Ten years ago, the DDRC led the way in the creation of the community social marketing brand, everyone belongs™ to advocate for the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in Calgary. In the years since, we have continuously strived to assist our clients to demonstrate by example to all Calgarians that with the right support, everyone can belong.
This spring, the Alberta Provincial Government announced major cuts to the Disability Services Sector that will take effect July 1. The $42 million dollar cuts will not only hurt our organization and the clients we serve, it will also impact all Calgarians, and beyond that, it will gravely jeopardize the values that have made this province a welcoming home for families of people with developmental disabilities.
In the true spirit of everyone belongs™, DDRC clients and employees have not taken this news lying down: we are aware that to create change, we have to actively express our vision of an inclusive community. DDRC employees have been supporting clients to be aware of the proposed changes, how these cuts could impact them, and how
to stand up for their rights.
After having witnessed 60 years of Calgary’s past, we are passionately committed to the future of inclusion for the sake of the people that we serve, and for the community as a whole.
We sat down to discuss the past and the future with long-time DDRC employee and advocate, Sue Wedley:
How long have you been working at the DDRC?
It will be 16 years in October.
What was one of the most memorable experiences you have had in your time here?
The closing of Manchester Industries (a sheltered workshop
run by the DDRC), because it opened doors for a lot of people. It was an
opportunity for people to get out and get jobs. It was a fresh beginning.
Why do you think that the PDD cuts are so critical?
It has been such a struggle in the last 16 years to get people out in the community, finding employment, building relationships and friendships, and that could all be lost. This is a field that I chose; I have been working with people with disabilities since high school. So to me, it means a lot that this does not happen.
What advice or encouragement would you give to others in the sector in regards to the PDD cuts? What would you like to see others doing?
Speak up, or there’s not going to be a sector. If you are not being heard, then you have to get louder. We have to strongly encourage people to write to their MLAs. I love my job, and I have a commitment to the clients that I support. Part of my job is their voice.
I support your organization both financially and philosophically. I’m a former special education teacher who believes in the benefits of integration. I also believe that everyone should have the same right to reach their potential and that the government should support this philosophy in their actions not just in their prepared political statements.. Not only will this make for a happier and more productive society, I believe that it makes economic sense too. When people are marginalized and cut off from society, their emotional well-being suffers and they cost the government more in the long run. Being pro-active to prevent such outcomes, certainly seems the better course for everyone concerned. Cuts which negatively affect those with disabilities will not only affect these individuals but will negatively affect our society. Good luck to all of you who are taking a stand and protesting these cuts.