About the podcast:
We explore the profound impact of human connection in our lives. Have you ever considered what it truly means to create a community where everyone belongs and participates? How do we take this thought from a vision to a reality? How can we ensure that everyone is not only included but actively engaged and valued in our communities.
In this podcast series, we’ll delve into practical steps and compelling stories that illustrate how communities can create spaces where everyone can belong. We’ll learn from leaders who are championing inclusion and hear firsthand accounts of the journey to belonging.
Together, let’s uncover how we can move beyond mere acceptance and turn our communities into vibrant celebrations where everyone belongs and participates!
This podcast was inspired by a desire to explore belonging and highlight the experiences and challenges people have while finding spaces to belong.
Through this podcast, we hope to create a platform where voices are heard and connections are made. By bringing these stories to the forefront, we can foster understanding, empathy, and inclusion. As you listen, we hope you find inspiration and new perspectives.
About your host: Amy Haynes has been with KW Habilitation since 2018 She has held roles in Inclusive Living, Day Supports, Employment Supports, Out and About Waterloo Region and currently works as the Supervisor of Community Supports. The launch of the Government of Ontario’s longterm vision for developmental services, Journey to Belonging: Choice and Inclusion, inspired Amy to dig deeper into belonging and what it can and should mean for the people we work for.
Simon Says: This segment, featuring Simon Garcia gives Simon a platform to talk about what matters to him and share his own thoughts on belonging and other things.
In our first episode, host Amy Haynes, Supervisor of Community Supports at KW Habilitation welcomes Serena McDiarmid. They talk about belonging from an academic context and how important belonging is for everyone, including people with developmental disabilities.
Simon Says: This segment, featuring Simon Garcia gives Simon a platform to talk about what matters to him and share his own thoughts on belonging and other things.
About Serena: Serena McDiarmid is a fourth-year doctoral candidate and Vanier Scholar with the Social Development Lab. Serena graduated with a BSc. Hons. in Health Studies & Gerontology from UW, a BEd. from Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Education, and a MASc in Developmental & Communication Science from the UW. Serena’s research focusses on children’s and youth’s sense of belonging in spaces like their schools and communities. Serena is answering questions like: How do we measure belonging? How can schools and community organizations support or improve their members’ sense of belonging? And, for young people, can wellbeing be improved through changes in their sense of belonging?
Serena emphasizes community-based research and is currently working with Waterloo Region’s Children and Youth Planning Table on the “Measurement for Change” project. Previously, Serena worked on the European Union’s Horizon 2020 “RefugeeWellSchool” project.
Outside of research, Serena enjoys teaching and mentoring. She is an Introductory Psychology instruction at Renison University College and trains teaching assistants and new instructors in her role as a Graduate Educational Developer with the Centre for Teaching Excellence. Her work with the CTE has focussed on trauma-informed teaching techniques. (source)
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ReportON is a service for reporting suspected or witnessed abuse of adults with developmental disabilities. Click for info.