Terry Byrnes 2006

Terry Byrnes, ASE Programs, Capilano University

May 18, 2010

From 1994 to 2006 Terry was the Co-ordinator of Capilano’s ASE Programs, taking leadership role in this department’s evolution. In those fifteen years, Terry influenced the direction of the programs available to Cap College students with developmental disabilities in many positive ways. In that time he was a key team member of the faculty team, teaching young and mature adults with learning difficulties in the Alternative Career Training Program, the Pre – Occupational Skills Training program, and in the earlier HRDC funded programs Career Choices and CEAP. He also assisted with the delivery of the HALO program for First Nations learners.

Terry worked hard to raise the profile of ASE students within the College community, by sharing stories of our students strengths, challenges and successes with the administrators at Capilano College Board, Education Council and the Vice President’s Administrative Committees. He continuously encouraged all ASE students to participate as much as possible in all college wide activities throughout the college year and to participate in the important transition ritual of the college graduation ceremony. A few years ago, he spearheaded the creation of a promotional video that presented a positive and upbeat profile of our programs and our students which continues to be used.

Through his efforts as a Co-ordinator Terry influenced the Capilano College Board to support the disability community by extending tuition free and fee free status to both of the College’s two full time employment preparation programs.

Terry has been an effective networker and has partnered with many community organizations. He put this skill into building a strong ASE Advisory Committee made up of like minded supported employment agencies and secondary school employees who work together on the transition planning issues for students with developmental disabilities. Terry has often taken on leadership roles in a wide variety of other organizations, including being the Treasurer for the DRN for a number of years. He was someone who seldom said no to joining an organization that had the mandate of providing support and opportunities for employment for people with disabilities.

Terry has been a passionate champion for students with disabilities, and was particularly masterful at placing these students in work experiences with employers in the North Van and West Van communities, and in several other parts of the Lower Mainland. Many of his past students are now gainfully employed with these very employers.

Terry’s warmth, his humanity and his sense of belief in the potential of each and every student has been evident in a variety of ways: in his enthusiasm for becoming involved in numerous College committees over the past 15 years, in his clear devotion to his own church community, his love and loyalty to his family, and especially in the community of students both present and past. His door was always open to past grads and he had frequent visitors who know that they can rely on Terry’s encouragement when they were between jobs. Terry’s personable style has been highly valued by his colleagues, and has touched the hearts of everyone that he interacts with.