Introducing ‘Forever Change’ – a comprehensive, highly interactive and impactful staff training program developed by DANS

As of August 2025, over 100 DANS Leaders across the Province have received ‘Forever Change’ training, with 100% positive feedback/endorsement for their future staff deliveries. Forever Change includes customised imagery, videos and group activities to engage all learners. It brings the music of voice and choice for all the people we support.

Forever Change explains the journey into community living across Nova Scotia and how we work with the human rights model of support. It helps us to understand how we support people through change, how we role-model inclusive communication, how we deliver quality active supports and supported decision-making. It is the right way to work and help people live their best lives.

Forever Change sends the message of “Bias Gone, Engagement On.” It examines how perception can lead us to the wrong conclusion and how bias removal can help us all make better decisions.

This training package has been designed for customisation to the organization, and it incorporates the most modern and relevant approach to supporting choice. It has been created by the DANS Leadership team and references the Change Lab Action Research Initiative (CLARI) research around supported decision-making. It also includes Psychiatric and Scientifically endorsed learning material throughout.

There are currently 12 Key Forever Change Trainers in Nova Scotia.

Forever Change has been created by people who deliver direct support. It is relevant, it is the future and is a reminder that the upcoming support changes are for all the people we support, they own it, it is their change.

“Community living, new beginnings.… Forever Change.”