Proud of our Past,
Poised for the Future
1959 to 2009

Significant Events That Influenced The History of
LANGLEY ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING

 
The vision by the founding members of the Langley Association for Community Living, of “a community that welcomes and values all citizens” today, 50 years later, still remains as the focus of the current Board of Directors.

• Parents were isolated…In the early 1950’s, Woodlands Institution was the only source of residential and educational help offered to parents of children with special needs. The parents who choose to keep their children at home, were unsupported and often felt isolated, especially those families who lived in rural Langley. The Boundary Health nurse was the thread common to many of these parents, because it was not easy for parents to network with each other as they do today. As a result, it took the leadership of a few parents to begin the process of meeting together at the kitchen table, to talk about their hopes and dreams for their children.
  
  
• By the mid 50’s, the waiting list for Woodlands School had grown leaving school age children at home and without educational opportunities. This prompted Langley parents to join together, to plan for a school for their children with special needs.
  
  
  On July 30th of 1959, the Langley Association for Retarded Children was registered as a non profit society, for the purposes; to advocate and to plan for an education for their children.
  
   
• This newly formed Association hired a teacher, and opened a school in the basement of St. Andrews Church on 206th Street, and the Fraser Highway, in September of 1959.
  
  
• Some parents now felt less isolated ….. At the same time, parents from the school in the basement, formed an education committee to begin to advocate for their children to be included into the Langley public school system. After many letters to the District Superintendent and Chairman of the School Board, there was an agreement to build a new school in 1961, on the grounds of Langley Central Elementary. Some community businesses and citizens were supportive of this plan.

   

1960’s

• In June of 1961, the Langley School Board began administering "Tillicum" as part of the public school system, from the church basement.
  
  
• Parents see the results from their collective advocacy - Tillicum School. These parents were very successful in their advocacy, and in March of 1963, the pupils moved from the church site into the new school on the grounds of Langley Central Elementary School on the Fraser Highway at 208th Street. This first school administered by the Langley School District for children with special needs was called “Tillicum”, which means "Little Friend". It was a segregated environment for children with all aspects of special needs. It was a 2 room building, with a covered play area.
  
  
• The transition from church basement to public school was not without difficulty. Teachers hired by parents for the school at St. Andrews Church, did not meet the criteria for the public school system.  Some students with special needs also did not meet the requirements for the new school. 
  
   
• New public school teachers were hired, and students unable to attend were admitted into Woodlands.
  
  
• These changes resulted in discontent with some members of the Association, and the Langley Association for Retarded Children Charter became dormant. It had served its purpose in having a public school for their children.
  
  
• At this same time, in 1966, the initial Association members decided to discontinue meeting as The Langley Association for Retarded Children, and placed the remaining funds in trust, to provide extra financial support ($25.00) per month, for the students of Tillicum.
  
  
• Students from Langley Central Elementary shared the library, gym, and playground with the students from Tillicum. They often shared lunch. This was the beginning of the integration concept, and was beneficial for all.
  
  
• In 1966, it was decided that in place of a School Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), A “Mother’s Club” would be more effective.
  
  
• Parents now benefit as a result of the networking within the Mother’s Club.
  
  
•  In June of 1966, this group of mothers had established effective teacher and parent communication with the school, so they took on the tasks of raising funds for additional expenses and activities. In retro spec it was a friendly environment for effective parent support.
  
  
• The community extends support … The Mother’s Club was able to engage the service clubs to raise funds for the activities of the students. Students were learning to cook, and once a month prepared lunch for the Principal's meeting. Members of the service clubs and fund raising groups also attended.
  
  
  The Langley community learns more about the abilities of children with special needs… This was the introduction to the community of the student’s skills and abilities, which opened the door for work experience, opportunities and partnerships.
  
  
• Langley citizens learn about Tillicum School… In 1965, the local newspaper printed a picture of a child with Down’s Syndrome. This was the first time the face of a child with special needs would be recognized in print and distributed to the general public.
  
   
• Public awareness and fund raising to meet the needs of the children were very important. The Variety Club and the local radio station, CJJC, provided publicity and developed the Retarded Person’s Fund. This was one of the first fundraising efforts locally, for people with developmental disabilities.
  
