Karen Weir
The Discipline of Respect
Language, Documentation, and Daily Practice This article is the fourth in our March series, From Awareness to Belonging, exploring how society continues to examine implicit bias, expectations, and dignity in developmental disability services. In the first article, we reflected on how awareness has evolved and why awareness alone is not enough. In the second article, […]
The Weight of Expectations
How Low Expectations Quietly Limit Opportunity This article is the third in our March series, From Awareness to Belonging, exploring how society continues to examine implicit bias, expectations, and dignity in developmental disability services. In the first article, we reflected on how awareness has evolved over time and why awareness alone is not enough. In […]
When Care Becomes Control
This article is the second in our March series, From Awareness to Belonging, exploring how society continues to examine implicit bias, expectations, and dignity in developmental disability services. In the first article, we reflected on how awareness has evolved over time and why awareness alone is not enough. This week, we look more closely at […]
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
How Far Have We Really Come? Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month began in 1987 when President Ronald Reagan called for greater public understanding and opportunity for people with developmental disabilities. Since then, awareness has expanded. Rights have strengthened. Community inclusion has advanced — including in Canada through legislation such as the Accessible Canada Act, which focuses […]
Pink Shirt Day – February 25
Standing for Dignity. Every Day. At Westlock Independence Network (WIN), Pink Shirt Day is more than wearing a colour. It is a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect dignity — especially for those who may be vulnerable, marginalized, or unheard. Through the lens of Gentle Teaching International, we understand that bullying is not only […]