BCGEU reaches a five-year tentative agreement

BCGEU reaches five-year tentative agreements for workers in direct government, community health and community social services

3 Dec '13

The BCGEU and two bargaining associations have reached tentative agreements for 25,000 BCGEU members who work for direct government, 15,000 members in the community health subsector and 11,000 members in community social services.
“The BCGEU’s Provincial Executive approved early talks with government. We entered into negotiations seeking fair and reasonable wage increases, market adjustments and job security for our members,” says BCGEU president Darryl Walker. “In these uncertain economic times these tentative agreements are an investment in public services in our province and the women and men who deliver them.”
The five-year tentative agreements expire on March 31, 2019 and include:

• wage increases in four of the five years of the agreement;
• market adjustments in all three sectors;
• job protection language, and
• in addition to the negotiated wage increases, the Economic Stability Dividend will generate added wage increases in years when the provincial GDP growth exceeds projections.

Details of the tentative agreements will be posted on the BCGEU website soon.
Members are encouraged to keep watching www.bcgeu.ca for more information on the tentative agreements and the ratification process.

Today Patti Markland our OPSEU DS Chair and Warren Smokey Thomas our OPSEUPresident   are meeting with the select committee on developmental services. This is an amazing opportunity for developmental services to be heard and we all have faith in our chair and our president to ensure we will be. OPSEU Developmental Services has 49 units with contracts ending in 2014 that's a powerful message. There are still over 20 thousand people awaiting care in the developmental service sector of Ontario also a powerful message. It's time the Provincial Government took action because WE CAN AFFORD TO CARE !

A reminder of why I care

I support an individual who lives in supportive living. Supporting his personal hygiene is often a challenge, and can lead to frustration on both our parts.  Every time we are finished with support care for the day he always says “thank you”. Those two words are not necessary – after all it is my chosen field – but it warms my heart and reminds me why I care. 

WE SUPPORT AMAZING PEOPLE

      In 2008 I graduated college started work in the developmental service field. I didn’t even know that these agencies or group homes existed. Five years later I am still working in the field! The people we support are amazing people and society needs to discover the value they bring to our communities. Direct caregivers and people supported need the provincial government and our communities to support us. The individuals we support rely on under-funded services and are under-appreciated.

By, David Lalonde

Video of Developmental Services Lobby Day

Check out the finished product
http://youtu.be/yVpo61czDgw

Because I cant help but care

 

         My chosen field of work is developmental services…..The government…..the employer….the powers that be have decided that I simply provide a service to the people I work with – that I am not family, and not a friend. Today I am sitting at a hospital bedside with someone I spend more time with than I do with my own family and friends.  I am feeling a connection with them that I am told I don’t have. Yet I am worrying, comforting, and caring in a way I would for any family member. I don’t care if it’s deemed right or wrong.  This is who I am, and this is why I decided to do what I do. The feisty red-head beside me needs me to be more than my job description today and I won’t let her down.

Anonymously  submitted.

Photo's from DS Lobby Day

Developmental Services Lobby Day ..............WE CAN AFFORD TO CARE

  

 

 

Developmental Services Lobby Day :

  We traveled to Queens Park in two school buses prepared to show the government WE CAN AFFORD TO CARE and we no longer can afford not to. Upon our arrival we were greeted by a large group of family members, who had come to show support and speak on the crisis and how it is affecting their families. The day began with the Chair of OPSEU Developmental Services, Patti Markland, delivering a very inspiring speech reminding all of us that WE CAN AFFORD TO CARE in this province. She then encouraged the families to tell their stories. The bravery of these families to stand up in a room full of strangers and share with us their stories was amazing and very moving. Family member after family member approached the microphone and in the end there was not a dry eye in the room. These stories needed to be told and were validated by the compassion in the room. There were videos made by Operation Maple and OPSEU: Family members, direct care givers and MPPs all took part in these videos.

   Warren (Smokey) Thomas addressed the room and as he was speaking the Minister of Community and Social Services came into the room. Smokey introduced Minister Ted McMeekin who acknowledged the importance of the need for changes to occur in Developmental Services. Many MPPs committed to taking the issues in developmental services to the legislature. Many also agreed to vote yes on a committee to address the issues in the sector. MPPs and/or representatives from all parties came to the lobby: A very unusual occurrence. Attendance at the Lobby Day included 30 plus MPPs, numerous Queens Park staff, over two dozen family members, and close to 100 direct care providers. This level of attendance has completely acknowledged and solidified the immediate importance of implementing a plan that will begin to tackle the Developmental Services crisis. This lobby could not have been as successful as it was without the hard work of the OPSEU staff, OPSEU members and most importantly the openness of families to share their stories. Thank you to all who made this day truly inspiring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you work in Ontario Developmental Services?

