Community Living Ontario

1. Services/Programs Available

1.1. Rotary at Work

1.1.1. A partnership between Community Living Ontario and Ontario Rotary Clubs, with a mission to help people of Ontario who have a disability find appropriate employment.

1.2. Parents Supporting Parents

1.2.1. Providing parents with children who have intellectual disabilities network with other parents in similar situations, in order to provide support for each other and share information.

1.3. Act as Liason - to connect individuals who have intellectual disabilities and their families to supportive and appropriate programs and services throughout the province, acting as advocate and partner.

2. Access to Programs

2.1. Community Living Ontario supports those who have an intellectual disability and their families.

2.2. The term "intellectual disability" can be synonymous with the term, "developmental disability", and refers to a life-long condition, usually diagnosed in early childhood, which interferes with a person's ability to learn at the same rate as their typical peers, or to the same extent as their typical peers.

2.3. Those living with an "intellectual disability" don't all look the same, support is given based on individual and family needs/priorities.

2.3.1. The majority of people living under the label are able to communicate, engage socially, and work in the community with little support.

2.3.2. Those with more severe disabilities are still able to participate, varying the ways in which they are able and the supports that are needed.

3. Addressing Diversity

3.1. Community Living Ontario takes the responsibilty to ensure those receiving support from Community Living Ontario are able to access what is necessary for them to be included (at an individual level).

3.2. Community Living Ontario understands that every culture has their own unique views and beliefs concerning those who have intellectual disabilities.

3.3. When working with families, Community Living Ontario maintains a focus on positive relationships, and takes a reflective approach to consulting with families, being mindful of what may or may not be considered appropriate.

4. Vision

4.1. Community Living Ontario envisions a society where everyone is equal, respected and accepted.

4.2. Community Living Ontario assists people with an intellectual disability and their families in becoming advocates for themselves to be fully included in all aspects of community life.

4.3. Everyone has a right to be raised by their family, attend their community school, and enjoy a sense of security, with adequate income and access to health care, and freedom to speak their own language and practice their own cultural customs/traditions.