Summer 2012 - Richmond Society for Community Living

Summer 2012
RSCL
VIEWS
Seeing beyond disability to ability
Richmond Society for Community Living
Youth Connections
Outdoor Recreation Space
under way...see page 6
Inside:
RSCL Outcomes
IDP Playgroup
Move to Pendleton
BCACL Conference
YC Blast Off Celebration
I have a job and I love it!
Avenues Art on display
Employment Program grows
Feature Preschool - Merry King Preschool
Richmond Society for Community Living
170 - 7000 Minoru Blvd, Richmond BC V6Y 3Z5
604-279-7040 | info@rscl.org | www.rscl.org

Avenues Art on Display at Art Exhibi on
Artists from Avenues Art Program have 6 pieces entered in
"A Midsummer Art's Dream - Art and Photography
Exhibition" presented by the Community Arts Council of
Richmond at Lansdowne Mall from July 2-8. This juried
exhibition will have a People's Choice Award. Vote for your
favourite work and you could also win one of several gift
cards from Lansdowne merchants!
RSCL VIEWS Summer 2012 pg 2

MERRY KING PRESCHOOL….
A place for children and families to build connec ons and be part of a community
Early childhood programs are part of a community and reflect
its people, values and resources. Merry King Preschool is a
shining example of such a program. It came as a surprise to
me that Merry King has been part of the Richmond
community for over 30 years! Opera ng out of the West
Richmond Community Centre it is now grown to include over
160 children enrolled in various classes.
Merry King Preschool has a long history of including children
with extra support needs and has worked with Supported
Child Development for over 14 years. The teachers are
welcoming to all children, regardless of ability and work in
collabora on not only with Supported Child Development
but other professionals in the community to ensure that the
children in their preschool are ge ng the support they need.
Emily Vera, the Preschool Coordinator says, “Over the years
we have seen incredible benefits to our children by
suppor ng their interests and connec ng them with our
amazing community. We believe that it is our responsibility
as educators to introduce our students to a wide variety of
experiences and people so that they can feel a part of
something.” She also emphasizes that “having a rela onship
with Supported Child Development has enhanced the
program. All the children have benefited from an inclusive
program. The children learn that the community is made up
of many people of different cultures and abili es.”
The preschool offers diverse and unique programming that
provides a wide variety of op ons for families to choose from.
In addi on to a basic play based program, there is a Fine Arts
class that focuses on different ar sts, music, dance styles and
drama. This allows for a variety of opportuni es that children
can par cipate in regardless of their abili es. Science and
Nature is another op on for children to learn about topics
such as earth science, rainforests and chemistry. This class
provides diverse sensorial experiences that o en benefit
children with extra support needs.
Another exci ng addi on this past year has been a 4 hour
preschool that focuses on ecology and environmental
stewardship. This class o en goes on field trips in the
community, planned as well as spontaneous and even
contributes to the community garden located in Terra Nova!
In addi on to the preschool, the community centre offers a
“Time for Two's” and an a er school care program for school
age children. Emily says that children o en start in Time for
Two's and carry on to the out of school care program which
gives the teachers the opportunity to see their former
students grow up!
Community connec ons the teachers promote include many
exci ng opportuni es for the children. Located near two
elementary schools, some of the classes have older
“buddies”. The children visit back and forth approximately
once a month and par cipate in art ac vi es, gross motor
skills and other games with their big buddy. The community
centre is also connected with Hugh Boyd high school and
classes o en go over to be part of a drama, science or
woodworking class.
I had the opportunity to be part of one of these li le mini
fieldtrips and it was exci ng to see the two age groups
working together. Visits to two local senior centers are also
part of this community focused preschool. The children visit
the centres once a month and spend me with the residents
singing, doing a cra , reading stories and just talking and
ge ng to know each other.
Rela onship building is a thread woven throughout this
preschool; the belief that children learn best when their
families and community members are included in their
educa on. Always with the learner at the forefront, Merry
King is a preschool where children feel special and become
ac ve par cipants in all aspects of the program, regardless of
ability.
‐ Karen Jensen, SCDP Consultant
Supported Child
Development Program
won the academy
award for their centre
piece at the Annual
Richmond Child Care
Dinner in May.
They depicted the movie
“Alice in Wonderland”.
RSCL’s Youth Connec ons
Program came in with an
award for their depic on
of “Tangled”
RSCL VIEWS Summer 2012 pg 3

