Web Site: www.aacl.org
Who we are…
The Alberta Association for Community Living (AACL) is a family based, no-profit organization representing thousands of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. Together we share a dream that began over 45 years ago – a dream of meaningful family and community life for our sons and daughters. This dream lives on today and people with developmental disabilities and their families remain at the heart of AACL.
More than 40 nonprofit community organizations from every corner of the province belong to AACL. We are a member of a national federation of over 400 community, 10 provincial and three territorial associations, together forming the Canadian Association for Community Living. We are also a member of Inclusion International, an association representing over 110 countries.
What we believe..
We believe families at the heart of community and children and adults with developmental disabilities should have the opportunity and support to:
- grow up in a family
- have a home in community
- learn together
- work together
- develop friendships
- participate in, and contribute to, the life of their community
Community living is about neighborhoods where all people, including those with developmental disabilities, live, learn, play and work together. We hope that you will welcome people with developmental disabilities into the life of your community.
What we do…
AACL is committed to supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families. AACL ensures: families have the support they need to care for their sons and daughters with developmental disabilities at home; children and adults have access to a quality inclusive education; and adults with developmental disabilities have access to the support they need to live, work and participate in community life.
Advocacy staff are available province wide to assist families and adults with developmental disabilities. Our toll-free phone number and web site ensures everyone can reach us, no matter where they live in Alberta. Advocates deal with issues ranging from education to community living and family support to employment. When families or individuals are in crisis, they know they can count on AACL to be there for them.
AACL works in partnership with many government departments, schools, employers, services and community organizations to improve the lives of people with developmental disabilities. We continually monitor regional and provincial issues, ensuring the needs of children and adults with developmental disabilities are considered met.
AACL offers a number of grants each year to Member Associations and families to attend the annual family conference, workshops and other activities.
Legal assistance is available to families and individuals who require legal services.
The Reg Peters Resource Centre contains information on a wide variety of projects. All resources are available for loan, free of charge, from the Edmonton Office.
A Definition…
Children and adults with developmental disabilities. have significant learning difficulties and require assistance to succeed in life. Individuals with developmental disabilities may have Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, multiple disabilities., Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other conditions which may result in a developmental disability.