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May Lighthouse awardthe Lighthouse award partners recognition program: The Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre (DDRC)
This month, the CBE recognizes an organization that shares our vision for a community of responsible, informed, and involved citizens - a community where everyone belongs. The Lighthouse Award for May 2010 has been awarded to the Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre (DDRC), a Calgary-based organization that aims to increase awareness and include persons with developmental disabilities in the community in real and meaningful ways. The Lighthouse Award program was created to honor organizations that make significant and meaningful contributions to our students. Since the launch of the Everyone Belongs Inclusive School Initiative in 2003, the DDRC has done just that. As the DDRC moves from this work in our schools to new directions and challenges it is only fitting to recognize and salute their exceptional work. The DDRC aims to engage all students in a community of respect and understanding. In personalizing learning to help every student fulfill their potential, the Everyone Belongs Initiative works to give all children the right to attend their neighbourhood school regardless of their physical or cognitive challenges. With the goal of preparing students with developmental disabilities for life beyond school, the DDRC helps them secure jobs with real wages, live in homes of their choosing, and build real and meaningful friendships. The DDRC works closely with teachers and parents to adapt learning environments and teaching methods to suit students’ individual needs. An effective staff development model provides assistance to teachers through team teaching opportunities as well as on-site learning sessions. Three experienced principals - Susan Stampe, Judith Sherin and Marie Bowen worked as mentors with four new principals to further the work in schools in northeast Calgary. The Everyone Belongs Inclusive School Initiative benefits not only the students with developmental disabilities, but the other students in the classroom as well, who learn acceptance, patience, and an appreciation for our differences. The DDRC’s work extends beyond the classroom, too. The P.A.C.E program (Participation in Academics and Career Exploration), supports students in the transition from school to work. This program has helped more than 50 students since its launch in 1996. Career development programs, in-home respite care, and the Community Living Network give adults with developmental disabilities the support they need to be involved, active members of the community. The wide range of programs offered is a tribute to the commitment of the DDRC to schools and to the Calgary community. It has been an honour to work with an organization who shares the CBE’s values of personal success, strong moral character and academic achievement. Having former CBE teachers and administrators join this organization to continue providing support to our students and staff is truly appreciated. The Calgary Board of Education sincerely thanks the DDRC for their work towards building a community of accepting, responsible, and involved citizens, and congratulates them for being May’s Lighthouse Award winner.
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The Calgary Board of Education strives to prepare students for life, work, and continued learning after high school, and encourages every student to explore and develop their own particular abilities and gifts. 