Do you know individuals and families who want to tell their story about the importance of these services?

You are all invited to join us for a special OPSEU lobby day on Wednesday, September 18.
Help get the message to MPPs that we urgently need a response to the crisis in developmental  services. Government CAN meet the critical need for funding. There’s more money in Ontario than there has ever been.

 

 

Desperate measures when a mother can no longer care for her autistic child

Parents of Philippe Telford, a nineteen year old man with severe autism, reached this point last April.  Amanda Telford told CTVnews Ottawa, Canada that she and her husband no longer had the resources physically, mentally, emotionally or financially to provide the care to secure the safety of their son. That week, Philippe had wandered off from the home and a few days later had swallowed pills that were under lock and key in the house. He had to be taken to the hospital.
In a follow-up CTVnews reports that both mother and son, now 20, are doing well.  Ms Telford explains that she feels great guilt but no regret at leaving her son on the doorsteps of the office of Developmental Services Ontario that is responsible for adult developmental services.  While she took the time to explain to Philippe what was happening, it is unclear how much he could comprehend. Philippe has the mind of a two year old and suffers from other disabilities including insulin-dependent diabetes and Tourette Syndrome.
Social Services were required to report this to police as a case of abandonment.  No charges were laid and all parties stepped in to find at least a short term solution.
Ms Telford, who is a social worker by profession, told CTVnews:

“We struggle with a lot of guilt over what we felt we had to do and a lot of anger over what we were compelled to do.”

A group home was identified for Philippe who has been living in the same location for four months but a move to another temporary place will be required shortly. Last November, the office for Ontario’s Ombudsman began an investigation into services for adults with developmental disabilities. Almost one thousand letters of complaints have been received to date. Andre Marin is expected to release his report by the end of this year or early in 2014.
Miriam Fry is with an organization called Families Matter and is now also working on a strategy for a Family Bill of Rights which would secure the help to families like the Telford’s living in Ontario. Six months ago she stated:

“Offspring are being left in (hospital) emergency rooms, in government offices. There have been cases of murder suicide. It is definitely a crisis.”

Autism Daily Newscast has recently reported on two alleged attempted murder suicide cases in the USA within the past ten days. The first involved the murder of Alex Spourdalakis and the second late this week involving Kelli Stapelton.

Grandmother Receives a hate letter from neighbour regarding autistic grandson

"Despite the hateful language used … the content of the letter falls below the threshold for a hate crime," police said in a statement Tuesday. "However, there are other Criminal Code issues that are being considered."

Millson said she immediately contacted police after receiving the letter. Her grandson Max Begley, who was diagnosed with autism as a toddler, lives with his parents and older brother in nearby Oshawa, Ont., but he had been visiting her home.

The letter states that Max "is a hindrance to everyone and will always be that way." It goes on to say that "they should take whatever non-retarded body parts he possesses and donate it to science."

"At first I couldn't believe what I was reading," Millson said, adding that she was shaking in disbelief. "It's just so sick."

Despite the police conclusion that the letter does not constitute a hate crime, Millson said she still considers it to be a “hate letter.”

Since news of the letter first surfaced, there has been a huge outpouring of support for the family from neighbours and the autism community.

On Sunday, at least 120 people waited outside Millson's home to show their support.

One neighbour said this sort of behaviour is unacceptable.

"Whoever wrote this letter can just … they can leave, they can go live in the wild with their normal children, as far as I am concerned," neighbour Julie Smith said.

According to the family, the only hostility they had previously received happened four years ago when one of Max's balls was returned cut up with scissors.

"Whoever wrote it is a disgusting human being," Max's father James Begley said.

A criminal investigation is underway and police are asking anyone with information regarding the case call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477

Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/letter-sent-to-grandmother-of-boy-with-autism-hateful-but-not-a-hate-crime-police-1.1418849#ixzz2dHJiRfh1

HAPPY DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES APPRECIATION DAY !!!!!!!!

People with disabilities matter

Waterloo Region Record

Pair fights for disability support funds — June 1

I am moved by people like Subeer Bhandari and Cameron Dearlove who advocate for those who need government-funded services to radically improve their lives.

This is why we must not ignore the larger context in which this kind of struggle over funding is a struggle over those who matter.

The recent version of government austerity measures seeks to cut back education, health, and social services, as if there are no other government programs and ministries to consider.

But there are other government services that can be changed, depending on a person's values. These include: continuing to reduce taxes on corporations; ignoring tax havens for the rich and corporations; creating free trade agreements in which governments may have to pay fines to corporations through dispute settlement mechanisms; and allowing currency speculation.

Let's be clear — economic decisions are always political ones. There is always a choice to focus on one part of an issue, and always a choice not to focus on its other parts.

