What are the resources for people with developmental disabilities, their caregivers and support staff in Cochrane?
One woman is trying to find out.
University of Calgary student Sherry Grund is completing her final year of Community Rehabilitation and Disabilities studies with her last research project on Cochrane and what it is like for individuals with developmental disabilities, their caregivers and support staff to live in the community.
As a Cochranite, Grund was inspired to take on the project to help Cochrane’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) create a resource guide and asset map to increase the awareness of inclusion in the community.
Not to be confused with Cochrane Cares, a recent needs assessment survey being conducted by FCSS, the research project is an independent study by Grund as part of a practicum.
“We are trying to look at a snapshot of what was available in Cochrane and what was helping with people,” Grund explained.
“One of the themes is families, support staff and self-advocates want a resource hub.”
While resources are available to people with developmental disabilities in Cochrane, most of the supports are geared toward the younger ages. Examples are the Preschool Intervention Program for children with mild to severe developmental needs offered by Rocky View Schools, and the Lil’ Explorers Group, a weekly child development program for parents with special needs children ages zero to six offered by the Parent Link Centre.
“We are looking at the people affected by the barriers but we also want to raise awareness of the issues,” said Melissa Engdahl, a resource worker with FCSS who is overseeing the project.
After approximately five months of hearing stories from people with developmental disabilities, caregivers and support staff in the community, Grund’s findings and recommendations will be given to FCSS next month.
“There were a lot of validating themes that we see on the frontline that were reinforced through hearing people’s experiences,” Engdahl said.
Once the project is submitted, Engdahl said they are hopeful the information will inspire community stakeholders to help make Cochrane more inclusive.
FACTBOX
Social inclusion means that people:
- Experience a sense of belonging
- Are accepted (for who they are) within their communities
- Have valued roles in the community
- Are actively participating in the community
- Are involved in activities based on their personal preferences
- Have social relationships with others whom they chose and share common interests
- Have friends
