Celebrating Community Disability Support Worker Appreciation Week May 22-28, 2023
Thank you for your interest in Blue Heron Vocational Training Centre!
Blue Heron Vocational Training Centre is a non-profit society that provides important community services to people with developmental disabilities in Athabasca and the surrounding area. Blue Heron is governed by a Board of Directors and are able to provide services through the combined efforts of our staff, our community, the Government of Alberta and the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Board.
Philosophy
At Blue Heron, we believe that all individuals have the right to self-determination and to be treated with respect, dignity and understanding to achieve their full potential and be an integral part of their community.
History
Blue Heron first began in 1980 when family members and government officials met with organizers from Blue Heron Barrhead. There was a need for an organization to support people with developmental disabilities in Athabasca. The next year, a sub-office of Blue Heron Barrhead began providing these support.
In 1987, Blue Heron Vocational Training Centre Athabasca (BHVTC) became a separate entity with its own mandate, vision, board of directors and approach to services. Through the years of 1987-1998, BHVTC supported approximately 17 clients within a model of sheltered workshops and day programs as was practice in the sector at the time.
Over the next 14 years, BHVTC would see a growth of equal employment opportunities for clients, the end of segregated day programs and a strong move toward person-centered planning, client rights and complex behaviour management. Currently, Blue Heron Vocational Training Centre employs over 50 specially-trained staff supporting over 40 clients in and around Athabasca.
Mandate
Blue Heron Vocational Training Centre has been providing supports to clients in our community for 35 years. Our mandate is to support people with developmental disabilities to attain their full potential.
Vision
To be a leader in providing individualized, caring services in a full partnership with our community, to enable people with special needs to develop to their full potential.
This is done by providing an array of training and personal support services to enable individuals with special needs to become a valuable part of their community.
We believe that individuals have the right to be treated with respect, dignity and understanding.
Services
Residential Services
Blue Heron provides staff support in residences within the town of Athabasca. Clients living in these homes usually live in share accommodation with 2-3 other roommates. Each person has private space and is involved in the tasks of daily living. The homes are staffed 24 hours a day/ seven days a week and ensure clients can live as independently and as normally as possible within an environment that is safe and nurturing.
Support Homes
Blue Heron coordinates homes that provide family-based residences for clients. Each home is unique. Many allow the client to join the owner and their family, others are home to several clients.
Independent Living Supports
Independent living supports are ideal for clients who are able to live on their own, but require some assistance with more complex medical, legal, or financial challenges. This service may assist clients in managing and learning about complex medical issues, such as living with cancer, understanding diabetes or eating healthy. They may support someone as they learn to better manage their finances or in handling landlord/tenant issues. Supports are also provided as needed in meeting short-term goals, like getting a driver’s license; choosing a utilities providers or learning to read. The amount of support is variable depending upon the goals of the individual.
Employment Prep and Employment Supports
The Blue Heron board provides direction to Blue Heron Enterprises, the organization that runs the local bottle depot. Many Blue Heron clients have found challenging and fulfilling work at the depot with Blue Heron job coaches. Blue Heron job coaches also assist clients in obtaining the skills needed to work in a job of their choice, assist them with their job search and support them in doing their job until they become independent in their position. Blue Heron clients currently work at the bottle depot, grocery stores, and the food bank.
Community Access
Blue Heron offers day staff services that help clients with day-to-day activities such as cooking, cleaning, taking medications, connecting within the community and maintaining relations with family and friends. Other clients use day programming to access their community, run errands, keep appointments, access exercise classes, take them swimming, visiting and help them find volunteer opportunities in the community.
Office address:
6640470 RR 224.5
Athabasca, AB T9S2A5
Mailing address:
PO Box 537
Athabasca, AB T9S2A5
Hours for office:
Monday – Friday
7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Closed Holidays