Developmental Services Worker students in Chatham kicked off "We Inspire" Week this November, where students across the province engaged in several activities to promote Developmental Services Work (DSW) careers and the impact they can have.
And a St. Clair College student came home with top honours in the provincial DSW video contest.
Dave Andrews produced a video highlighting why he chose the Developmental Services Worker program and how he advocates for those he knows and supports.
The win marks the first time a St. Clair College student has taken home the award.
"During We Inspire week, I was reminded not only how important it is to have people working in these fields, but of how vital it is to encourage the sharing of an individual’s story. We are all unique and as such, we all have the ability to inspire change in a world desperately in need," Andrews said. "Speaking as an older student, being in the DSW program at St. Clair this year has given me a much-needed new direction in life and the ability to now see a future both bright and full of possibility, in a field that is near and dear to my heart."
"I am grateful to the professors and faculty for providing a positive, mind-expanding experience in my first semester, and I look forward to coming back in the new year," he said.
"We Inspire" is a slogan that started at St. Clair College to promote the work of Development Services Workers because they inspire individuals with disabilities to live their best lives by promoting autonomy and inclusion in their local community and greater society.
The Colleges’ Provincial DSW group took up the same slogan, using it for several years during the third week in November, which celebrates the studies and work of these students.
Students are engaged in several activities to promote the DSW career and the impact they can have. Every year there are several local and provincial events, including a video contest and a day long online free conference for students. This year's theme was advocacy.
"We’re empowered to be a voice when theirs can’t be heard," said Onyinyechukwu Mbamalu, a fellow student in the DSW program at St. Clair College.
"This will be one of my mandates in the field as a DSW. Advocating for people with diverse abilities until they can stand and speak for themselves and most importantly, be heard," Mbamalu said. "The event encouraged me to keep that dream alive, the lived experiences shared are not things you hear every day."
"I count myself fortunate to be a participant in this event."