  
• The local radio station CJJC, promoted our programs, which helped connect families.
  
  
• CJJC was also a channel for service clubs and businesses to connect to the Association.
  
  
• In June of 1969, the Charter for Langley Association for Retarded Children was reactivated,  parents began to reorganize, and hold monthly meetings. 
  
   
• Crisis creates positive change… Summer vacations were a stressful time for some parents who only had Tillicum School to provide relief and support. Again, parent advocacy resulted in Pete Swenson, the Manager of the Langley Township, Parks and Recreation Department in offering the use of Williams Park to the Association. In partnership with the Langley Township, the Mother’s Club began to plan for a summer program at William’s Park.
  
  
• In the summer of 1969, the first summer parks program for pre-school and school age children with disabilities was provided by the Parks and Recreation department of the Township that included funding for staff. What was most significant about this initiative was the value placed on this summer program by parents, other students, many volunteers and various community citizens who were collectively instrumental in ensuring the program continued. With the assistance of the Township and other government funding grants this program ran for the next ten years at Williams Park. Playing together during these recreational programs was integration, at its best!
  
  
• After this first year, in 1969, the municipal recreation department, school district representative, and the Association met annually to plan for the summer program.
  
  
• Tillicum students were invited to participate in a new event called Operation Track Shoes held in Victoria BC. This event provided opportunity for children to travel on public buses and ferries.
  
  
• Parents could not rest easy for long,  the Mother’s Club recognized that something needed to be done for students that would soon graduate from Tillicum School.
  
  
• Representatives of the Mother Club began to explore options for adult services with other lower mainland associations. The Variety Farm Training Centre in Ladner was building 10 homes and an apartment complex on their site. Their focus was  vocational training, lifeskills and day programs.

 
1970’s

• In 1969/70, school age children from Woodlands institution were moved into foster homes in Langley, and by 1970, the parents in the Association had to advocate for the inclusion of foster children from Woodlands to attend Tillicum School.
  
  
• In 1972, there were no distinct adult services at this time, but the high school students and a member of the Association began plans to build a building that would accommodate a wood working shop. This was located beside Tillicum School.
  
  
• Changes in public policy, and again, the need for parent advocacy in planning for adult services… In 1974, The Association, together with the Langley School Board, started a work experience program for senior Tillicum students.
  
  
• Suddenly, Langley Central became the new fundamental School! This came as a shock to parents who always thought that their senior children would move into the school for a continuation of education beyond elementary school at Tilicum.
  
  
• The building, built by high school students of Langley Central, would now become the Langley Adult Training Centre.
  
  
• This site would now be used for work experience.  In 1974, the Langley business community was very supportive of the work experience program that promoted community integration in a mutually beneficial way.
  
  
• In 1974, the work experience program was very strong, and involved students who had already graduated, as well as those still in school.  But the pressure was mounting to find a site for a continuation of services that reflected an adult environment for learning.
  
  
• In 1975/76, the School District had become very interested in this development and  met with the municipal government of the time to draft a 10 year plan. The Tillicum site would become a school for children “only”, with special needs.
  
  
• In the late 1970’s, the Societies Act was revised so that elected Board Members would serve varied lengths of time as board members. This continuity was essential for planning and stability into the next decade. This time frame would again see parents, and dedicated family members serve as Board Members.
  
  
• In 1975, The Langley Association for Retarded Children would change their name to The Langley Association for the Handicapped to reflect their service to adults. This name change was in keeping with the trend of other associations in the province.
  
  
• In 1976, the Municipality provided a piece of land in east Langley to The Langley Association for the Handicapped, and this original building was moved from Tillicum School to the 232nd Street and 44th Avenue site.
  
  
• Parents of the students, who would attend this new woodworking shop for adults, would spend many hours preparing the land for this building to have a new home.

• The parents of the Association named this site “Bridge Achievement Center”. It would be run by The Langley Association for the Handicapped.
  
