Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer recently proclaimed October as Community Living Month in Saskatchewan. The month recognizes the contributions and accomplishments of people with intellectual disabilities living in our communities, as well as recognizing the work of volunteers and staff at the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL).
“It is important that every Saskatchewan citizen recognizes Community Living Month as a way to include those with disabilities in our communities,” Harpauer said. “We know that by working together, we can help SACL and other community-based organizations make inclusion a reality for all Saskatchewan people.”
SACL officially launched its “Power of Inclusion” campaign in June of this year. It is a movement to help change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities all over Saskatchewan for the better. Its goal is to encourage people and organizations to include people with intellectual disabilities in all aspects of life, so they become valued and equal members of society.
The pending closure of Valley View Centre in Moose Jaw has provided the Ministry of Social Services opportunities to lead by example by working in collaboration with each Valley View resident, their families, SACL and others to successfully transition and include people into communities all across Saskatchewan.
In June 2015, a Citizen Consultation Team presented government with Saskatchewan’s Disability Strategy. One of the recommendations in the Strategy is to become an inclusive province by championing and committing resources required to advance a vision of Saskatchewan as an inclusive province that is welcoming, responsive, innovative and accessible so that people who experience disability can live the life they choose.
Harpauer noted that significant progress has been made in advancing the inclusion of people with disabilities in Saskatchewan and is proud of the progress to date.
“Including someone with an intellectual disability in any and all activities can have a profound effect on their happiness and quality of life,” SACL President Gloria Mahussier said. “We invite everyone to join us on our journey to make this province a better place for people.”
To find out more about SACL’s Power of Inclusion campaign, visit their website at www.inclusionispower.com.
To find out more about Saskatchewan’s Disability Strategy, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/disabilitystrategy.
