The I.D.E.A. of Belonging

In last year’s report, we spoke about our intention to expand our approach to diversity and inclusion. We’re proud to share that we’ve made huge strides over the past year. We use the acronym I.D.E.A. – Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility – to apply a person-centred lens to our work, and ensure we are fostering a sense of belonging in all that we do. It’s always a great I.D.E.A. to help folks feel like they belong. We started the year with a statement of intention to formally launch our work in Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility. At the heart of that statement is the understanding that dementia does NOT discriminate. That the Society must ensure that we’re here to support every Nova Scotian on the dementia journey and that each person who engages with us feels a sense of belonging with the Society. At the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, we believe everyone affected by dementia has the right to live their life the way they want to live it, whether they’re living with the diagnosis or supporting someone who is. Core to that belief is that everyone has the right to be the person they are; to live without fear or prejudice regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation, faith and

INCLUSION DIVERSITY

EQUITY

BELONGING

ACCESSIBILITY

belief, or a disability, like dementia. Everyone should have the opportunity to contribute to society in the way that feels right for them. We all have the right to live in a world which demonstrates respect, values diversity and works towards true inclusion for all. We’re happy to share with you some of the key things we did this year to move the I.D.E.A. of Belonging forward:

• Statement of Intention shared publicly in the spring of 2021. • Our provincial conference focused on diversity in dementia care with the theme

Supporting Dementia in all its Diversity (read more on page 18). • Welcomed Chelsea Slawter-Wright to work directly with African Nova Scotians to engage the communities and provide culturally specific services. • Held education sessions for the Arabic community through community partners

ISANS and Veith House. • Invested in ongoing I.D.E.A. training for our staff team. • Became a CCDI Employer Partner and integrated I.D.E.A. into HR processes. • Implemented a policy of including Indigenous land acknowledgements in all of our events and presentations.

Ngozi Iroanyah, Manager, Diversity & Community Partnerships at Alzheimer Society of Canada, visted Nova Scotia this year for training wth our staff.