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 We are excited to announce that the BC Association for Community Living is now Inclusion BC! Federation members voted to change the name at a Special General Meeting held in Richmond on Saturday, June 26.
Look out for exciting new changes coming to our website and communication materials.
The new name and logo are a result of an extensive six month consultation process involving people with developmental disabilities, family members and our Federation members. The process looked at who we are as an organization and as a movement, who we want to be and the future we see for people living in communities across the province.
Photo: Inclusion BC President Annette Delaplace celebrates the new name by cutting the Inclusion BC cake.
BCACL President Annette Delaplace addressed our Federation following the historic vote:
Almost fifty-seven years ago, in May, 1955, a group of parent associations joined together to create what is now, as of today, Inclusion BC.
I feel so privileged to have been a part of this momentous change. The decision we made today is so much more than a name change.
As a provincial federation, we are setting the standard of language to allow for and encourage social progress and meaningful inclusion. As we know so well, the power of words, the power of a name, cannot be underestimated
Looking back over the years, each time our federation came together and voted to change our name, we also courageously voted to steer the course of history.
We change language for many reasons. We may change it because it offends and hurts or we change it to set the course for a brighter future. The language we use – however subtle - affects not just the messages we communicate, but the fundamental ways that we think and act.
Inclusion BC sets the course for a future beyond living in community. It raises the bar and sets a new standard for real change, telling the world that we are in this together; that we all play a part in making our communities better places to live for everyone, whatever your ability. The words we use – and the names we call ourselves - can either create opportunities or set boundaries. We still believe in community living and it is, in essence, who we are and who we always will be.
But as a provincial federation, one that must move forward and bring the outside in, we had to acknowledge that our name had become a boundary. Inclusion BC is an opportunity.
Over the years we have seen many changes. We’ve felt the momentum as people with disabilities and their families have taken their rightful places in community.
We are an evolving movement and we have a responsibility to push boundaries, to change and to adapt. We have a responsibility to hold each other and our communities up to a higher standard.
Inclusion BC is looking ahead. We are reaching higher and acknowledging our past successes, but also our daunting future challenges.
Today I feel gratitude, hope and courage.
Gratitude for all the work that has been done and all those who have helped us get here today. Those who forced the closure institutions and made community living a reality.
Those who have built the foundation we needed to be able to see real inclusion as a feasible goal.
I feel hope for a future of inclusion in our schools, playgrounds, workplaces and communities.
And I feel courage to face the next long road ahead together.
Visit our website in the near future to see the exciting new changes: www.inclusionbc.org
About Us
Inclusion BC, formerly the BC Association for Community Living (BCACL) is a provincial non-profit association dedicated to promoting the participation of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of community life. We also support activities dedicated to building inclusive communities that value the diverse abilities of all people. Read more about us at www.inclusionbc.org
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