  
• In 1976/7, the first Executive Director was hired by the volunteer board to perform  administration duties and fund raising. His office was located in Sundel Square in downtown Langley. His role was "clerk of the works" and he had responsibility for  the development of the Achievement Center, in cooperation with the Chairman of the Building and Planning Committee and its members .

• The Knights of Columbus assisted in the construction of the greenhouse, and in 1977, they turned over the operations to the Association.  Two employees of the Township donated their time to assist those who wished to train in greenhouse work.
  
  
• Plans for an additional building were developed to expand services and provide an on-site office. This was completed in 1979.
  
  
• In 1977/8 Tillicum School was preparing for integration into the regular school system, including high school. This caused a lot of distress for many families, and for others, it opened the door for new opportunities.
  
  
• Now, only parents who choose to attend the Association general monthly meetings would have membership.

1980’s

• The next decade would record many contributions from Langley citizens and parents, as impending growth would require the commitment and dedication of many board members and the support from the Langley community.
  
  
• In the early 1980’s the Board of the Association would begin to organize itself to  provide a more varied array of services to adults with disabilities.
  
  
  • A woodshop began to develop marketable wood products for sale to the general community. 
  • A greenhouse would grow and sell tropical plants to local businesses.
  • A craft program was created to teach skills in weaving, using raw wool, to produce horse blankets and rugs for sale.
  • A small contract with the Langley School District to repair school balls was implemented. 
  • The production and sale of "pom-poms" for weddings and other celebrations were initiated.
    
    
• In June 1980, a house donated by Langley Memorial Hospital Society was moved to the Bridge Achievement Centre site, and was slowly being renovated by parents to be used for adult respite and life skills training.  This house, affectionately called “Dainty House”, received a federal forgivable loan, and donations paid for the renovations.
  
   
• In 1981, as a result of vandalism, a caretaker moved his trailer to the site to offer security for the Bridge Achievement site. The craft area, greenhouse, woodshop and Dainty House suffered extensive damage.  The vandals were eventually caught.
  
  
• New Constitution and By-Laws were registered in April 1982 and the Association and parents began to focus on the development of adult pre-vocational training and residential services.
  
  
• A logo and mission statement was designed for the Bridge Achievement Centre site that was reflective of their first mission statement.
  
  The roof is a symbol of shelter.
  
  The independence of the clients is depicted by the hands no longer held by a supervisor.
  
  The clients are on the bridge, ready to participate in our community of Langley.
  
  
• Dainty House officially opened for respite occupancy in 1983. Unfortunately, this was not a government funded service, so the house was often used for other purposes, including some life skills training, and some other day service activities. The administration of the Association often used some of the rooms for a variety of purposes.
  
  
• In 1984, the greenhouse expanded to two greenhouses. This would support new marketing opportunities.
  
  
• The provincial government of the 1980s was intent on closing the residential institutions for adults with developmental disabilities throughout B.C.
  
  In 1984, government provided funding to offer lifeskills training.  Service was based out of Dainty House.
  
  
• In response to the closing of Tranquille Institution in Kamloops, four former residents of Langley were able to return to their home community, and thus, Brookswood Residence opened in 1985 for four people with developmental disabilities.
   
• In 1985, BCACL was providing support to organizations to develop self advocate groups with the Association.
  
  
• In 1986, a federally funded training program (PALTU), Permanent Alternative to Long Term Unemployment, was established to train potential employees by working with clients of Bridge Achievement Centre in a ground cover nursery.
  
  
• Additionally, in 1987, a pilot project, funded by the PALTU initiative established opportunities for some individuals from the Bridge Achievement Centre to experience supported employment, in community businesses.  In addition, another work initiative was established through a pilot program called Mobile Crews,  that supported "small crews" of persons with developmental disabilities.  One group worked as landscapers and another crew worked in a local production bakery.
  
  One landscaping contract included the surrounding landscape at W.C. Blair Pool.
  
  
• In 1987, the adoption of the second mission statement read as follows:
  
  The Langley Association for the Handicapped is a non profit community based agency that strives to enhance the quality of life for all mentally handicapped residents of Langley and surrounding communities by providing habilitative and rehabilitative programs. All programs are oriented to the goal of development individual potential to adequately equip trainees for community integration.
  
