What are the advantages to participating in DAT? After any of these courses you will:
- Become better employees by building a comfort level when faced with different communication styles.
- Have the confidence to offer assistance to persons living with disabilities without the fear of offending or doing something inappropriate.
- Receive the necessary tools to reduce co-worker fears and confusion around specific types of disabilities -be a leader!
- Be able to make appropriate “split second” decisions (around actions and communication) when meeting a person with any number of different-abilities (a term we embrace to identify people who live with all kinds of challenges).
- Become more knowledgeable when considering any and all accessibility issues in home and work environments.
What are Participants from across Alberta saying about Disability Awareness Training?
“I was surprised by how relevant the training was…thank you.”
– Police Cadet
“I don’t always enjoy workshops, but your bubbly enthusiastic nature made me wish the day could have been longer. As front line workers, we are very fortunate to have someone such as you so involved and so passionate about what she does. Even though I have been with the department 25 years, one still needs this type of workshop to be reminded what it is we are here to do and who we are doing it for.”
“What a great presentation I wasn’t bored once!”
– Firefighter
“I was impressed by the research integrated into the training. It was updated and fascinating – even for someone like me who is in the field.”
– Social Worker, TO
“Wow! Dynamic speaker, love the interactive stuff – really drove the point home for me!”
– Bank Manager
“Loved the dignity -based approach, keep up the good work.”
– Non Profit Director
“We can’t believe the response we got from participants, when can we book you again?”
– HR Manager, Municipal Government
“Finally e-learning that is personable and informational, congratulations on a job well done.”
– V.P. Training
“Prior to the workshop I questioned why I had to participate, but was so glad I did!”
“Information was very relevant and thought provoking. Expectations were surpassed by content and speaker.”
“Loved the workshop and the presenter -she is very knowledgeable and an excellent speaker.”
“All my expectations were met and then some. I really enjoyed the presentation and have learned some valuable tips.”
“This was an excellent seminar presented in a humorous, intelligent and caring manner.”
Edmonton:
“Prior to the workshop I questioned why I had to participate, but was so glad I did, thanks Tova!
“I was pleasantly surprised – I took in a lot of information”
Grand Prairie:
“Information was very relevant and thought provoking. Expectations were surpassed by content and speaker”
“Great Presenter – one of the best I have ever seen!”
Lethbridge:
“Loved the workshop and the presenter – she is very knowledgeable and an excellent speaker”
“Great Day, no lags, lots of great information, great presenter”
Calgary:
“All my expectations were met and then some. I really enjoyed the presentation and have learned some valuable tips”
“I don’t like taking courses they usually don’t pertain to front line. But this was a great course!”
Red Deer:
“This was an excellent seminar presented in a humorous, intelligent and caring manner.
“Lots of information in a short period of time, well delivered, well organized, most beneficial!”
Vegreville:
“Great presentation, fun, lots of good food for thought! Loving and caring person as presenter. Great Day- loved it! Very supportive/encouraging.”
“Your expertise and knowledge were quite exceptional, your manner very engaging”
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I am a “Business Industry Liaison” in Red Deer and met Tova Sherman (IDEA) several months ago when I attended the “Disability Awareness” training. I was impressed with her extensive knowledge around working with persons with disabilities and her practical tips and suggestions around becoming an “inclusive employer”
My role with AEII is working with employers to help address their labour shortages. After the 2 day workshop, I approached Tova and asked if she would put together a presentation geared to Employers that would provide practical tips and information around hiring under represented groups i.e.: youth, aboriginals, persons with disabilities and older workers.
Tova agreed and we presented the 1st session to 58 employers in Red Deer on January 15, 2008. It was a great success and employers felt it was time well spent. Almost all felt that they learned something they were unaware of and felt the information around retention was especially useful.
The workshop was exactly the information that I wanted to provide to employers in Central Alberta. When working with employers, I often hear that they get information around groups of an under utilized workforce but never really get information on how to attract and retain these potential groups of employees. By providing information on the uniqueness of each group, resources for recruitment, how to be inclusive, employers left with practical information and tools to better access these groups.
I also offered the same workshop to staff of AISH and AEII to increase their awareness of the issues that employers face when trying to recruit and retain employees. Again, the result was extremely positive. Staff that attended gave extremely positive feedback and felt the information would assist them when working with employers and their clients.
Tova (IDEA) is knowledgeable, a dynamic speaker and has the ability to engage her audience. Several participants are interested in providing this workshop to employers in their areas. I am looking forward to working with Tova again in the near future.
Sincerely
Diane Metzger
Business & Industry Liaison
Alberta Employment, Immigration & Industry
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To Whom It May Concern:
Subject: IDEA Letter of Reference:
The Alberta Government has worked with Tova Sherman (IDEA) to deliver Disability Awareness training to several departments within the Alberta Government including Alberta Employment and Immigration. Tova took the time to get to know the business of our Department so that she could provide information that was meaningful and easily applied to every day business situations.
Tova is a dynamic and inspirational facilitator who has a passion for her subject matter, and a genuine interest in providing education, options as well as practical and reasonable solutions on disability issues. I am pleased to provide a recommendation for Tova Sherman and IDEA to facilitate disability education for your organization.
Yours truly,
Judy Kotylak
Alberta Works Training Coordinator
Alberta Employment and Immigration