As traditional economic experts take over more public decisions, one question remains: Who matters in our society?

For one, people with disabilities matter. They matter as much as those securely wrapped in "the confidence of the markets" — those who are already provided with a remarkably extensive range of government services.

Michael Brown

North York 

Pair petition for people with developmental disabilities

Johanna Weidner

May 31, 2013

WATERLOO REGION — Subeer Bhandari and Cameron Dearlove don't have family affected by changes to support services funding for people with developmental disabilities, but the two friends felt compelled to do something.

The young men started an online petition urging the province for full, uninterrupted funding to ensure people get the support they need to pursue fulfilling lives involved in the community, and they're steadily gathering signatures toward their goal of 5,000.

"We want to see this issue talked about," Dearlove said.

Both are profoundly moved by the stories shared on the petition by families now faced with losing essential services, such as respite, indefinitely when a disabled child turns 18.

"They're really touching. They're very passionately worded," Dearlove said.

The Special Services at Home program, which covers support workers, respite care and recreational activities is no longer available beyond childhood and now families must apply to the Passport program for adults. And no funds are available until they finish school, although many with developmental disabilities stay until 21.

"Your diagnosis doesn't change. Your need doesn't change," Dearlove said.

When approved for Passport, the wait can be years to actually receive funding. Dearlove said Community Living Ontario reports there are about 4,000 on the wait list for Passport — and it's only growing.

"Cameron and I sat down and said something needs to be done," said Bhandari, 29.

He has worked with people with disabilities for years, including as a youth mentor, at a group home and in social work. Dearlove, 31, is co-ordinator of the Family Centre in Kitchener, which houses community organizations serving children and their families overseen by Family and Children's Services of Waterloo Region.

Parents they're hearing from are discouraged by the changes, which only add to their exhaustion coping with daily life.

"They didn't have it in them at the end of the day to engage in activism," Dearlove said.

Sue Simpson knows that strain on families all too well, both through her work at Waterloo Region Family Network and as a mother of a grown son with significant physical and medical needs.

The network supports more than 455 families with children and young adults who have special needs, educating and connecting them to needed support — and many are very concerned about the funding changes that only add to the fragmenting of care when a disabled child turns 18.

"It was the one thing that was constant," said Simpson, director of programs and operations. "Now it's one more step, as well as the fact of losing funding for some time."

The financial burden on family can be huge — even with government support.

Simpson said she and her husband Mike pay almost $20,000 of the $50,000 annual cost for their son Kevin's personal support and activities — "just to help him enjoy everyday life."

Luckily, he was grandfathered into the Special Services at Home program and there was no stoppage of those services, but he was on the Passport wait list for a year to get the one-on-one support that's essential for him to enjoy activities, such as visits to the library and park or going swimming.

Kevin has cerebral palsy, profound developmental delay, epilepsy, significant respiratory issues and is non-verbal, requiring around-the-clock care by someone with special training.

The Simpsons are now selling their home to deal with their debt from these significant costs, and she said they're not the only ones. Some parents may have to give up work to stay home to care for their children while waiting for Passport funding or go into debt, not to mention the strain of losing respite care that gives everyone a much-needed break.

"It's necessary for the entire family," she said

For the person with the disability, it comes down to quality of life.

"The opportunity to choose to live a healthy and active lifestyle in the community is important," Simpson said. "All those opportunities now are on hold because most families can't afford that."

She is amazed by Dearlove and Bhandari taking up the cause when they don't have family members affected: "Caring about other community members and that's what it boils down to."

They all want to see seamless funding to ensure there's no wait between children and adult services and no wait after finishing school.

"It's really important to be able to live a happy and engaged life and, for most of us, the only way to do that is with this funding," Simpson said.

Erin Rices enlightens Mr.Mauro of the realities in the sector

Good Day Mr. Mauro, 

       I have just finished reading the discussion you had with the Minister of Community and Social Services Mr. McMeekin , regarding developmental services in this province. As the honorable Mr. McMeekin had stated funding has been put into this sector since 2003, however he had neglected to mention the sector had already been grossly underfunded and therefore all of that funding went to making up for lost time. The recent 42 million that is purposed in the budget to go into developmental services with the intention to help 1,104 families is a wonderful thing on paper, but the reality sir is that there are over 23,000 people awaiting care in developmental services, this wait list has been increasing since 2003.  When Mr. McMeekin says there is a lot of work to be done that Mr.Mauro is a understatement. As a front line staff in this sector the issues are larger than 42 million can fix. Let me lay out some of the issues in this sector for you:

1) The D.S.O is overwhelmed with parents begging for support from the government to assist them with their adult disabled children (parents are being told unless their child is in crisis they cannot be helped, some have even gone so far as to abandon their children)

2) Agencies do not have enough funding to provide suitable and compatible housing to individuals needing support 

