In the Province of British Columbia, October is recognized as Community Living Month to celebrate inclusion and to raise awareness of people with developmental disabilities as fully participating members of our society. 

This is the 19th year that Community Living Month has been acknowledged by the province. Every October, British Columbians have the opportunity to learn about, join in and honour the outstanding role people with diverse abilities play in making B.C.’s communities vibrant, dynamic places to live and work. It is also a time to recognize the people, businesses and organizations who show their commitment to making B.C.’s communities and businesses more inclusive.

“British Columbia is home to thousands of people with diverse abilities that contribute to making our communities welcoming and vibrant,” said Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “Community Living Month provides all British Columbians the chance to celebrate these unique abilities and recognize the organizations and groups throughout the province that dedicate themselves to supporting people with disabilities as contributing, valued members of our society.”

Throughout the month, community activities, events and celebrations will be taking place. Some examples include the 13th-annual inclusion art show on Oct. 3-4, hosted by posAbilities in Vancouver; a chili and pumpkin fest in Campbell River on Oct. 14; and a self-advocate conference in Cranbrook on Oct. 20-21. The month will also be acknowledged in communities throughout B.C. with open houses, employer recognition events and activities focused on youth transition, recreation and employment.

Throughout October, as part of its work to improve quality in service delivery, Community Living BC (CLBC) is hosting workshops in eight communities around the province to better address the needs of adults with multiple complex needs. As well, CLBC will launch a new website with resource tools to empower people to better plan for aging.

“Every day, in ways both big and small, individuals and families, service providers, employers and community partners across B.C. are working to build inclusion for the people CLBC serves,” said Seonag Macrae, CLBC CEO. “Community Living Month is an opportunity to recognize their efforts, to celebrate their achievements and to encourage all British Columbians to continue to look at ways of including people of all abilities in all aspects of our communities.”

In mid-October, CLBC will be asking all British Columbians to nominate someone they know who is taking action to make their community more inclusive for the people CLBC serves through its eighth-annual Widening Our World (WOW) Awards. The WOW Awards recognize outstanding citizens of distinction who are leading the way to create and build inclusion for the people CLBC serves. Nominations for the WOW Awards will be open from Oct. 18 to Nov. 30, 2017.

Quick Facts:

• Community Living BC (CLBC) was established in 2005 as a Crown agency to provide services and supports for adults with developmental disabilities.
• CLBC supports over 20,000 adults with development disabilities, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder or autism spectrum disorder throughout B.C.
• CLBC’s total operating budget for 2017-18 is $953.8 million, an increase of $58 million in provincial funding over 2016-17.
• CLBC funds supports for the people it serves through community agencies, or provides individuals and families with funding to purchase services directly. Supports can include learning new skills, employment, support to help people connect to their community, residential supports and respite service.

Learn More:

For a full list of Community Living Month events taking place around the province, visit: http://www.communitylivingbc.ca/clm2017/

To learn more about the WOW awards, or to nominate someone after Oct. 18, 2017, visit: www.communitylivingbc.ca/wow     

Community Living Month Proclamation: http://ow.ly/x0m630fwK31

Community Living BC: www.communitylivingbc.ca