Norm McLeod Awards

Heather Raymond, 2002 Norm McLeod Dreamweaver Award Winner

25 Years of Community Inclusion Excellencer

For 25 years, Heather Raymond has balanced her personal and professional life to work toward a simple, yet powerful dream of community inclusion for persons with developmental disabilities throughout Alberta. Community inclusion work is more than just volunteerism to her—it is a way of life.

Heather was recognized for her leadership and commitment to persons with developmental disabilities at the Alberta Association of Rehabilitation Centres’ (AARC) Spring Conference in Edmonton on April 25th, where she was presented with the inaugural Norm McLeod Dreamweaver Award. This award, which is sponsored by the Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) Provincial Board, recognizes an individual who is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and committed to community inclusion. A five-member committee reviewed the seven provincial nominations for the award and selected Heather as the co-winner.

Heather has an extensive track record of establishing and volunteering for organizations that make the principles and practices of community inclusion alive in the community. Her work gives a voice to people who are often not heard in our society; she also fosters skill development for people so they can be their own advocates.

She is the co-founder of the Gateway Association for Community Living Youth Group, which was established to promote and improve the lives of youth with disabilities through peer empowerment, advocacy, and the development of leadership opportunities. One of her youth group members recently received the 2002 Alberta Great Kids Award and is just one example of how Heather’s work is making a real difference in the community. By working with youth today, she is fostering understanding and acceptance of persons with developmental disabilities for tomorrow. A weekend getaway is scheduled for the weekend of May 3-5th to promote community inclusion among youth and to have fun.

One of her most notable accomplishments has been with the Edmonton People First Association. As an advisor, she assists members who have a developmental disability to organize and run the affairs of the association—a true example of community inclusion in action.

As one of her nominators, Lynnsey Harder, said, “Heather has made her community stronger, safer, richer, and kinder. No community can function without people who constantly give more than they get. Those invaluable people who take initiative and responsibility to improve the quality of life for others.”

Heather’s vision of community inclusion has even trickled down into her studies of inclusive education at the doctoral level, which she recently completed. In almost every aspect of her life, it is evident that she is committed to seeing persons with developmental disabilities be truly connected to their community.

In her acceptance speech, Heather said that inclusive education is vital in today’ society. “In my role as a school administrator at Edmonton Public Schools, I will continue to help more kids to be included in their neighborhood schools. So when they become young adults, they will have already been a part of their community.”

The PDD Provincial Board created the Norm McLeod Dreamweaver Award to celebrate the career and contributions of Norm McLeod. Throughout his 35-year career, Norm inspired countless people with his untiring commitment to community inclusion. He has a personal vision of people with developmental disabilities living as full participants in their communities.

The PDD Provincial Board mission is “to create an Alberta where adults with developmental disabilities are included in community life.”

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