3) The sector does not have enough qualified staff to support these individuals (people are not enrolling in the DSW program to work in group homes most want to work in the school system)

4) Retaining new staff is a province wide issues as the wage gap is as large as lake Superior 

5) There is a sever lack of training being provided by these agencies to front line staff to assist in supports

6) Violence at work sites is something we are to accept as part of our job

7) Many of the individuals we support cannot live a life of inclusion due to a lack of support hours

8) Passport dollars do not work it’s a band aid it’s not a solution

9) Developmental Services is the only program that has its transfer dollars given out with no real guide lines leaving the spending decisions up to the agencies 

10) Often times when a bed becomes available in these agencies, the provincial government places pressure on the agencies to place people off the wait-list even though they are not compatible which leads to more behaviors and a higher chance of staff being injured

    The provincial table talks that were happening in this sector broke down because of the Management group at the table and why? Because they would have less control of how these NON profit agencies were being run. The boards of these agencies do not deal with the day to day issues, however they are there to hold the management group accountable, I struggle with the idea of the man in charge the Executive Director is often the only person they speak too about what the agency needs. We the front line see what the individuals need, we the front line experience what it is these individuals need, we the front line the back bone of these organizations are often the only voice the people we support have.  As, much as funding is needed in this sector , having the provincial government describe in detail how each and every dollar is to be distributed is an absolute must!

Dev Services in the Legislature yesterday - McMeekin in Hansard

SERVICES FOR THE
DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED

 Dev Services in the Legislature yesterday - McMeekin in Hansard

Mr. Bill Mauro: Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Community and Social Services. In my riding of Thunder Bay–Atikokan, both my constituency offices, actually—the one in Thunder Bay and the one in Atikokan—prove to me to be the best vehicle through which I get information relative to the concerns of the people in my communities and the constituents I represent. I’d say it’s probably the case for most of the members here.

One of the issues that I have consistently heard about from my constituents in Thunder Bay–Atikokan is in regard to the supports and the programming, the services and the financial investments that we made when it comes to people with developmental disabilities and their families. Minister, I’m just wondering if you can recount to the Legislature what we’ve done since being elected in 2003.

Hon. Ted McMeekin: I appreciate the member’s question, and given it’s clearly coming from a place of caring, I will respond as best I can. Our government remains strongly committed to assisting folk in this sector. Last year, our government invested some $1.7 billion on developmental services, an increase of over half a billion dollars since 2003. It’s important to note that 98% of that funding goes directly to services.

The answer to the member’s question: Our 2013 budget proposes to add 42.5 million additional dollars a year for developmental services, and we estimate that this will help some 1,104 families with various supports. With this new investment, our government will have invested $620 million more; that’s a 63% increase since 2003. We’ve got some tough work ahead, but we’re committed to getting the job done.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): Supplementary?

Mr. Bill Mauro: I want to thank the minister for that response. I know that my constituents and most of the constituents across the province will be very proud of what we’ve managed to do when it comes to that sector.

I will say, though, however, that the $42 million, of course, that you’ve just mentioned as being included in this year’s budget is going to require the passing of the budget for that $42 million to flow. I know my constituents are very interested and hopeful that both of the opposition parties will find the capacity to, first, read the budget and, second, support the budget.

Speaker, through you to the minister: once again, can you define for me, please, what that $42 million—should we get the budget passed—will be used for to support people with developmental disabilities not only in my riding of Thunder Bay–Atikokan but right across the province?

Hon. Ted McMeekin: Mr. Speaker, those investment dollars will support a wide range of supports that are needed. Like the member, I’m obviously hopeful that the budget will pass. We hear a lot of concern about this sector from all parties in this House, and we do need to move ahead with this; the quickest way to do that is through the budget.

I just want to emphasize that this is new money. It’s money that’s badly needed. There’s much more to be done, of course, and we’ll continue to work with Ontario’s developmental services sector, families and others to make sure that we have a more fair and sustainable system.

PC MPP Christine Elliot

Ted McMeekin (@TedMcMeekin)

2013-05-16 12:38 PM Pleased PC MPP Christine Elliott has put motion before the Legislature to est a Standing Committee on Development Services #hamont #onpoli

B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union

Transmitted by CNW Group on : May 7, 2013 17:08

Government should improve funding for community living and family services, poll shows

VANCOUVER, May 7, 2013 /CNW/ - British Columbians believe government funding for community-based social services that support vulnerable families should be improved, with a majority being prepared to pay more taxes to do so, says a recent poll.

Ninety percent of those surveyed said community-based social services for youth, women fleeing violence, people with disabilities and special needs, and addiction services are important.

But current government funding levels are too low, 57% of survey respondents said, with 53% supporting increased funding for the not-for-profit social service agencies, even if it means raising taxes a little to provide these valuable services.

