everyone belongs™ is the name of a social brand campaign created by DDRC to promote the inclusion and contribution of all people, including people with developmental disabilities, in the ordinary stuff of life - going to school, working or volunteering, having friends and a home. We believe that communities that welcome all citizens are better communities - stronger, healthier, and richer.

The fundamental meaning of everyone belongs™ is that genuine connection is essential for all people and quality of life is deeply linked to quality of relationships. Communities are more vibrant, healthy, safe, strong, and satisfying when all people, regardless of disability, ethno-cultural background, age, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic class are welcome and able to fully participate and contribute to the ordinary things of life and in regular and existing settings.

To raise public awareness about the benefits to all of us by including everyone in our communities, regardless of disability, ethno-cultural background, age, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic class. Through everyone belongs™, we want to change people's minds, attitudes, and behaviours about people who may be perceived as "different".

everyone belongs™ was conceptualized and initiated by the Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary (DDRC).

The everyone belongs™ brand applies to all human beings from all walks of life! It works to enrich our communities by making sure that everyone is included and that the contribution of each citizen is realized.

DDRC knows from experience the enormous potential that exists for people with developmental disabilities to live fuller and more fulfilling lives, when they experience meaningful human connection and participation in community. DDRC has also seen the powerful effect when ordinary people open up to a person with a disability - often not only discovering something in that person - but something in themselves. However, most people in our communities haven't had the opportunity to get to know people with disabilities and to see this potential.

Some of our partners are ones that serve people with disabilities and have similar mandates but what's really exciting is that we have partners who serve other groups of citizens and also see the value of the message of community inclusion and everyone belongs™. This brand isn't just about people with disabilities, it applies to everyone from all walks of life. Partners see the benefit of coming on board with this campaign and being able to use the logo and to communicate that they are an organization that supports diversity.

DDRC's ultimate vision for everyone belongs™ is that one day people with developmental disabilities will no longer live on the margins of community, but will experience the ordinary things of life, just like you or I, from the moment they are born. While some people may still require some forms of support, communities will plan and help to provide the support that all citizens require, so that no one is left out.

We believe that community inclusion benefits everyone, not just people with developmental disabilities. We believe that Calgary can be a community that is even stronger, healthier, safer, and a more vibrant place to live for all of us when everyone is welcome and included. We think this is something that all Calgarians want - to live in strong, healthy communities that include everyone and that value diversity.

There is a variety of things people can do to support everyone belongs™. There are two main formal ways to get involved and that is through partnership or through a donation. Less formal ways but just as important are the simple things that people can do to include people like:

• Ensuring that all students are welcomed into your neighborhood school;


• Employing or encouraging your employer to hire someone based on what they can contribute regardless of disability, ethno-cultural background, age, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic class; and


• Very simply getting to know and welcoming all people into your neighbourhood.