Community Living Ontario is positioning itself for the future. The association is asking members to join them in making a Personal Commitment in a New Era.

"The facility closures (across Ontario) are a long-sought victory for this federation - this movement we call 'community living, but it's important for us to recognize the bigger picture here. By that I mean that the closures also signify our society's commitment to social inclusion and diversity. As we move forward, that bigger picture perspective needs to be clear in our minds and in the minds of the public who witnessed the closures with us earlier this year."- Community Living Ontario (CLO) Executive Director Keith Powell at CLO's 56th Annual Conference, June 2009

          A Personal Commitment in a New Era

As a member of the community living movement, I freely and proudly make thefollowing commitment. I do so in embracing the challenges of a new era of true community life, respect and participation for all citizens. 

I commit to continue the work of building an inclusive society. 

Recognizing that institutions still exist, I will work to ensure thatno one who has an intellectual disabilities placed in them and that anyone currently living there is supported to move to move to their community.Our communities must be free of harmful institutional practices. 

I know that people who have an intellectual disability can live safely in the community with the same rights and liberties as all people.I will work to ensure that people have the support they need to direct and control their own life and decisions. 

I believe that the community is fully human only with the diversity that comes with the inclusion of people who have an intellectual disability. I further support the values, beliefs and principles of the community living movement.

Support the National Deinstitutionalization Movement