Social Work Personal Narrative

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My first opportunity to work in the social work field came as I gained employment with Tobias House Attendant Care. Working with a diverse group of men (18 – 72 years of age) as a personnel support worker. In the case of the young men (who were transitioning from Bloorview Children’s Hospital), my role was defined as a life skills coordinator and my job entailed teaching these men how to navigate self-directed care. This involved working with the young individuals on how to navigate a life with limited institutional support. This included (but not limited to) teachings around banking practices, hygiene, social interactions, support equipment maintenance, monthly budgeting and research into beneficial programs (education, grants, sources of income other than ODSP). …show more content…

Being involved with such a large-scale advocacy project (regional manager of Southern Ontario) had its challenges and initially seemed overwhelming. But, with the assistance of several Tobias House administration staff, we were able to coordinate a procession of over 1500 people in wheel chairs, down Yonge Street from North York City Hall to the Eaton Centre’s Trinity Square. This experience and many others associated with this endeavor taught me how to engage local political processes and staff, work with diverse communities, form coalitions with other support services and, most importantly, advocate on behalf of people living with disabilities. With this knowledge I have had the good fortune to be involved with several community initiatives including the Regent Park Tenant’s Collective, the Toronto Co-op Housing Federation and the Bain

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