Joining Forces: The Birth of a Provincial Movement –
Inclusion Chilliwack Society, along with six other local parent associations across British Columbia, came together to form a united voice for children with developmental disabilities. This collaboration led to the creation of the B.C. Association for Retarded Children, a provincial federation dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of children who had long been excluded from public education and community life.
Over time, as language and societal understanding evolved, so did the organization. The Association eventually became Inclusion BC, a leading provincial federation working to enhance the lives of children, youth, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This milestone marked a significant shift—from isolated efforts in individual communities to a coordinated provincial movement focused on inclusion, advocacy, and systemic change. Inclusion Chilliwack Society’s role in this founding effort reflects its deep roots in the community living movement and its ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive British Columbia.