January 3, 1954:
The Roots of Inclusion: A Legacy of Transformation –
In the early days of the community living movement, a group of courageous parents in Chilliwack – better known as the parents of Bruce Hayens, Dwayne Ashdown, Brian Cusack, Marion Poulsen, Grace Goossen – and frustrated by the lack of options and unwilling to institutionalize their children took action. They joined a growing movement across British Columbia, where families were forming non-profit societies to advocate for better lives for their children with developmental disabilities.
In 1954, these Chilliwack families established the Upper Fraser Valley Society for Handicapped Children, marking the beginning of what would become a decades-long journey toward inclusion.
As societal language and understanding evolved, so did the organization’s name:
In 1971, it became the Upper Fraser Valley Society for the Retarded.
In 1987, it was renamed the Upper Fraser Valley Society for Mentally Handicapped People.
In 1998, the organization adopted the name Chilliwack Society for Community Living (CSCL), reflecting a broader commitment to community inclusion and support.
And in 2024, following a special resolution at its 70th Annual General Meeting, the organization proudly became Inclusion Chilliwack Society.
Each name change reflected a shift in societal values, language, and the organization’s mission – from early efforts to provide alternatives to institutional care, to a modern vision of full citizenship, belonging, and inclusion.
This journey of transformation is a testament to the dedication of families, advocates, and community members who believed in a better future. Today, Inclusion Chilliwack Society continues to build on that legacy, working to create a community where everyone is valued and included.