Developmental Services Workers celebrated

Barbara Dawn and co-worker put the finishing touches on the appreciation packages for Developmental Services Worker Appreciation Day.

Local Developmental Services Workers joined together with their provincial counterparts Wednesday to celebrate and acknowledge the important work and services they provide for folks in the community with developmental disabilities.

President of OPSEU local 667 Jo-Ann Wilson says it is important to inform the public about the workers and the services they provide and so the day was specifically designed for with that purpose in mind

“We’re trying to introduce the developmental service worker as a professional that’s been working with the developmentally delayed clientele for many years,” she explains.

“And just raise the recognition of the positions that they hold in the community with children and adults.”

Wilson says staff in developmental services at the North Bay District Association Community Living come up against daily challenges, the biggest hurdle they face in the field is funding.

“Within the field of work it’s of course funding, this sector is traditionally under funded … the housing, the quality of life for the individuals,” she states.

“ We’re trying to highlight the services that we provide and also to guarantee more funding for that sector.”

Wilson adds that the profession continues to grow and developed in order to meet the needs of their clients, and says regardless of the hurdles, Developmental Service Workers are devoted professionals.

“Certainly the clientele grows the funding does not, so to provide the quality services you know certainly again more funding.”