by Jason Carr, NBACL
As 2020 gets under way, we find ourselves reflecting on the impact that the New Brunswick Association for Community Living has had on individuals, families, and our community this past year. We are also taking time to think about the meaning of our name, and why Community Living truly represents our mandate and the work we do: leading in the creation of opportunities for people with an intellectual or developmental disability to live full and valued lives in all aspects of society.
For people with an intellectual or developmental disability, community living, the way we experience it, may still be a dream; an objective yet to be realized. Some may live at home with aging parents, with little connection to their community. As children, they may struggle to find recreation opportunities, play dates, and sleepovers with their school-aged friends, and as adults, they are largely excluded from the workforce despite being ready, willing, and able to work.
People with an intellectual or developmental disability of all ages face physical and social barriers that prevent them from participating in all aspects of their communities. For the last 62 years, NBACL has been working to bring people with a disability and their communities together.
Our work here at NBACL must be twofold. Each year, we provide essential services to individuals and create opportunities for them to live, learn, work, and participate in all aspects of society. But just as importantly, we help the community develop its capacity to welcome and support people who have not always had the same opportunities as some of us.
Over the past year, we supported over 2000 individuals and families across the province. The ripple effect from this work is significant, and as community members, we all benefit.
We invite you to learn more about our work by hosting a Lunch & Learn session over the next couple of months for your staff or group or by attending an upcoming information session at the NBACL office. You can also attend our annual fundraising luncheon which will take place on May 20th in Fredericton. Many guests have said the information session (Lunch & Learn) is inspiring, informative, and also very thought-provoking. To schedule a date or for more information please contact Jason Carr, Director of Strategic Initiatives (506) 453-4411.