Living the D.R.E.A.M.

ASL Translation coming soon.

At New Directions, creating spaces where everyone can participate fully in community life is at the heart of what we do. Each of our six Adult Day Services programs offer something different for the individuals we support. One of them is our D.R.E.A.M. program, which stands for Diversity, Respect, Empowerment, Achievement and More. D.R.E.A.M. is a specialized program for individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. The program offers a variety of vocational and recreational activities and supports, with involvement in both the hearing and Deaf communities.

What makes this program so special is the staff, the individuals, and the focus on community. Belonging and creating forms of communication that connect everyone is the top priority at D.R.E.A.M. The program is tailored to each individual and recognizes their differences and strengths. There are literacy classes, activities, and an ASL interpreter on location.

The interpreter, Pam Friedrich, has no shortage of passion for what she does. “One of the things I love about my job is that I get to connect with both the staff and the individuals we support,” she says. Pamela has been learning and practicing ASL since she was 14 years old, and with well over 30 years of experience, she is a vital member of the team. “It is so important to stay impartial when I am translating and relaying these messages to others. I always want to stay true to the message of what they are saying,” she explains.

The D.R.E.A.M. program is always keeping busy! Favourite activities include going to the YMCA to swim, heading to the library, playing games, visiting the museum, and bowling together. In the summer, there are a lot of outdoor events like barbeques and visits to the park which help unite the community. The program also offers one-on-one time between individuals and staff. This helps provide the support each individual needs to help them learn, communicate, and flourish.

The individuals supported by D.R.E.A.M. have nothing but positive things to say about the program. “I love it,” says Roy, who is nonverbal and uses a communication device.
“It’s cool. I like the work,” explains Virwant, who has also been with the program for years. D.R.E.A.M. has helped her embrace who she is. “I have a great group of friends, and we help each other.”

For Aaron Montney, assisting Deaf individuals is a full circle moment, and he cares deeply about guiding his own community. “It’s important for me to be on the front line, teaching and helping them,” he explains. Aaron, who is Deaf himself, has been working with the program for over 20 years. “It’s important to keep busy, and to help them with whatever they need. We enjoy helping them problem solve and enjoy watching them reach their potential.”

Chris Sehr, another member of the D.R.E.A.M. team, has been with New Directions for over 30 years. “I’m very happy to work here,” he says. “The literacy classes are so important. When we do one-on-one, we get to communicate more and focus on everyone individually. This allows us to go more in depth so they can really understand what we are teaching.” Chris is a Deaf person himself and talks about the priority of communication so everyone can feel connected. “Some individuals learn faster, some learn slower; and we all learn from each other.”

The inclusive inviting culture of D.R.E.A.M. doesn’t just extend to Deaf individuals, but to anyone who walks through the doors. Richard Claeys, the coordinator of the program, talks about how welcoming everyone has been to him. “At first, I was intimidated coming into an ASL environment with little knowledge of it. But everyone welcomed me right away,” he says.

For individuals and staff alike, D.R.E.A.M. is so much more than just a program, it’s a place where everyone belongs and learns together. No matter who you are or what your abilities are, it is a space where all are welcome, valued, and embraced with open arms.