The Province of British Columbia is recognizing October as Community Living Month-a salute to people with developmental disabilities who are volunteering, working, and contributing to their communities throughout the province.

This is the 17th year Community Living Month has been proclaimed by the Province, and also marks the 10th anniversary of Community Living BC. CLBC is a Crown agency that provides supports and services to nearly 18-thousand adults with developmental disabilities and their families across British Columbia.

Throughout the month, communities will hold events to mark the accomplishments of developmentally disabled adults, their families and supporters, and businesses that have embraced the move toward inclusion. There will be dances, barbecues, award ceremonies, photo contests and more.

Members of the Vancouver Giants will attend the Surrey Youth Transition Resource Fair on Oct. 2, 2015, where families, caregivers and youth will network with service providers to learn about services and supports in the community. In Comox, six people will be recognized on Oct. 6, 2015, for making a difference in the lives of people with “diverseabilities”. Also Victoria will host an Inclusive Hiring Employer Networking Breakfast on Oct. 15, 2015, where business people will learn how to meet their staffing needs with inclusive hiring practices.

Again this year, CLBC will ask people to nominate someone who is leading an inclusive project in their community for a Widening Our World (WOW!clbc) award. The WOW Awards recognize British Columbians who are creating opportunities and building awareness for a vision of full citizenship for people with developmental disabilities, one where they lead good lives, with choices in how they live and employment opportunities. In addition to a written submission, this year’s awards ask nominators for a photo that shows what inclusion looks like in their community. These photos will be displayed on CLBC’s website as part of its 10-year anniversary celebrations.

Social Development and Social Innovation Minister Michelle Stilwell, Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility Linda Larson, and CLBC CEO Seonag Macrae will also meet with individuals and families, service providers, community partners, employers and CLBC staff this month to discuss opportunities and challenges in the sector.

Quotes:

Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation Michelle Stilwell –

“Community Living Month is a great chance to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of people with developmental disabilities. I look forward to hearing their success stories in communities around B.C. as we continue to build inclusion and increase acceptance, understanding and diversity in our province.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Accessibility Linda Larson –

“We all benefit by removing barriers to inclusion, and the government’s Accessibility 2024 plan will make B.C. the most progressive place in Canada for people with disabilities. Community Living Month is a time to honour British Columbians with developmental disabilities, and the people who help to remove the barriers they face, so they can live a full, inclusive life.”

CLBC CEO Seonag Macrae –

“This October is not only Community Living Month, it’s also the 10th anniversary of Community Living BC. What a great time to celebrate the progress made over the last decade and to look at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we work to build inclusion for the people CLBC serves.”

Quick Facts:

• This year marks the 17th annual Community Living Month, and also the 10th anniversary of CLBC.
• Community Living BC supports 17,700 adults with developmental disabilities, FASD, or autism.
• CLBC's total 2015-16 operating budget is $852.5 million, an increase of $30.7 million from 2014-15.

Learn More:

Community Living Month Proclamation: http://bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/oic/OIC_CUR/CommLivMnth2015

Community Living Month events: www.communitylivingbc.ca/events/2015-10/

Community Living BC: www.communitylivingbc.ca

WOW awards: www.communitylivingbc.ca/projects/recognition-awards/