they have ever had. Community Resource Worker (CRW) Bonny Johannson agrees that working at Montana’s has made him a fantastic volunteer, and calls this his “encore career.”

“He is using those same skills from the restaurant industry in this position, and he really does like working there,” Johannson shared. “Many people there greet him, and are grateful for the work he is doing.”

Robert follows all health and safety standards.Burroughs confirmed that he is enjoying his new volunteer position with AHS, and would like to continue helping out there for some time. According to Johannson, the role is a perfect fit for Burroughs.

“Robert has all the skills to do a good job, the desire to help out, and the health and safety knowledge he needs to keep himself and others safe.”

Green Thumbs at the DDRC

Back in June, we told you about the great planting day that the DDRC Gardening Club had at the Rutland Park Community Garden. Now that September is just beginning, let’s take a look back at what our Gardening Club accomplished during the growing season:

 

 

Inclusion Awards FAQ 2016

The 21st annual Inclusion Awards ceremony is only three weeks away! In order to ensure that the evening runs as smoothly as possible, we’ve put together a list of some of the most frequently asked questions. Feel free to ask any other event-related questions in the comments box at the end!

Invitation for the 21st annual Inclusion Awards.
Invitation for the 21st annual Inclusion Awards.

When is the event?

The 21st annual Inclusion Awards will be held on Thursday, September 22.

What time does it start?

Guests are invited to arrive any time after 5:30 to enjoy our live entertainment. The program will begin at 6:45 p.m.; for this reason, we ask that you arrive no later than 6:30 p.m.

How long is the event?

The event runs an average of two and a half to three hours.

What should I wear?

The dress-code for this event is business-casual. Please, no jeans.

What is the theme this year?

This year’s theme is “By the Sea.” Think Atlantic Canada!

Will there be food?

Yes! Guests are treated to a delicious three course meal.

What if I have an allergy?

If you have a food allergy, please notify us as soon as possible via e-mail.

Will there be alcohol?

Yes. There will be a cash bar if you desire a beverage with alcohol. Water, juice, coffee, and tea will be provided free of charge.

Are kids allowed?

The event is open to guests of all ages, provided that they have reserved a ticket online.

I was nominated for an award. Do I have to do anything special?

We ask that all nominees (and their guests) choose a seat in the first three rows, to ensure quick access to the stage if they are chosen as an award winner.

Will there be a photo booth again this year?

Yes! We are pleased to provide a fun seaside-themed photo booth for the event! There will also be a 50/50 draw, silent auction, and door prizes.

How do I get to the Glenmore Inn?

The Glenmore Inn is easily accessible by car at 2720 Glenmore Trail SE. If you will be arriving by transit, routes 73 and 302 will also bring you to the hotel. Click here to see the Glenmore Inn on Google Maps.