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LiveWorkPlay
For People With Intellectual Disabilities
Making A Buzz In The Ottawa Area Since 1995
"SUCCESS THROUGH COMMUNITY"
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LiveWorkPlay: Staff Profiles
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Grace
Hudson
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What Is Your Educational Background?
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and French) St. Thomas University (2001)
Bachelor of Social Work, Carleton University (2003)
What Are Some Of Your Previous Work Experiences?
At the Ottawa-Carleton Independent Living Centre I worked with people with all types of disabilities supporting self-advocacy and helping them access resources in the community. I worked in Iqaluit with orphans and other children to develop skills and enjoy recreational opportunities. I've had many other jobs with community agencies and also in the private sector.
How Long Have You Been With LiveWorkPlay?
I started with LWP in 2002 as a social work placement student. In August 2002 I was hired to work with ACES, and then in the fall of 2002 I became a Friday night volunteer, which I enjoyed until 2005. In September 2005 I started full-time as a staff member at LWP.
What Is Your Motivation For Your Work At LiveWorkPlay?
To see people with intellectual disabilities thrive as members of the community.
What Do You Find Challenging?
Working through the stigma and pain people with intellectual disabilities carry with them from school and in their experiences in the community. The damage can be severe and it can take a long time to work through it.
How Would You Describe The LiveWorkPlay Work Environment?
The environment is always changing. It is at times chaotic but also filled with inspiring ideas and a team
that works together and motivates each other.
What Have You Learned About People With Intellectual Disabilities?
I've learned to better respect people's differences and to appreciate that everyone comes from different places. It's important to treat everyone as an individual.
What Have You Learned About Family Members Of People With Intellectual Disabilities?
I have learned that families face a lot of responsibility and have had to knock down a lot of barriers for their children. They always want to have the best interest of their children at heart!
What Have You Learned About Societal Attitudes Towards People With Intellectual Disabilities?
One of the particular life challenges for people with intellectual disabilities is that their disability can appear invisible to other people who don't always understand the serious barriers they face or why it is fair that society should support them with appropriate accomodations. To give one simple example, there are some people with intellectual disabilities who have just as great a need for sitting at the front of the bus as seniors or people with physical disabilities, but there are participants at LiveWorkPlay who have been verbally assaulted and threatened by people who jumped to the wrong conclusions about them.
What Has Been Your Most Interesting LiveWorkPlay Experience?
Seeing participants on trips such as camping and Santa Monica being so free and independent. It is so refreshing and re-energizing!
When You Are Not At LiveWorkPlay What Do You Do?
I exercise at the gym, watch NHL and NFL on TV, garden, and spend time with my husband. We really enjoy watching football together.
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Click Here For Other Staff Profiles
Continue learning more about the organization:
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153 Chapel Street, Suite 300 | Ottawa, Ontario | K1N 1H5 | 613-235-9550
info@liveworkplay.ca | www.liveworkplay.ca
Charitable Registration 89622 2775 RR 0001
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