Those are some of the key finding from a recent poll conducted by Strategic Communications (Stratcom) on behalf of the Roundtable of Provincial Social Service Organizations of BC. The BCGEU is a member of the Roundtable, representing over 8,000 community living and family service workers across the province. 

"We believe that the provincial government must reinvest in community living and other critical services that support vulnerable families across British Columbia. We need a long term funding plan for this critical sector, and British Columbians agree with us," said BCGEU President Darryl Walker.

Community social services are provided not-for-profit agencies that support youth-at-risk, women fleeing violence, people with disabilities, immigrants, people with mental health and addiction challenges, First Nations, and many others.

Three quarters of British Columbians have used community-based social services, or knew someone who had, the survey reveals. Eighty percent believe these services have a positive impact on their community, according to the survey.

"Community living workers who support adults with disabilities can't take care of their own families," says Walker. "Our caring professionals recently had to resort to three months of rotating job action to get a modest wage increase. Sectoral starting wages are below 2002 levels, and below the living wage. That is not right." 

Community-based not-for-profit agencies receive provincial government funding for programs and services, adhering to strict accountability and reporting requirements. Many agencies operate on shoestring budgets and must secure other revenue sources to finance their programs, including social enterprises, gaming grants, foundations, and individual donations.

The Stratcom poll used a representative sample of 802 British Columbians. Margin of error is not reported for online polling, as it is not derived from a probability sample.

The B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union represents 8,000 caring professionals working at not-for-profit social service agencies in communities across BC

Ontario Budget Press Release – May 3, 2013

Ontario Budget Press Release – May 3, 2013

TORONTO, May 3, 2013 – OASIS congratulates Premier Kathleen Wynne and the Liberal Government on recognizing the needs of Ontarians with developmental disabilities and their families.

Families are in crisis. The level of unmet need for community supports and services for Ontarians with a developmental disability and their families has never been as high as today. The budget, if approved, takes a positive step by providing an additional $42 million annually to reduce waiting lists and provide better supports for those with complex needs.

OASIS supports the transformation of social assistance in Ontario. The proposed changes will assist in addressing the poverty of individuals living on ODSP. For recipients who are employed the proposed budget would have an immediate positive impact on their monthly income, by allowing them to keep the first $200 of employment earnings before they face a reduction of their ODSP benefit.

OASIS is also encouraged that the Government of Ontario has asked the Law Commission of Ontario to undertake a broad based consultation and review the legal capacity, decision making and guardianship laws in Ontario.

“Hundreds of families who are facing extremely challenging circumstances will be greatly relieved by the services that the $42 million investment will provide. Yet, thousands more remain on waiting lists in communities all across the province,” said OASIS President Jane Joris. “There is still work to be done to address the operating pressures faced by transfer payment agencies that have not had any funding increases in the last four years in the face of rising costs,” Joris continued. “We recognize the difficult choices the Government of Ontario is faced with in this economic effort.”

OASIS will continue to work with the Government to ensure the maintenance of a strong, responsive and stable non-profit transfer payment agency system both as the Province’s primary service delivery mechanism and as the backstop for the initiation of funding directly to individuals and families under the transformed Developmental Services sector

Ontario Budget begins to tackle huge crisis for families in Ontario

Ontario Budget begins to tackle huge crisis for families in Ontario

Thursday, May 2, 2013

The Ontario Budget included $42 million per year for support to people who have an intellectual disability. New funds will be invested to help families and adults in urgent need, reduce waitlist pressures and better support those with complex needs.

Many families who are facing crisis will benefit from these new funds but unfortunately, it will not stretch nearly far enough to prevent many more exhausted parents reaching the crises point Amanda Telford reached earlier this week. Amanda dropped her son off at an Ontario government office Tuesday morning because she and her husband could not care for him any longer.

For 19 years, the Telfords supervised their severely autistic, non-verbal son, Philippe, guarding him against what is for him a dangerous world. He is a wanderer: the police have had to search for him more times than Amanda can count. Even at home, little is safe. Because of his diabetes, even a loaf of bread on the kitchen counter is a hazard.

We have seen several similar stories over the last few months – Denise Hastings and Wilma Arthurs and the Chauvin family. And after this budget, there will be more.

Many families caring for disabled children struggle to get enough help, in the form or respite care or funding for personal workers to spend time with their son or daughter. Ministry statistics are reported to show waiting lists for residential supports across the province at close to 12,000. Families, with a son or daughter who has an intellectual disability, if they are lucky, receive funding for a few hours of respite care. This may allow them and their son or daughter some critical support and augment the constant care they need to provide.

