Happy Community Inclusion Month! Every year in October Inclusion BC joins people from across the province in celebrating inclusion, diversity and the rights and contributions of people with intellectual disabilities.
Clements Centre invites you to celebrate with them.
“Community living was a grass roots movement by families who wanted more for their children. Today there are many agencies in the Cowichan committed to inclusion, working together to celebrate the talents and contributions of people with diverse abilities,” shares Dianne Hinton, CEO of Clements Centre Society. “We have a lot to celebrate after 60-plus years of service to families in our community.”
Today and every day Clements Centre celebrates with people including Paul. Like many Canadians with developmental disabilities of his age, Paul lived most of his younger life in a large institution. In the mid-1980s British Columbia was one of the first provinces to close those institutions and welcome people back to their communities. Paul moved into his forever home during that time. His home was built specifically for him and his three roommates.
Since then Paul has enjoyed a good life in the Cowichan Valley. He is a gentle and artistic soul who likes beautiful music, solitude and time in nature. For many years he was a loyal fan of the Concenti Singers, attending their practices as well as concerts. He belongs to a church and has many friends who have come to know him over the years. Like most of us, Paul welcomes the opportunity each year to enjoy a vacation, although he was a fan of the ‘staycation’ long before it was a thing.
His recent getaway to Salt Spring Island is a great example. Escorted by support staff Meghan he took in the sights of the town and beachfront. He really enjoyed his little excursions away from the hustle and bustle of his busy house and roommates. He loved Salt Spring and is likely to return one day.
To keep safe during COVID, Paul has been otherwise staying close to home, enjoying the company of his roommates, the caring staff and his beautiful garden.
In celebration of community inclusion in your neighbourhood, just say ‘Hi!’
