Discussions about community inclusion services to be held province wide

Dear Service Provider,

I am writing to let you know that CLBC is beginning a series of discussions about community inclusion supports and services with individuals, families, service providers and key community partners.

The purpose of this work is to identify best practices for community inclusion supports and recommendations for services and programs for people with diverse abilities in B.C. Following the completion of the discussions and other research, CLBC will propose next steps to support the provision of community inclusion services which reflect current best practices and provincial commitments to inclusion.

Fred Ford, Vancouver Island Regional Director, is leading this work and has begun by meeting with key provincial self-advocacy / advocacy and service provider groups and local communities to seek input on initial plans and best ways to connect with people, services and communities – to ensure that the process is respectful of each individual’s and each community’s culture and needs. Fred will visit services and meet with people in a rural, remote, urban and Indigenous communities to gather an understanding of people’s experiences and preferences, best practices for community inclusion supports, and what ideas people have for the future of these services. Fred will also gather information about best practices in these services in B.C., as well as in other provinces and countries.

Individuals and families can find out more about this work on CLBC’s website here. The page also has Frequently Asked Questions to provide a deeper understanding of this work and its goals. Recommendations developed from this work will reflect identified preferences and practices and any proposed changes will be person-centred and carefully planned.

Fred is currently reaching out to self-advocates, families, community members and service providers to identify communities and services to visit, with initial visits planned for northern BC communities. Every effort will be made to accommodate the best ways to engage with individuals and with each unique community.

For more information and to find out about how to participate and share your ideas, please contact Fred at 250-812-2221 or Fred.Ford@gov.bc.ca. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Ross Chilton

CEO, Community Living BC