FAQ's

Community Living Hamilton

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Community Living Hamilton?
Community Living Hamilton a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in all aspects of community life.

When and why did the organization begin?
We were founded in 1951 by parents of children with intellectual disabilities who wanted supports and services within the community instead of in institutions. We are a member of a Canadian federation of 10 provincial and two territorial associations comprising 420 local associations and over 40,000 members.

What is your purpose?
We are an association dedicated to growth and change for both individuals with intellectual disability, and for society as a whole. Since our founding, we have worked ceaselessly to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are able to enjoy their right to lead active and productive lives in their communities. Home and community-based supports help people with intellectual disabilities live as valuable members of our communities.

What is an intellectual disability?
An intellectual disability is a limited ability to learn. It sometimes causes difficulty in coping with the demands of daily life. It is a condition which is usually present from birth or before the age of 18. There are many causes and it is not the same as mental or psychiatric illness. Historically, society referred to people with intellectual disabilities or mental handicap (formerly known as mental retardation) with stigmatizing names. For this reason, we always refer to people first, and then their disability.

What is inclusion?
Inclusion means accepting the contribution that people with intellectual disabilities can make as equal citizens of society. It means playing with neighbourhood children, being educated in a regular classroom, working in real jobs, and living interdependently in our communities with the supports we need. Inclusion enables people with intellectual disabilities to lead lives of achievement with fellowship and dignity.

What is meant by community living?
Community living is a simple concept; most of us experience it every day. We live in integrated communities, we work with our peers and our children go to school with their neighbourhood friends. However, for the nearly 900,000 Canadians who have an intellectual disability, these simple things that we take for granted are not a reality. Although people with intellectual disabilities are capable of learning in regular schools, working at real jobs and contributing to our communities, they are often excluded simply because of their disability. People with intellectual disabilities want and deserve to participate in all of these activities. They want to contribute to society, be a part of it, and they want to lead normal lives in the community -just like you.

Why is inclusion important?
It's the way in which all people experience their right to full participation and have the opportunity to make their contributions as citizens. Through participation and inclusion all people have value.