Read What Staff Say About Working at DDRC…

Before being employed at DDRC I had just a few months’ experience working with people with developmental disabilities. Within the first few days of being employed at DDRC, I noticed a stark difference in the mission and vision of this organization compared to my previous employer. DDRC is truly an exceptional agency that not only has a strong vision for community inclusion, but also has the drive and commitment to act on that vision. This dedication permeates every level within DDRC. In addition, I have found that the potential for personal and professional development for staff is enormous. There is also tremendous diversity within the agency and staff are continually presented with different perspectives and ideas and encouraged to challenge our mindsets. When I am at work, I truly feel like I am making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities. I never thought I would say this about a job, but when I get up in the morning, I want to go to work.

- Tynesha Hingst, Augmentative and Alternative Communication Centre Facilitator

It’s the rare person who wakes up every morning and looks forward to going to work. I am one of those people. I have worked in this field for more than 17 years, and in the past four years at DDRC, I could not have been happier. The reason I feel this way is that DDRC is truly a leader in the field in so many ways. The agency really believes in being inclusive. ‘Everyone Belongs’ is a great organizational vision, and speaks to everything I believe in. DDRC is leading the way and is leading edge. There are also several opportunities for promotions and the agency’s first priority is to hire internally. Working at DDRC, I feel as if I have a second family - everyone is so friendly and passionate about their work. Over the years I have witnessed other agencies follow DDRC’s ideas and practices and move towards a vision of where everyone is included - no matter what their disability. I’m truly proud to be a DDRC employee, and can honestly say that I love what I am doing for a job. I know we are making a difference in peoples’ lives. I can’t think of a better job and a better place to work than DDRC.

- Neil Hehr, E Technology Facilitator

As a new university graduate, I was first employed at DDRC in March of 1999 as a support worker. I had little experience in the field, but felt strongly in the guiding principles of DDRC. There was definitely a sense of camaraderie, and my learning benefited by being surrounded by a team which was both supportive and collaborative. I was soon promoted to the role of community resource worker and eventually, I became a team leader when the position was first conceived. During my eight years with DDRC, I have been on three maternity leaves. Some have questioned why I return in a full-time capacity after having three children, but it is something that I never wavered on. It is the flexible work environment, supportive team atmosphere, and of course the passion for the work and the clients that makes me come back time and again. I now hold the position of senior coordinator, and feel that the opportunities for professional growth and development that I have been afforded working in various positions have further affirmed to me why employment at DDRC continues to be such as positive experience.

- Heather Jeffery, Senior Coordinator

I have worked at DDRC for four years in various positions, and it has been a fantastic place to work. It is the type of job where you get up in the morning and look forward to going to work (really!). First, my co-workers are wonderful - the staff here are friendly and together they create a positive, energetic, and enjoyable work environment. Second, there is tremendous opportunity for growth. The training I have received has been insightful, the learning and support from co-workers tremendous, the chance to expand my skills and knowledge plentiful, and hard work here does not go unrecognized. Third, there is great flexibility: flexible hours and holidays, as well as extra ‘perks’ (I love getting my birthday off with pay!). Finally, the clients we support are fabulous. There is nothing more rewarding than supporting people with developmental disabilities to succeed. I am the type of person who cannot work in a job where I do not feel I’m making a difference. At DDRC, I not only feel that I am making a difference, I see the results of our combined efforts every day.

- Liz Cairns, Positive Behavioural Support Coordinator