This budget won’t avoid the very real crisis that is upon us fuelled by the lack of funding of supports for people who have intellectual disabilities and their families. Incremental investments in support funding over the years have not kept pace with the demands and a lack of recent investments along with recent changes to provincial funding for families for a few hours of care for their adult children who have intellectual disabilities are causing the crisis.

More and more families are reaching a breaking point. We have no doubt that there will be more sons and daughters who have an intellectual disability whose parents will reach the end of their ability to continue providing day by day supports without some help.

The crisis caused by the lack of funding is compounded by that fact that as parents age, their ability to support their adult children who have severe disabilities becomes more and more difficult. Aging parents are developing their own health issues and simply not as able to care for their adult sons and daughters. A recent study by the Institute of Disability and Human Development showed a 10 per cent higher incidence of chronic health conditions by older caregivers of adults who have an intellectual disability.

Community Living Ontario represents over hundred Community Living associations across the province, and advocates for people who have intellectual disabilities and their families.

Chicken Pot Pie Stories

Story 1

Everyone deserves to be treated equally

Developmental Services is one of the most rewarding and challenging fields to work in. I face many challenges and barriers in my job. To support adult individuals to live a life of inclusion in a society that is not always inclusive is in my opinion one of the most important careers a person can take on. 

I work in this field because I believe in that all people have intrinsic value, and deserve to be treated equally in society. I have supported people that have formally lived in institutions and now have their own home, as well, I have supported people newly supported coming from a family setting.  No matter how or whom I support I find myself recognizing my impact on these people’s lives. So when I have a personal crisis and go into work I am immediately reminded that I am very lucky to live my life as I choose. I don’t have to fight for my right to have choice, my right to live with whom I want, to eat when I want etc….

Although we as support workers do everything we can to enable clients to make their own choices, oftentimes choices are made for individuals. There are many legitimate reasons for this, I understand that, but to be stressed about some random thing in my life generally is not worth the stress. I mean here we support people that get up every morning and live a life dependent on others, and they are still smiling, and a coffee can make their day.

Jason

Story 2
People who care

I chose to work in this field when I was 16 years old. I have had relatives with special needs on both sides of my family­–two aunts who were born in the 50s yet both lived at home against the doctor’s advice. I was able to spend time with both of them and realize that even though they were "different" they were family and were special in their own way.

Growing up, I saw both the good and bad of people when out with my aunts and realized that too many people have a negative view of the "handicapped".  I felt that people with special needs needed people who care to support them.

My mom took the DSW course and also works in this field. That meant I was again able to see a broader spectrum of special needs and realized that being able to support people was something I could do and so well.

Working in this field has allowed me to make connections with people. Meeting people I supported over 20 years ago, seeing their face light up and talking about things we did is very heart warming.

This job allows me to do things that I probably would not be able to do in other occupations and to support people to local events as well as events elsewhere. I have been fortunate to meet many people who with just one or two words can make a dreary day brighter.

Tom

Story 3

Remembering Dave

Dave was a kind gentle man who thrived within the contentment he received from routine and who appreciated life’s most simple joys: family, food, friends, music, and a profound admiration towards the Three Stooges only truly understood by those of the male gender.

Dave and I shared a love of music.  I enjoyed as much as he did our regular trips to music World where Dave was a loyal customer who all staff knew by name.  Dave loved a wide range of music and was very up on the latest artists but as we age it gets harder to keep up with what’s new. Somewhere in the mid nineties, somewhere between Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, Dave aptly labeled all new music  “Big Shiny Tunes”.  As I didn’t know the names of most of the new bands either, this suited us both.

Aside from Larry, Curly, Moe and the Annual Pearl Avenue Christmas tradition of watching Mr. Bean struggle to get a turkey off his head; Dave wasn’t much of a TV watcher.  He’d much rather listen to music and browse through his beloved catalogues, especially the ones his sister Loretta got from England.  Until a creative and thoughtful staff hoping to broaden his horizons (or find something new to put on that dam IPP) chose to tape the over three hour long Beatles Anthology when it was first broadcast on TV.  Several hundred viewing hours later, the tape wearing thin and half of the staff team secretly cursing me, Dave and I expanded our Music World repetorie and began to check out other Beatles videos.

I struggled upon writing this on my use of the word friend, as it is no secret to anyone that 18 of the 19 years I’ve known Dave has been in the capacity of a paid staff and separating home and work is a vital survival tool of the trade.  But it often takes life’s most difficult crisis or greatest joys for us to realize that keeping the human in human services is important and that life often has its own ways of defining human relationships that cannot be predetermined by policy, procedures, or even our own minds personal insistence on what those of us in the sector like to call “rational detachment”  For somewhere in-between holidays and picnics, wax museums, birthday parties, fun times and sad times, the heart triumphs over the logic of the mind.

