As Inclusion Canada, our name aligns with our international federation, Inclusion International, and with the growing number of our provincial and territorial member organizations that have already changed their name or are considering doing so.
Our new name reflects the heart of our mission. We’d like to take this opportunity to share more about the evolution of Inclusion Canada and why we exist today.
We believe in a Canada where everyone belongs.
Everyone should have the same access to opportunities to lead a regular, fulfilled life: grow up at home with your family; be included in school with friends and peers; immerse in a hobby or sport; have a career; travel; make friends; find a soulmate; have a home of your own; and contribute to your community. These are the common building blocks of life for most people in Canada, and the dreams and aspirations of people with an intellectual disability are no different.
Inclusion only happens when the lives of children and adults with an intellectual disability unfold no differently – immersed together with their peers without a disability in the same pathways and experience of life common to us all.
We know a serious challenge people with an intellectual disability often face are the stereotypes and negative perceptions by others in response to unique and different ways of learning and communicating.
We are changing this mindset.
We are at the forefront of a national movement of people who believe in an inclusive Canada, one in which people with an intellectual disability and their families are equally valued and fully included in every aspect of community life. We are a grassroots family-based association with representation from across Canada, working in collaboration with our federation members and other national partners and disability organizations who share our vision of a Canada where everyone belongs.
We are strengthening families by helping them create a vision for an inclusive life for their family member with an intellectual disability and then supporting them to make that dream a reality. We are transforming communities by inspiring and motivating community leadership and encouraging them to adopt inclusive practices. We are defending rights by promoting public policies and legislation that furthers inclusion.
By enabling inclusive lives for people with an intellectual disability we are building a Canada where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and prosper. This benefits us all. We invite you to join us.
Please visit our updated website at www.inclusioncanada.ca. Our social channels have also changed - you can find us on Twitter at @InclusionCA and on Facebook at facebook.com/InclusionCanadaFB.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to furthering inclusion in Canada.
Sincerely,
