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Gentle Teaching Stories: “It transformed my outlook towards individuals with disabilities.”

You are here: Home1 / Our Stories2 / Blog3 / Gentle Teaching Stories: “It transformed my outlook towards individuals...

Gentle Teaching Stories:

“It transformed my outlook towards individuals with disabilities.”

July 25, 2023/inBlog, Employment, Gentle Teaching, Stories

When I first started working at COR, I was immediately introduced to the concept of Gentle Teaching and its significance to the organization. To me, Gentle Teaching was a distinctive and a mysterious concept. Before joining, my outlook towards the intellectually disabled people was quite honestly, debauched. I could never have even conceptualized the amount of individuality and independence COR gave to the individuals it supported.

Mainstream media and pop cultures’s portrayal of people with disabilities always clouded how I viewed members of the disabled community. With the help of Gentle Teaching and other concepts, I quickly learned that my position was not an authoritative one, but instead that of a friend or close companion.

Gentle Teaching helped me better understand that people with intellectual disabilities should be valued the same as those without intellectual disabilities. In today’s society, on an unjust hierarchical chain, individuals with disabilities are often dismissed or treated less than those without. Gentle Teaching molded my outlook towards such a preposterous hierarchical system.

“Gentle Teaching transformed my outlook towards individuals with disabilities by reminding me that a person’s disability does NOT define their character or who they are as an individual.”

Rather, it merely adds to their physical characters, which is what makes individuals unique or else if we all looked the same everyone would just be plain and dull.

Some tools of Gentle Teaching helped transformed me in the nine months I have worked here. For instance, our hands; I imagined COR would have a strict no touch policy towards its individuals supported just as many organizations currently do have. Such a frivolous method only further creates a gap of comfortless between the support and individual supported.

Yet, this concept helped me realize it is okay to give out hugs to the individual you are supporting. Every once a while, someone has a bad day and a hug can really ease the burden and perhaps even change the course of the day.

“A simple pat on the back can go a long way in terms of making an individual feel more achieved in their day-to-day activities by showing human connectedness.”

Another tool in Gentle Teaching that helped transform who I am today is our presence. I truly did not realize how crucial this tool is to bringing close two individuals and strengthening the existing bond between them. This started by self-realization of being actively present while supporting. I took my mind away from my life outside of work and created a boundary in which my only concern was with the well-being of my support.

This led me to express genuine emotions of joy and happiness whilst being present for the individual I was supporting. This helped me properly guide the individuals I am supporting through various task towards successful completion, simply being mentally present and aware.

There are far more ways Gentle Teaching has transformed into a completely different person than the one I was when I started supporting at COR. My hope is to further take in the concepts of Gentle Teaching and apply as many as possible in the future

Usaid
COR Family Member

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Happy Pride, Regina! Thank you for showing up with love, energy and pride! 

@queencitypride 
#yqr 
#pride🌈

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Param on the grill, Lexi dishing it up and the #corfam with the energy! Kicking off our summer adventures with a favourite ☀️🍉

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Last week we celebrated career milestones of 5, 10 & 15 years of service and care at COR. The @hotelsk provided the space for us to share a moment and reflect with those who choose a career in care, and have been alongside us throughout our journey. It’s the people who make this a home. Thank you ❤️
#skdisability 
#couragetocare

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🌈 Happy PRIDE Regina!

COR is proud to stand alongside our 2SLGBTQIA+ community in celebration, solidarity, and love.

We believe in building inclusive communities where every person is safe, seen, and celebrated. PRIDE is not just a moment - it’s a movement toward belonging, equity, and dignity for all.

This PRIDE month, and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to creating spaces where diversity is embraced and everyone has the freedom to live and love authentically.

🏳️‍🌈 Together with @queencitypride - We Celebrate. We Support. We Belong.

#QueenCityPride #Pride2025 #QCP2025 #2SLGBTQIA+ #InclusionMatters #CORfam #YQR

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Congratulations to the 2025 Young Person of Pride Award Recipient, Robin Robertson. 

COR is a proud sponsor of this annual award at the @queencitypride Awards Gala! Robin, you are a spark of change, a voice of truth, and a reminder of what’s possible when we lead with heart.

At COR, diversity is in our blood, and inclusion is our heartbeat. With over 15% of our 400+ person team proudly identifying as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, we don’t just welcome queerness, we celebrate it. Loudly. Daily. Joyfully.

Our foundation rests on four powerful pillars:
Safe. Loved. Loving. Engaged.
Because when someone feels safe, they begin to feel loved. When they feel loved, they start to love themselves. And when they love themselves, they become loving - and engage with their community in bold, transformative ways.

That’s what we see in this year’s honouree: someone who embodies these values not just in who they are, but in everything they do.

Congratulations!🎉 You make Regina proud. And at COR, we are proud to stand with you.

