‘Authentic Inclusion’: Waving the flag for Community Living

The Community Living Algoma flag will fly at the Civic Centre this Friday to mark 70 years of advocacy for people with developmental disabilities throughout Algoma.

The first-time flag ceremony is taking place during Community Living Awareness Month, held each May, a news release says. This year’s theme is "Authentic Inclusion" and citizenship is a key focus of the awareness campaign. The ceremony takes place at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 24.

CLA invites all members of the community to attend. Mayor Matthew Shoemaker will be there as well as representatives from the Algoma Community Vision Council. A Community Living Awareness Walk will follow along the boardwalk eastward to the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library and back.

The Community Living movement, in Algoma, was founded in 1954 by families who wanted to make sure their loved ones had a place not only in the community but as active citizens in the community. Over the years, CLA has seen support, for people with intellectual disabilities evolve from congregate settings to more person-centred and individualized approaches.

Community Living Algoma provides supports and services to more than 546 people in the Algoma District who have intellectual disabilities or are on the autism spectrum, adds the release. Community Living Algoma is committed to the advancement of a community in which all people are recognized as full citizens; achieve personal dignity; enjoy the benefits and responsibilities of independence and are supported to reach their full potential.