This past year was a difficult one for Dave, despite the fine care received from the staff at the Roger’s street site but this past year I was also no longer a paid staff. So on a good day before Christmas when Dave was able to say to me “Are you my friend?”, I was able to respond and feeling like a giant boulder was lifted from my shoulders was able to say “Yes Dave I’ll always be your friend”.

This was originally read as a eulogy by a member who supported this gentleman for many years. He passed away in the local Peterborough hospital where he was waiting for several months for a bed in Long Term Care.

Story 4

Why I work in this field

I started work in this field because I sort of fell into it: Someone in management recommended that I apply because of my demeanor and abilities with people of all ages.

Fours years later I am still here, not so much for employment, but because I have fallen a little in love with the individuals’ joy for life. Watching and interacting with those I support at dances, dinners, at the mall, appointments and day-to-day activities around the home is a fantastic way to help me remember it's the simple things in life that matter. Friendship, family, music, laughs, a cup of coffee and a hug. So, yea, I work in the field partly for selfish reasons (love, joy, and personal reminders of the meaning of life), but I also work here because I like to see that everyone has an equal right to a fulfilling and meaningful existence. I want everyone to know that they matter, sick or healthy, old or young, able or disabled, wealthy or poor. It's who I am.

Cindy-Ann

Story 5

I would do it all again

I have been working in the developmental Field for 24 years now. When I first started, it was only going to be a summer job.  I had no idea that it would ever be a career.

Working in the developmental services field has given me more satisfaction than any other job I have had. I knew after a summer that this would be a challenging career that requires physical mental and emotional energy.

I needed to be more flexible and creative and positive and wanted to make a difference in people’s lives.

The experience has been one I would do all over again even with its challenges. At the end of my workday I know that I have made a difference. And the difference these people have made in my life is something you can’t get in another career.

Judi

Story 6

I love to see people grow and learn

I have been employed with Community Living Thunder Bay (CLTB) for 25 years and have worked in a variety of settings supporting people with disabilities. I really enjoy working with a variety of people.

I have been fortunate to provide supports to people in the recreation area of our agency. I enjoy watching people trying new recreation opportunities in the city. I also enjoy connecting people with similar interests and some have still remained friends. To see the joy on their faces after trying a new sport, brings satisfaction that I am doing my job.

There have been numerous people that are still attending community activities and are quite comfortable attending either on their own or with support staff. I love to see people grow and learn from trying new things.

I continue to provide supports to people of all ages and I learn from people each and every day. I absolutely love my job because I enjoy seeing people have fun and gain new experiences throughout our journey.

Thank you,

Pina

Story 7

Life lessons

I work in a home with four of the most interesting young men. Everyday there is a challenge placed in front of me. These young men have taught me many life lessons.

One of the most significant moments I recall is the day I became very ill at work. I fainted in the kitchen and fell to the floor. As I am a diabetic, I was in a very serious situation.

Jake, a client I support remembered what to do and called 911. He also held my hand while on the phone with emergency until the ambulance arrived. I guess the life lesson I learned here is that support workers are there to ensure the individuals we support are safe, but to have the roles reversed and have an individual save my life is incredibly humbling.

Ken

Story 8

Keeping a smile on my face

I work at a very stressful site where it can become extremely difficult to keep a smile on my face. I have a co-worker who posts a daily note on the bulletin board that makes you smile almost every time I read it. Having this moment every day actually changes my mindset. Sometimes it’s a joke, sometimes a positive affirmation, and on occasion it’s a funny story that happened to them that day. I have come to count on these posts.

Jamie

Story 9

Lucky to be a support worker

When I started in this field it was only supposed to be temporary. I was just going to do this until I got something better. 15 years later I couldn’t even consider doing anything else. I love my job. I am part of a team that is lucky enough to work every day to better people’s lives. I mean in what other job can you go to work and have people excited to see you, and rely on you to make their day worthwhile.

I personally feel very lucky to be a support worker in developmental services. I am glad I decided to stay and I have come to realize I am very good at this.

Shauna

Story 10

What matters in life

I support individuals in a group home and have been lucky enough to have stayed in the same site for 12 years. Over those years I have supported many different people but there is one man that I will never forget. He taught me the importance of what matters in life.

One morning, while rushing around to complete my morning duties, he said "Sit with me have a coffee with me" I responded with "in a bit I have to get the laundry done." His response was "ok, but does the laundry want you to have coffee with them" it made me stop and smile.

It was at that moment I realized I needed to spend more time with what matters, not on what can wait. That man past away a few months later and I will forever be grateful to him for wanting me to be a part of his life journey and for teaching me a life lesson.

Lauri

Story 11

Why I work in this field

I live for the "aha" moments. I worked with a young lady who has a hard time concentrating on any one thing at a time. With patience, re-direction, encouragement, we've been able to "stay in the moment" for as long as half an hour. This is a huge deal!