#Pride2025
#queencitypride 
#CORfam
#QCPawards
#YoungPersonOfPride

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On Friday, we stood among Modern Warriors. 💛
At the 3rd Annual Heal the Healers Conference - hosted by our friends at the @newoyotina - we joined a community of caregivers, helpers, and healers for a powerful day of learning, connection and renewal.

Together, we explored what it means to hold space for others while honouring our own journeys. We were reminded that true strength lies in our courage to be vulnerable, and that healing is both a personal and collective act.

To all those who uplift others every day: your work matters, your wellness matters, you matter.

#HealTheHealers2025 #ModernWarriors #StrengthInVulnerability #NewoYotina  #CORfam

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📅 Save the Date!
We’re excited to announce that the 2025 Prairie Sexuality & Disability Conference (PSDCON) is on the horizon!

🗓️ Dates: October 29–30, 2025
📍 Location: Regina, SK.

Join us for two inspiring days of learning, connection, and celebrating the diverse experiences of sexuality and disability. Tickets aren’t on sale just yet, but you can sign up now to be the first to know!! Space is limited!

Get notified at: https://nevertmi.ca/psdcon/

#PSDCon2025 #NeverTMI #SexualityAndDisability #ReginaEvents #SaveTheDate

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We’re proud to share that COR has been named recipient of the 2025 Safe Employer Award by the @saskwcb and WorkSafe Saskatchewan!

This honour reflects the unwavering commitment of our 400+ compassionate caregivers who nurture a culture of belonging—not only for the people we support, but within our own diverse and inclusive teams across Regina.

Caring for the caregiver is essential to ensuring the well-being of the people we support. By fostering strong relationships, promoting a supportive work culture, and prioritizing psychological safety, our team leads with empathy, respect and a deep sense of community.

Thank you to our incredible team for making COR a place where everyone can feel safe, supported, and valued. You make this recognition possible. 💙

Also, a HUGE THANK YOU to the team at @servicehospitalitysk (our provincial safety association). Your commitment, support and guidance in assisting us to strengthen our safety management system over the past decade is much appreciated!

@skgov
@sarc_sk

#CultureOfGentleness #SafeEmployerAward #WorkSafeSask #GentleTeaching #CORfam #SafetyCulture #MentalHealthMatters #HSLCLevel4 #servicehospitality

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💫 Building Trust, One Connection at a Time — Meet Giselle

Wrapping up our Disability Support Professionals Week features is Giselle Yee — a Key Support Worker who’s been part of the COR Fam for just over 2 years. She first joined as a Support and has continued to grow within the team.

“Being a support with COR allows me to make a real, meaningful impact in people’s lives. I love the connections I get to build, the trust that grows over time, and the joy that comes from simply being present with someone. Supporting at COR is more than just a job; it’s a way of life that aligns with my values of compassion, patience, and human connection.”

Giselle, thank you for leading with kindness and presence — your care makes a difference every day. 💙

To every Support at COR — thank you. This week was just a small glimpse into the heart you bring to your work. We’re grateful for each and every one of you.

#DSPWeek2025 #CORFam #CourageToCare #SKDisability

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May 16

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💙 Showing Up with Authenticity — Meet Alvy

Rounding out our Disability Support Professionals Week features is Alvy Chowdhury — a Support at COR for just over a year, known for his uplifting spirit and commitment to meaningful connection. 💙

“I get to show up every day as my most awesome self while supporting others to be their most awesome selves, too. It’s not just a job; it’s a place where I laugh, learn, and grow alongside some of the most genuine people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.”

Alvy, thank you for showing up with kindness, humour, and heart — we’re so glad you’re part of the #CORFam.

#DSPWeek2025 #MakeADifference #SKDisability

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May 15

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🌟 Growing with Heart — Meet Kendra

Next up in our Disability Support Professionals Week spotlight is Kendra Halwas — a long-standing member of the COR team who started as a Support and now leads with heart as a Team Leader. 💙

“Caring for people has always felt like a natural part of who I am, which is why being part of COR means so much to me — the values and philosophy here truly reflect what I believe in. What I love most is that COR not only supports the people we serve but also us as team members, and that care has helped me grow into the leader I am today.”

Kendra, your growth and care inspire us all — thank you for everything you do.

#DSPWeek2025 #InspireChange #CORFam #SKDisability

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💙 Finding His Calling — Meet Clarence

For Disability Support Professionals Week, we’re giving a shoutout to Clarence Pratt, who’s been part of the COR Fam since July 2024.

“When I started working with COR, I found my calling. I love what I do because it fills my heart seeing the people I support feel safe, loved, and happy — just being their true selves.”

Clarence chose this photo because it reminds him of exactly that: the smiles, the comfort, and the joy that comes from being treated with the care and respect every person deserves.

We’re so lucky to have you, Clarence. Thanks for all the heart you bring. 💙

#DSPWeek2025 #CORFam #CourageToCare #SKDisability
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