  
• The greenhouse amalgamated with the newly developed ground cover nursery.  The growing of tropical plants would discontinue and the ground cover nursery would take precedent.
  
  
• Day programs were developed to serve the residents of Brookswood, as well as four people living in a group home operated by another organization in Langley and one individualized service.  These services were based at Dainty House.
  
  
• In October of 1987, three new community based programs began: Respite Care for Children, Community Life Skills, and Supported Employment.
  
  
• In 1987 Supported Employment, Day Program services and Community Lifeskills commenced in offices located in downtown Langley on Fraser Highway.  An 8-2 program offered additional support for eight individuals at Bridge Achievement Center.
  
  
• In November of 1988, employees ratified their first B.C.G.E.U. contract.
  
  
• A federally funded initiative, PALTU (Permanent Alternative to Long Term Unemployment), program continued through 1989 to train inexperienced people to work in vocational and residential settings. 
  
   
• In 1989, Newlands Residence and 5 Corners Residence (formerly Brydon Park) welcomed eight people returning to Langley from Woodlands Institution.   These men had spent most of their childhood and early adult years living at Woodlands.  Those staff trained through the PALTU initiative would gain employment opportunities in these two residences.

1990's

• Bridge Achievement Center continued to be the administrative site for all services of the Langley Association for the Handicapped, as well as for the ground cover nursery, craft and woodworking programs.
  
  Individualized Service was provided under contract for an adult with developmental disabilities and mental health issues, but due to the challenges of the mental health issues, continuous supervision was required.
  
   
• Revision of the mission/philosophy statement to read:
  
  
  Langley Association for the Handicapped is committed to help citizens with mental and/or physical handicaps lead full and meaningful lives in their communities. The Association’s goal is to provide quality service that respects the individual’s dignity and right to self determination.
  
  
• In 1990/91, plans were underway to design and build two additional group homes, which would assist eight more individuals to return to Langley from Woodlands. These homes were designed and built to accommodate the needs of individuals with higher medical and physical needs. They would be known as Hunter Park and Belmont.
  
  
• In 1991, the community based programs (Respite, Lifeskills, Supported Employment Services, and the Program Director’s office) moved to the Bay Tree Office building in downtown Langley.
  
  
• In response to a family’s critical need for assistance for their child’s unique  medical needs, Benz Crescent Residence opened in 1992, the first residential service provided to a child.
  
  
• In June of 1992, the Branch office in Brookswood was purchased in response to the need to deliver day services to residents as well to meet the need for more space for different community based programs such as lifeskills and supported employment.
  
  
• In October of 1992, eight residents from Woodlands moved into their new home at  Hunter Park and Belmont.
  
  
• In the summer of 1992, a summer program for teens was offered as a pilot program.
  
  
• The Box Shop business was established in 1994 to create work opportunities for individuals served through Bridge Centre program, and a client managed shredding business was initiated.
  
  
• In 1994, mandatory membership in C.S.S.E.A. (Community Social Services Employee Association) would provide human resources consultation and support with labour relations negotiations within the social services sector.
  
  
• July 1994 marked the 35th anniversary of The Langley Association for the Handicapped. At the Annual General meeting on June 8th, 1994, a resolution passed to change its name to The Langley Association for Community Living (L.A.C.L.). Individuals and their families, staff and community guests  joined together to celebrate at Bridge Achievement Centre.
  
  
• Changes to the Employment Standards act in December of 1995 would have a significant impact on the delivery of vocational services within the Bridge Centre Program. Parents were again gathered to provide input and guidance to the current Board of Directors and management.
  
   
• In 1996, the federal subsidy grant to Bridge Achievement Centre was discontinued. The Ministry of Children and Familes would now be responsible for direct funding of services offered through Bridge Centre.  At the time, approximately 50 individuals were being served at this site, with a staff team of 5.
  
