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“I’m worth being here” A profile of the Dartmouth Adult Services Centre By Emily Bednarz
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or 55 years, the Dartmouth Adult Services Centre (DASC) has been serving adults with intellectual disabilities. The organization aims to provide a modern, supportive, and inclusive work environment and training center for their clients. Their facilities in Burnside include a welcoming production floor where program participants, with support staff, work on various business contracts. They produce buttons and provide packaging, mailing, and assembly services for local groups and businesses. I recently visited DASC to speak with their Executive Director, Henk van Leeuwen, to learn more about DASC’s community, history, and programs.
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CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY IN THE WORKFORCE DASC’s programs were created by an “identification of a gap in service or community need and by trying our best to match a particular business stream with the skill and ability of our participants,” says van Leeuwen. DASC has a number of longstanding contracts with loyal customers and community partners, like Maritime Paper, Eastlink, and Neocon. I ask van Leeuwen what he would say to someone just discovering DASC. Why should they consider using their services? His answer highlights incredible benefits that go beyond the bottom line. NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
“Whether they’re investing their ideas, time, or a potential contract with us, they’re investing in inclusivity,” he says. “They’re investing in the removal of barriers and they’re investing in the personal and professional growth for persons with intellectual disabilities. They’re investing in self-empowerment. They’re investing in self-esteem. They’re investing in the growth and the potential of every individual person here.” DASC provides a meaningful way of incorporating diversity and inclusion into your workplace. “You’re part of a of a movement to remove barriers,” says van Leeuwen. “You’re part of a movement to enhance and promote accessibility. You’re
