News Releases

The BC Association for Community Living is reassured that the provincial government has “reconfirmed” in their September 1, 2009 budget update that funding from the February 2009 budget for programs and services for children and youth with special needs, adults with developmental disabilities and their families will be maintained.

From Day One it’s been all about what Kaylee Wallace won’t do. She won’t go to school, she won’t walk, she won’t live a typical life. One of the first suggestions was not to feed her. It seems there has been very little about what she might do, what she could become and that her life, while following a different path, could be just as fulfilling, just as wonderful and just as valued as any other. The take away message has been that a life with a disability is a fate worse than death.

Retired teacher and parent Barbara Laird will be given a Champion of inclusive Education Award from the Canadian Association for Community Living and the BC Association for Community Living in recognition of her dedication to an education system that is inclusive of students with special needs. A passionate promoter of inclusive education, Barbara has provided exceptional service, support and advocacy at a local, provincial, national and international level for over 25 years. Her work and advocacy history includes involvement in preschool, elementary, secondary school and post secondary institutions.

Early Childhood Educators at the Quesnel and District Daycare will be receiving a National Inclusive Education award from the Canadian Association for Community Living and the British Columbia Association for Community Living. Elaine Kopetski, Megan Kikert and Echo Hawkridge are being commended for creating an inspirational example of what a truly inclusive daycare looks like. The award ceremony will be held in Victoria in June, 2009.

The BC Association for Community Living (BCACL) applauds the Government of BC for investing in the lives of people with developmental disabilities. The $73 million new investment for adults with developmental disabilities announced in yesterday’s budget is the first step needed to begin to address the crisis being faced by individuals and families across BC. BCACL recognizes the current economic climate and is pleased that the government understands the social and economic value of working towards its “great goal” of building the best system of supports for persons with disabilities and special needs.

Family representatives will share their stories about how waitlists have affected their lives at a news conference on Monday. It is part of the province-wide campaign to End Waitlists Now for supports and services for children and youth with special needs and adults with developmental disabilities. The campaign, launched in January 2009 by a number of family organizations and the BC Association for Community Living, has grown to include 100 organizations across BC and is still growing.

Waitlists for needed community living supports and services are forcing children and youth with special needs, adults with developmental disabilities and their families into crisis.