  As a direct result of the changes to the Employmnet Standards Act, all work activities would have to be discontinued unless each person receiving service within the program could be paid minium wage.   Unfortunately, not enough income was generated from within the services to pay minimum wages.  The Employment Standards Act would no longer provide a variance to wage earning for persons with disabilities.  This decision would be a significant impact on the lives of persons with disabilities. 
  
  This decision resulted in mixed emotions.  The Act would protect people with developmental disabilities from exploitation in employment, within the community but did not address the impact of this decision on the many people being served through "sheltered workshops or achievement centres" within the province.  After considerable consultation with persons served, families, the Board of Directors and management, it was decided to discontinue the work activities and offer other options.
  
  If individuals desired employment, people were referred to our employment service for support to find work that provided minimum wage.  Employment could be part time or full time.  For people who did not choose work, recreational and community based options were offered.  This posed new challenges for our organization as funding was limited, transportation was needed and a complete new way of providing services to adults with developmental disabilities was needed.
  
  At this time, government was not aware of the impact of the Act on services to persons with developmental disabilities and did not offer any funding to accommodate the changes needed.
  
  
• This restructure would provide people with the opportunities to participate in a broader array of activities within the community such as;  leisure and volunteering.  
  
  
• In 1996, Supported Employment Services were expanded, renamed Partners in Employment, and relocated within the business community at McBurney Lane.
  
  
• In 1997, Langley Association advocated on behalf of persons served, resulting in HandiDART providing transportation to and from people's homes to Bridge Centre and Connections and other services. This was significant as LACL would no longer have responsibility for transportation.
  
  
• A focus on more individualized day programs resulted in a refocus for ten individuals. This was designed to provide three distinct and separate services to respond more effectively to the unique needs of each person.
  
   
• Individuals within the Individualized Services division would receive an array of supports, including residential, day time supports, recreation, respite, and a family care model of support.   Some individualized day services were located at the Branch office.
  
   
• In 1998, a planning retreat resulted in a revised mission statement to be presented at the June Annual General Meeting. The spirit of the community is reflected in the new mission statement:
  
  
  The Langley Association for Community Living supports the participation and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in the community.
  
  
• October, 1998, was proclaimed Community Living month throughout the province of BC. Langley Association for Community Living was chosen as one of the 20 communities to plan and participate in celebrations to increase the public’s awareness of community living. LACL, partnered with the Langley Child Development Centre, and organized this event in 1998.   This first celebration presented plaques of appreciation to businesses who offered an inclusive and welcoming employment opportunity to adults with developmental disabilities. A picnic was also held at Williams Park on October 3, 1998.  This event would continue on an annual basis.
  
  
• In August of 1999, an individualized residential contract was initiated to support two ladies in their own apartments.  Both ladies had spent many years living in BC institutions.
  
  
• The Langley Association for Community Living recognized, and informally celebrated, its 40th anniversary as a Society with a dance and BBQ at Bridge Centre. A reflection of the past 40 years and a more formal celebration was planned as part of The Langley Association for Community Living Christmas party, held at Newlands Golf and Country Club.
  
  
  Founding parents and community members were honored at this celebration.
  

2000s

• Associations across the province were now required to attain “Accredited Status” to maintain our contractual agreements with the Ministry of Children and Families. Accreditation meant that LACL’s services must meet or exceed the high standards set out by CARF for community services. CARF developed the standards by which the surveyors would conduct program reviews, and provide feedback to the Association and its stakeholders. The feedback is about how families and individuals are supported, and the quality of services provided. The process of documenting our work and fine tuning some of our "systems" for attaining  Accreditation status began, in preparation for our first survey in 2003.   
  
  
• The Board and Management developed the following draft mission statement. It will be presented to the Annual General meeting for acceptance in June 2000:
  
  
  Langley Association for Community Living, in partnership with the Ministry for Children and Families, families and the community, will deliver quality services to people with disabilities with respect to their choices.
  
   
  
• In keeping with the focus of providing smaller and more individualized day services,  the Branch Office was sold on October 31, 2001.  Connections and Lifeskills programs relocated to a downtown location on 56th Avenue.
  
   
• In 2001, a pilot program for teens with disabilities to be included in a teen drop in with the Boy’s And girls Club program at the Timms Centre was very successful. 
   
