Middlesex Community Living is celebrating May as Community Living Month, joining a province-wide effort to raise awareness about the accomplishments and challenges faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families and they kicked off the month with a flag raising at Strathroy’s town recently. Community Living Month is an annual campaign organized by Community Living Ontario and its 119 local associations across the province. This year’s theme, #AuthenticInclusion, highlights the importance of genuine inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Executive Director, Sherri Kroll highlights the importance of this month.
Affiliated with both Inclusion Canada and Community Living Ontario, the organization is funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, membership fees, and fundraising events. Middlesex Community Living, a non-profit organization and registered charity, serves adults with developmental disabilities in Strathroy and the northern and western areas of Middlesex County which Kroll says is so important to have within the community.
People with intellectual disabilities often encounter challenges in cognitive functioning that impact daily activities like personal care, language skills, and learning abilities. Despite these challenges, Middlesex Community Living believes in celebrating the unique gifts and value of each individual, advocating for their inclusion and support within the community.
Kroll says throughout May, Middlesex Community Living will host various events and initiatives to promote authentic community inclusion, highlighting the importance of recognizing and supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
More events include:
The Community Living movement, which has been advocating for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families for 70 years, envisions a society where everyone has equal rights, respect, acceptance, a sense of self-worth, opportunities for growth and Kroll has a very personal reason to continue to advocate for Community Living.
Visit Middlesex Community Living (middlesexcl.on.ca) to find out more about Middlesex Community Living.
Written by: K. Milhomens