BCACL is a federation working with partners to build community and to enhance the lives of children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities and their families by supporting abilities, promoting action and advancing rights, responsibilities and social justice.
The provincial government has announced its process to receive input into the 2009 provincial budget. Input can be provided in person, by completing an online questionnaire or by providing a written submission. Both individuals and organizations can provide input.
Although the Minister of Finance will not release the Budget 2009 Consultation Paper and online questionnaire until September 15, the government's Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services has announced the schedule of public hearings on the 2009 budget.
When: Public hearings run September 15 through October 16, 2008. Click here for a detailed schedule.
Where: Vancouver, Kitimat, Smithers, Fort St.John, Prince George, Williams Lake, Kamloops, Penticton, Cranbrook, Nelson, Courtenay, Langford, Abbotsford, Surrey, Burnaby and Coquitlam.
How to register: Contact the Office of the Clerk of Committees at 250-356-2933 or toll free at 1-877-428-8337 to reserve your presentation time.
Deadline: As the hearings fill up quickly, we encourage you to register to present in the community closest to you as soon as possible. Registration for the public hearings opens 14 days before each hearing date.
BCACL has registered to present to the standing committee in Vancouver on September 15.
The hearing schedule and additional information can be found at http://www.leg.bc.ca/budgetconsultations/index.htm.
Once the Budget 2009 Consultation Paper and online questionnaire are released on September 15, written input can be provided until October 17, 2008. The Committee will release its report by November 15, 2008.
Please check the website again soon as we share our key messages and suggest ways that we can work together to ensure the voice of the community living movement is heard.
The Canadian Association for Supported Employment (CASE), in partnership with BCACL, is hosting the Working Matters 2008 Conference. This conference attracts leaders in the field of supported and customized employment, and is highly valued by leaders in the field as a high-quality networking and professional development event.
Click here to download the advance conference program.
Click here to register online. *Westjet is offering discount flights for CASE conference attendees. Visit the CASE website for more information.
On November 12, 2008, BCACL will offer a pre-conference day for service providers in BC. Click here for the event and registration details.
The BC Association for Community Living (BCACL) joins its national partners, the Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) and People First of Canada, in denouncing the film Tropic Thunder for its negative portrayal of people with developmental disabilities and its liberal use of oppressive language. Striving for humour at the expense of people with developmental disabilities, the film reinforces harmful and dangerous stereotypes. Click here to read the BCACL press release. Click here to read the CACL press release.
BCACL has some money to help self advocacy groups promote employment and real work for real pay. Self advocacy groups in BC can apply for money to do a project that promotes employment for youth and adults with developmental disabilities. You can ask for up to $750 from BCACL for your project.
Click here for the application form and for more information on this project.
Faced with a second petition filed by the Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) on behalf of a youth who did not meet CLBC's eligibility criteria based on I.Q., the Provincial Government has changed the regulations guiding the Community Living Authority Act to enshrine an I.Q. of 70 or below as a criterion for receiving services from Community Living BC (CLBC).
Click here to view BCACL's social policy statement on eligibility for community living services and supports.
Click here to read the BCACL press release.
Click here for media coverage.
Premier Gordon Campbell announced changes in the provincial cabinet on Monday, June 23, 2008. The provincial government has turned its back on its agreement to put into action the community's vision of a having a seamless life-long system of support for children and youth with special needs, adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Click here for more information, including media coverage and ways that you can make your voice heard.
We would like to thank all those who attended our 2008 Tools for Change conference, helping to make it one of the best ever. Click here to watch the slideshow that was viewed at the conference, capturing the fun, learning, and inspiration that was shared by those who attended. The slideshow was created by Brian Salisbury and Neil Madu; photography by Wioletta Okwieka-Reduch, Brian Salisbury, and Neil Madu. When your browser opens, right-click your mouse and choose "full screen". You may be prompted to install a plugin that will allow you to view the show. Turn your sound on and click the icon - enjoy!
The Encampment is an exhibition presented by the Canadian Association of Community Living (CACL) as part of its 50th anniversary cultural initiative to bring national awareness to the inclusion of people with an intellectual disability. Click on the image above for more information.
The BC Association for Community Living recently released its 2007-2008 annual report at its conference and AGM, held in Surrey B.C., on June 12-14, 2008. Click here for a PDF version of the report. BCACL has also released a new brochure, describing community living and the work of BCACL, as well as outlining our vision and mission statement. Click here for a PDF version of the brochure. If you would like a hard copy of either publication, please contact BCACL: info@bcacl.org.
The Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL), in collaboration with the Association pour l'intégration Sociale d'Ottawa (AISO) and the Ottawa School of Art (OSA) is launching a call for submissions of works of art for their 50th anniversary celebrations. Visit the National Organization section of the BCACL website for more information.