• In 2001, LACL hired David Hingsburger to develop a Self Advocates Bill of Rights, based on the input from many individuals we serve.  This document serves as a testament to the recognition of people's rights and continues to serve as a training tool to educate our employees in regards to the self advocates' rights.
  
  
• In 2002, LACL produced a theatre production called PlayRights, based on the Self Advocates Bill of Rights.  On April 26, PlayRights made its debut at Brookswood Secondary School to an audience of over 300 people.  The performance was a huge success.  All the actors were participants from the Bridge Centre program.
  
  
  At the same time, LACL provided support and assistance under the direction of Video In Studios to produce a video based on the theatre production.  The entire video was created, produced and edited by four self advocates from the Bridge Centre program.  This video is used as a staff training tool to educate employees about the rights of persons with developmental disabilities.
  
   
• In 2002, Individualized Day Services remained in the Brookswood area and moved to their new program site on 200th Street.
  
  
• The Bridge Centre building received extensive renovation. The newly named Bridge “Clubhouse” program would continue to provide opportunities for personal development and recreation for those who attend Bridge. The original building would still be a standing testament to the vision of those initial parents who saw this as a place of opportunity.
  
  
   
• Respite Services for Aging Parents was finally funded, and thus became a reality,  hourly and overnight respite was offered.
  
  
• Dainty House, now known as Bridge House, receives a complete renovation and a wheelchair accessible suite would now be available. Families embrace the availability of using Bridge House for respite care. for their family member. 
  
  
• Change and growth was again evident at Bridge Centre, as the Clubhouse was again renovated to accommodate a new Youth Day Service, aptly named, Explorations. Six young adults who graduated in June of 2002 would begin their transition from high school to adult services. 
  
  
• In June of 2003, the Association was awarded a 3 year Accreditation status from CARF, the highest award offered through CARF.
  
  
• The direction of services would focus on person centered planning, and in supporting families and individuals in the best way possible. Growth was inevitable.
   

2005 - 2009

• The Association continues to be recognized as a creditable and willing community partner supporting projects and activities that enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Langley, and thus, contributing to build a stronger community. 
  
   
• We developed strong relationships with:
  
  
  • The Langley School District
  • Kwantlen University College
  • Downtown Merchants Business Association
  • Langley Chamber of Commerce
  • Langley Child Development Centre
  • Langle Senior Resource Centre
  • Timm's Recreation Centre
    
    
• During this period of time, continual support of younger families is recognized as a series of Sibling Support Information workshops were organized for families who have children with special needs.
  

• Individuals, who wished to learn more about self-advocacy, were assisted in their quest, with assistance from LACL.
  
  
• A Parent leadership team meets quarterly to discuss issues of importance to families and individuals. This would eventually result in a change in direction focusing on housing options for young adults.
   

• Several families who have Microboard funding begin to make request for services.   These requests included: staffed residential, daytime services and/or  administrative support.
  
   
• The Association enhanced the provision of family support services to families who live in Langley, by offering advocacy and/or referral information.
  
   

2005 - 2006 - Introducing CLBC
 

• Perhaps the most significant change to the history of The Langley Association for Community Living is the movement of services for people with development disabilities from the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) to the Community Living British Columbia Authority (CLBC).
  
  
• MCFD turned over their role and responsibilities to CLBC on July 1, 2005. This change would result in people with disabilities and their families having a stronger voice. 
  
   
• Families and individuals with developmental disabilities shared their stories, their experiences, and expressed their frustrations to CLBC to make changes in the system.    
  
   
• Families and individuals with developmental disabilities learned about the benefits of direct respite funding for both children and adults. This is a fairly new concept in funding of a service, especially for adults.
  
  
• Direct funding to families so that respite services and other supports could be purchased came as a response to families advocating to be in charge of the purchase of appropriate services for their sons and daughters.
  
   
• At CLBC, social worker roles were replaced by facilitators and quality assurance analysts.  The Langley Association for Community Living employees, parents and their adult children, parents of children with special needs and community partners were learning to adjust to the new roles and responsibilities.
  
