We had the honour of attending the retirement party for the former executive director of UNITI! What a wonderful event! The food was just what was promised: "Blundstones and Burgers" which with hot dogs, chips and cookies, really hit the spot. Folks met up with friends, old and new, and there was lots of conversation, smiles and laughter. I loved that the person who introduced her dad Doug, did so in such a beautiful, tender and humorous way. Unbeknownst to me, she was the person to start this man on the path of advocacy for folks with developmental disabilities. They met when she was three years old and obviously their lives were never the same after that meeting.
Our knowledge of Doug started when we became aware of Harmony, an inclusive and supported apartment building for folks with intellectual disabilities and others needing below market housing in our community. Our daughter was on the list to live in this building and we were disappointed that the municipal government in our area consistently voted against this project. Doug's passionate and unconditional resolve to make this building happen was unwavering. He rallied the supporters around UNITI and Harmony and with great leadership, determination and the support of staff, and many others, made it happen. Our daughter moves in there this year.
Our knowledge of Doug started when we became aware of Harmony, an inclusive and supported apartment building for folks with intellectual disabilities and others needing below market housing in our community. Our daughter was on the list to live in this building and we were disappointed that the municipal government in our area consistently voted against this project. Doug's passionate and unconditional resolve to make this building happen was unwavering. He rallied the supporters around UNITI and Harmony and with great leadership, determination and the support of staff, and many others, made it happen. Our daughter moves in there this year.
Doug's remarks at his retirement party really hit home. He talked about "good trouble", the value of which was taught to him by his mum. He pointed out that there were representatives attending from every political party; inclusion is a non-partisan issue. He said folks with developmental disabilities are just not recipients of support, they are in relationship with all the various community and government groups and relationships are reciprocal. He talked about inclusion and that self-advocates do not want to just be invited to participate, they want to host the thing and dance with whomever they want. Yes! He is a hero to us and many like us and we will miss him more than he can know....Congratulations Doug!
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