Vancouver, BC – September 29, 2017: Inclusion BC joins communities across BC to declare October Community Inclusion Month.
“This is an opportunity to reflect on the meaning and importance of inclusion and how communities hold the key to making it happen,” says Inclusion BC Executive Director Faith Bodnar. “We want to celebrate the gifts that people with disabilities bring to our communities and the strength that comes from valuing our diversity.”
The theme for this year’s Community Inclusion Month is “Everyone belongs in BC schools.” It is inspired by Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which gives students with disabilities the right to an inclusive education that supports each individual’s development to their fullest potential.
Our theme also honours the contributions of BC educators, parents and students who make our schools inclusive, welcoming places that support the diverse needs of all children.
Jackie Carpenter, parent and President of Inclusion BC, says: “it wasn’t that long ago that people with intellectual disabilities were denied the right to live in their community and excluded from all aspects of community life. We have come a long way in a short period of time. But many barriers still exist today and we all need to work together to address them. It’s important to take the time and reflect on how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go.”
Visit the Community Inclusion Month website for more information:
www.inclusionbc.org/communityinclusionmonth
Contact
Danielle Kelliher
Director of Communications
Inclusion BC
604-777-9100 ext. 511
dkelliher@inclusionbc.org