   
• Parents were involved in developing personal plans for their sons and daughters and with greater expectations for services.   Services could be tailored to meet individualized needs. Parents learned about the benefits of planning tools such as PATH, and MAPPING, they learned about Personal Networks, and Micro Boards. Parents learned they could expect more than just the status quo.
  
   
• In June of 2006, LACL was awarded its second CARF Accredited designation. 
  
   
• An exemplary status report was awarded to most LACL services. LACL was meeting or exceeding the expected standards set out by CARF.
  
   
• One of the more significant changes in direction for people served was the change from traditional group home living arrangements, to Individualized Residential Care Services.   This service was of importance as it reinforced the Person Centered Planning process that helped to map out residential options and identify the unique needs for each person. This plan identified what parents and individuals described as a good quality of life.  
  
  The Person Centred Planning Process would also serve as the basis for determining the best possible match with a home sharing family.  The difference in the "home sharing" approach is that the home environment is shared with an emphasis on similar lifestyle choices and values between the person served and the home sharing family.  Historically, the caregivers needs were the primary consideration.
  
  
• In 2007, the name of this service would change to “Home Sharing” to reflect the scope of possibilities. This service would expand to approximately 40 placements in 2009.
  
   
• In 2008, Langley Association would enhance the focus of support provided to each of our program areas towards creating meaningful volunteer and employment opportunities for all of our services.
  
   
• Quest, a new day service for young adults graduating in 2008 from high school was developed. This program, located in downtown Langley City, would provide support to youth desiring an academic, and employment focused service.
   

1998 to 2008, 10 years of Community Living Day Fun!

• The Community Living Day “Celebration in the Park” committee, chaired by Langley Association for Community Living, would publish a collection of stories and poetry and posters submitted over the previous 10 years. The “Everybody Belongs” contest of Langley students expressing their thoughts about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities was the focal point of each year’s celebration.
  
  
• In 2008/9, a significant advancement in employment services, focused on individualized planning that resulted in support staff of LACL, going into high schools, and planning "Customized Employment” opportunities for selected students. The goal of this partnership program is employment upon graduation.
  
• Person Centered Planning continues to guide our services and support for individuals and their families. 
  
• In June of 2009, the Association will prepare for its third CARF Accreditation survey, to ensure that our services continue to meet or exceed standards and that quality services remain the hallmark of LACL.
  
  
   

1959 - 2009 PROUD OF OUR PAST AND
POISED FOR THE FUTURE ........

Langley Association for Communityi Living's history is similar to many communities across Canada, where parents in the 1950s joined around the kitchen table to discuss, plan and create educational opportunities for their children.  These parents were the founding members of The Langley Association for Community Living.  Their belief in a better life where their children could have access to school, work, to be able to participate and to contribute to their communities is what today, continues to drive movements of change.

Today, 50 years later, The Langley Association for Community Living continues to benefit from the guidance and determination of families and persons with developmental disabilities.  In the past 50 years, we have been witness to significant change in the delivery of services and supports to persons with developmental disabilities such as:

• Most signifcantly, the deinstitutionalization of people with developmental disabilities.
• The School Act of 1989.
• The changes to the Employment Standards Act in 1995.
• The evolvement of the self-advocate movement identifying issues of importance.
• The empowerment of families as a result of direct funding and services on behalf of their family members.
• The transfer of responsibility for services from the Ministry for Children and Family Development to the Community Living BC Authority.

In 2009, some shifts in the delivery of services for children may result in responsibility going back to MCFD.  At this time, it is unclear if and how this will happen.  Services for adults will continue under the direction of CLBC.  These services and how support is delivered for adults, and in particular adults in transition, are still experiencing growing pains.  Many people ahve been positively impacted by this change to CLBC, while others are fighting waitlists and uncertainty around eligibility.

Today, LACL embraces partnerships with families, local and provincial communities, other social service agencies, service clubs and with municipal governments to continue building an even better place for all citizens to live.  In the reality of today's society, we must continue improving services and supports for people with disabilities and their families.

The journey continues  ..........