Testimonials of Current and Past Support Workers
“Working as a CDSW has prepared me for a career in speech pathology because it has given me hands on experience developing communication skills for myself and others”
“I have loved working with ***! I’ve learned how to look for meaning in every interaction and notice little things. Our job is to build others up but it’s also helped me become a better friend, student, and advocate.”
-Community Disability Support Worker (Physiotherapy Student)
“I have loved working on an interdisciplinary team. Everyone has a role in breaking down complex needs and we learn so much from each other.”
- Community Disability Support Worker
“Working with *** has reaffirmed to me the importance of helping others as individuals rather than seeing everyone as the same. As a result, I have become better prepared for a career within the field of communication science as a speech-language pathologist!”
-Community Disability Support Worker(Linguistics Student)
“The person I worked with has a lot to teach and contribute to the community. My time as his Community Disability Support Worker has taught me that. Sometimes, people with disabilities are put in a box, not given enough room to spread their wings. Our arms and legs didn't limit humanity to dream of flight, nor does Sean's disability limit him from his own dreams to ride horses and volunteer as a train conductor or campfire attendant. Sean constantly exceeds my expectations and demonstrates that his potential is limitless. Sean has taught me to believe in the best in people, including myself, no matter how far-reaching their dreams may be. Through working with Sean, I've gained a deep respect and awe for individuals with autism and their fight to thrive within the community. Whoever it may be, people need to be believed in and supported to get them where they want to be and be who they want to be.”
--Community Disability Support Worker (&Friend)
“Let’s begin by saying -to this day, I remember Sean’s big smile when he knew I was working with him. This alone can probably tell you that I enjoyed working with Sean. I took the CDSW position in my third year of nursing school and worked with Sean for about 1.5 years. I initially was interested in this role as I imagined it would be a valuable experience for my future career as a Registered Nurse, and I am happy to say, it was. There are many fun activities that I got to do with Sean such as cooking, volunteering at the Fort Edmonton park and swimming and these allowed me to always remember to never stop learning, be patient, understanding and to never be scared to be challenged. Working as a CDSW helped me get out of my comfort zone and allowed me to help build that supportive community that Sean now has. Being a CDSW also helped me to understand how much positive impact I could have on one individual. And this alone has contributed tremendously in my current career as a Registered Nurse. Being a CDSW is great, don’t miss out!”
—Community Disability Support Worker (& Registered Nurse)