Known by the Stories we Tell

The document reflects on the Durham Association for Family Respite Services (DFRS) and its role in supporting families of individuals with developmental disabilities amidst systemic changes. ​ It highlights three key challenges: uncertainties in funding and eligibility processes, the Ministry’s rigid service definitions threatening DFRS’s flexible approach, and the undervaluation of DFRS’s deep understanding of family contributions to social inclusion. DFRS emphasizes storytelling as a powerful tool to connect families, share experiences, and advocate for meaningful change. ​ However, the dominant bureaucratic narrative often reduces these stories to transactional data, undermining their relational and transformative essence. ​

DFRS’s approach is counter-cultural, focusing on interdependence, collaboration, and valued social roles, contrasting with societal themes of self-sufficiency and consumerism. ​ Families associated with DFRS share stories of resilience, mutual care, and creative problem-solving, which inspire hope and connection but often clash with the Ministry’s efficiency-driven policies. ​ The document critiques the Ministry’s “tell your story once” policy, arguing that meaningful storytelling requires repeated sharing in supportive relationships to foster understanding and action.

To strengthen its impact, DFRS could conduct dialog interviews with families to deepen understanding of its principles in practice and critique its facilitation methods to enhance support for family groups. ​ Additionally, learning from other social justice movements could broaden DFRS’s perspective and resolve. ​ Ultimately, DFRS’s commitment to storytelling and relational support offers a hopeful, human-centered alternative to the dominant service system narrative. ​