The Society was started in 1957 by a group of parents who opened a school for their children to provide an alternative to placing them in an institution. When the operation of the school was assumed by the School Board in 1965, the Society opened a sheltered workshop for adults with developmental disabilities. In 1968, a preschool and kindergarten were opened.
Permanent buildings were constructed on the present site, at 5856 Clements Street, in 1971. In 1973, an integrated daycare program replaced the preschool and kindergarten, an innovative program for children with disabilities which also welcomed other children. In 1975, the Infant Development Program was started. The Children's Place facility on Banks Road was erected in 1978.
In the 1980s, with the gradual closure of institutions, housing and services for people with developmental disabilities were developed in the community. Speech therapy, physiotherapy, supported employment, residences, and respite programs were provided by the Society.
By the 1990s, the range of services provided by the agencies for children and adults with developmental disabilities had grown. The Society also added to its services in order to support people in living independently in the community.
Over the years, the name of the organization has changed several times to reflect changes in societal attitudes. The current name, adopted in 2007, reflects our vision of community inclusion.
You can offer your support by:
- Being willing to accept and include all people as part of our community.
- Raising community awareness (posters, newsletter, etc.).
- Fund raising (bingo, raffle tickets).
- Joining the phoning committee (for special events, meetings, etc.).
- Volunteering in our day programs, equipment and loan library, or toy lending library.
- Volunteering to support someone in their recreation and leisure activities.
- Arranging to have a representative from the Society make a presentation to your organization or business.
- Becoming a Board Member.
- Becoming a member of the Society.
- Making a tax deductible contribution.
To join us, simply complete the membership form available at the administration office. Benefits of membership include:
- Working with us toward our vision of a community in which all individuals are included, accepted, and valued.
- The receipt of automatic membership to the British Columbia Association for Community Living.
- Quarterly editions of The Connector newsletter.
- A tax deductible receipt for your membership fees.
