Social Development Minister Moira Stilwell, M.D. visited the Centre for Inclusion and Citizenship today to announce $20,000 for an innovative program that helps individuals with developmental disabilities - and their families - build a life plan and set the stage for a meaningful and inclusive adult life.

Following extensive consultations, the Canadian Inclusive Lives Learning Initiative's (CILLI) learning program pilot began in 2011, designed by the University of British Columbia's Centre for Inclusion and Citizenship. The funding announced today enabled the centre to do a comprehensive evaluation of the pilot, consult on the curriculum and modify it for the second intake of 22 students who began in September.

The ten-month program includes online and in-person sessions that focus on supported decision-making, financial literacy, creating a home, employment and other essential topics. The program is designed to teach, support and inspire people to build their own skills and life plan.

Today's visit is part of Stilwell's Community Living Month tour. Throughout the month, the minister will be meeting with people with developmental disabilities and their families, speaking with advocates and community members, and participating in celebrations around the province to recognize the achievements of people with developmental disabilities.

Investing in this program is an example of how the B.C. government is improving supports for young adults with developmental disabilities. By supporting an innovative program that provides information and resources to assist with transition and employment planning, government continues to make progress to address the recommendations in the 12-point plan released earlier this year.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development Moira Stilwell, M.D. -

"The funding we announced today will ensure that the early successes of this innovative new program will continue. This summer, every single one of the first 22 students who enrolled in the pilot, completed it successfully."

"This program gives individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity to learn about valuable resources and receive guidance that will help them build a strong foundation to pursue their personal hopes and dreams."

Dr. Tim Stainton, director, Centre for Inclusion and Citizenship -

"The enthusiasm with which CILLI has been received by participants speaks to both its value and to the desire and commitment of people with disabilities and their families to take control over their lives and to be fully included in and make a meaningful contribution to our communities throughout B.C."

Jerry Laidlaw, CILLI participant -

"This course was filled with invaluable information and it really helped me make more connections in my community. I'm happy that other people get to take CILLI this year."

Quick Facts:

• In June 2012, the first intake of 22 people successfully completed the program and every student who enrolled completed the course in a way that met their needs. Ages of participants ranged from 18 to 65 years.

• Aimed at families and people with developmental disabilities throughout B.C., the ten-month program combines online learning with two camp-style retreats and monthly telephone conference calls with content experts who volunteer their time.

• The program helps individuals create a comprehensive plan for their lives that covers a wide range of topics, including supported decision-making, planning, financial literacy, employment, creating a home, lifelong learning and how to access community and government resources.

• The Centre for Inclusion and Citizenship also offers students support to find internships, research assistant positions and access to professional development opportunities.

Learn More:

For information about the Canadian Inclusive Lives Learning Initiative, call 604 822-5872 or visit: http://cic.arts.ubc.ca/learning/canadian-inclusive-lives-learning-initiative.html

For regular updates about the progress government is making toward completing recommendations in the report, Improving Services to People with Developmental Disabilities, please visit: www.sd.gov.bc.ca/pwd/isst.html

To watch Stilwell's message for Community Living Month, visit: http://youtu.be/D4NPiRG70M8

Contact:

Melody Wey
Senior Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Social Development
250 508-5030