Cheryl

Story 12

A day in the life of a full-time support worker

My day always starts with a welcoming good morning, or good afternoon.  It’s a great way to start my shifts. The people I support are always so eager to let me know how welcome I am coming through the door. Even when I have had a bad day, coming into work actually changes my mood drastically. When I look in the eyes of the people I support they are looking to me to make their day successful. Not a day goes by that I don’t realize or am reminded that my job is dependent on ensuring people live the best possible life. Our jobs are people’s lives! 

Shauna

Story 13

Advocating for a more fulfilling life

The most important part of my job is to advocate for the individuals I support. I currently work with an individual that suffers from a bowel disorder. When I began to support this gentleman I noticed that there were no medical records for symptoms he had been feeling.

When I questioned the team and supervisor I was told that his family would not allow him to see a doctor. He is 45 years old and I felt an internal rage at the thought of this adult being told he could not see a doctor. 

I polled the team and we started to chart the symptoms. Once we had a few months of data I requested his parents attend a staff meeting. I presented the data and was once again told no, he was not to see a doctor.  So I went to the rights committee we have in our agency. After a long process, this man was finally taken to a doctor. He was diagnosed with colitis. We have been able to help this man live a much more fulfilling life because of my advocating.

Mike

Story 14

Courage to lean on a friend

When I got up that morning the sun was just coming over the trees. I decided to go out and work in my gardens. Suddenly, my flowers were flooded with glowing sunshine; I turned and faced the warmth of the sun.

A beautiful young girl walked very slowly into my backyard. Her head was down and she had sadness about her. She was very shy but seemed curious too. Her name was Crystal. She was six years old with long, uncombed hair and wearing a dirty dress.

I shared with her what I was trying to grow and how working with the earth makes me feel good. Crystal seemed to be interested; her eyes grew wide with excitement. I asked her if she would like to have her own part of the garden and her face lit up with a smile.

Crystal started to look at all the seeds that I had. I knew she lived a few houses away from me so I told her that she could grow food for her family. After a while she grew hungry and said she was going home to get her lunch. She came back with a raw potato and ate that. I thought it was a strange thing to have for a meal. When she went home to get her supper she came back with a handful of raw pasta, which I thought even odder.

I started asking her about her parents, she told me that her Dad left and her mother was sick in bed a lot. I convinced Crystal to let me meet her mother. She took me to her house and brought me in. Her mother, Sandra, was curled up like a cocoon in her bed; I saw tears hover beneath her lashes as she lay there.

As I listened to her story I felt the weight of her depression. Sandra told me that she feels like her gray blanket is soaked with water lying heavy over everything, robbing her of energy.  Feelings of sadness and despair are stripping the colour from her life.

I told her that I thought she was suffering from severe depression and asked her if she would like my support to help her feel better, without judgement. I mentioned to her that she would need to see a doctor and with the proper medicine and therapy such as a support group she could find herself, change her mindset and bring joy back into her life.

Sandra knew that I would help with Crystal while she went to appointments. Crystal and I worked together learning how to grow food and we made some colourful tasty salads. She was very proud of herself and she started skipping through the yard with her head held high.                

One morning as I looked out my window I heard laughter and saw Sandra holding hands with her daughter. There was music of breeze filtering through the flowers and dancing through the sky!

I got Crystal and Sandra involved in community kitchens and they learned a lot about cooking and had a wonderful time together.

Sandra is now a supervisor of a restaurant and has remarried. She is extremely grateful and happy that I came into her life. It takes strength to stand alone but courage to lean on a friend!                                                                           

Someone who cares and loves us unconditionally will welcome us into their family forever. Your life can be what you want it to be. Friends make you smile and encourage you to succeed.

Diana

Story 15

I love what I do

I work in this field because it is so rewarding, I love when the people I support smile when I do something that makes them laugh. I love knowing that everyday I am making a difference in their life even if it is something small. The men and women I support are amazing as well I am very fortunate to work with an awesome group of people. I love what I do and I would never change my career choice. Niki Furioso

Niki Niki FuriosoNiki Furioso

Story 16

A success story

I support a person who wanted to go and visit her sister in Toronto. She had never met this sister. The day she was supposed to leave she became very ill and could not go. I was able to change the air flight and have her sister come to visit her at home. She was so grateful and happy it made me feel extremely successful as a support worker and as a human being in general.  The person I supported passed away a week later and her sister was incredibly thankful for the visit and finally having the opportunity to meet her sister.

Jen

Story 17

Why I work in this field

I can sum up in a few words why I choose to work in this field:
-Compassion
-Empathy
-Inclusion
-Dignity
-Humanity
-Respect

Thank you

Sharon

:)