BCACL Conference and Annual General Mee ng:
Moving forward, steadfast and strong
This year's BCACL conference took place May 30 through June
2 in beautiful Penticton, BC. We were lucky to attend with four
RSCL staff (Debra Pierce, Shannon Crofton, Joe Bie and
Kerstin Grossmann). It was a fun-filled and eventful trip and we
wanted to share some of the highlights:
While Deb arrived at the conference early, the rest of us left
Wednesday morning. We piled 6 people and their gear in the
borrowed Youth Connections van, and decided to take the
scenic route along the Hope-Princeton Highway to Penticton.
The short trip there took us 6 hours, 4 breaks and 2 wrong turns.
We saw 2 young black bears, 1 deer and assorted road-kill. We
laughed a lot and got a preview of the weird and wonderful
dynamics for the rest of the trip.
The Penticton Ramada Hotel where Deb was eagerly awaiting
our arrival had a resort like feel and we enjoyed bumping into
many other conference participants there. On arrival, we met
Ruth Shannon and Richard, who arrived at the same time. It did
not take long before we bumped into Wioletta O-R, who took
way too many pictures of us in her role as BCACL's official
photographer.
RSCL VIEWS Summer 2012 pg 4
The trip was a great opportunity for all of us to get to know each
other better, meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and to
network with other Self-Advocates and professionals. In
addition to the fun and networking, the conference also offered
learning opportunities through a wide variety of workshops, our
highlights included:
“The person is not the problem” workshop addressed changing
professionals' attitudes from focusing on individual's behaviour
problems to looking at the causes of conflict;
Co-Housing which is a concept that Deb and Kerstin want to
take on and run with;
“Empowering Self-Advocates” workshop was presented by
ESATTA, a co-op which runs self-esteem and planning
workshops for self-advocates.
“The Quality of Life Framework” workshop, which introduced
an innovative approach to measuring an individuals' quality of
life by having them be interviewed by other self-advocates, was a
particular favourite of Coulson's. He volunteered for the

We Remember...
On April 4, 2012 a beau ful magnolia tree was planted
in the garden of Pendleton House to commemorate
the life of Kerry Calder. Kerry passed away last August.
interview demonstration and received a Tim Horton's gift
certificate to recognize his participation during the workshop.
Mark and Coulson were interviewed by CHBC News about
CLBC's new policy to give $2,800 of respite or other direct
funded services to all transitioning youth. In addition, Mark
had the opportunity to meet Ujjal Dosanjh, former BC Premier
and MP, who gave the conference opening plenary on how to
inspire and maintain grassroots momentum.
The social highlight of the conference was the Friday Night
Dinner and Dance. The beach party themed event included an
indoor BBQ and live entertainment from the Rubber Band.
The dance floor filled as soon as the band arrived and did not
empty until the last dance around midnight. Needless to say the
RSCL gang stayed to the bitter end.
There was only one minor incident during the entire trip, when
an ardent Self-Advocate (who shall remain nameless) tried to
flood the hotel while taking a shower in a room that did not even
belong to him. I wonder if we can count this as an unscheduled
Flood drill for our OH&S training…..?
RSCL VIEWS Summer 2012 pg 5
My Friend Kathy – By Sue Robertson
I met Kathy in Elementary school. She had one brother and one
sister. Her sister is named Vicki and her brother's name was
Andrew. Kathy went to Pendleton House with me and many
other kids. Her favourite rocking chair was in the living room.
She would rock on it every day. Kathy has brown hair and is tall.
She loves to tap things on the table.
When Kathy got to be an adult she moved into a house with
Sandy who was her friend. Sandy is tall and uses a walker.
When she gets red she will use a wheelchair. Sandy has two
sisters who are younger than her. Sandy loves to laugh and joke
around. Kathy and Sandy knew each other for many years.
Kathy's brother passed away from cancer when Kathy was in
her teens. A er Andrew passed away Kathy would go look in
his room for him every night. About three years ago Kathy's
sister had a baby son. He came to the art show when he was a
few months old. Kathy's mom is Pauline and her dad is Mac.
nd
Kathy and Sandy live in a group home called 2 Avenue. All the
staff loved Sandy and Kathy. Sandy and Kathy used to have a cat
called Sunny. He was black. Sunny would sit with the girls a er
dinner. One day Sunny moved away from the group home for
some reason. Kathy is very special.
While the trip was a lot of fun, we also learned a lot and were
inspired to bring back new ideas. We had a few spirited
discussions about quality of life, funding for services and the
inadequate Person with Disability individual funding. Most
importantly, after the conference experience we are all charged
to take action. We will continue to be active in the Richmond
Self-Advocates group and hope that our increased enthusiasm
will rub off on the rest of the group. Coulson also had the
opportunity to see the SA caucus in action, and he will bring that
experience to his role as RSCL board member.
- Mark Downey, Coulson Hoogveld and Shawn Brabander

Youth Connec ons new Outdoor
Recrea on Area under construc on
In the Spring of 2009 Richmond Society for Community Living launched our
largest campaign ever – to raise funds to build a fully accessible and safe
outdoor space for children, tweens and teens to enjoy recrea onal, crea ve
and medita ve experiences at our Youth Connec ons program. With support
from government and corporate grants, private dona ons and funds raised at
our special events we have raised more than $150,000 and construc on has
finally begun!
To recognize this milestone, RSCL hosted a party to celebrate the construc on
th
phase of this campaign on Thursday, June 7 . Community supporters and local
dignitaries joined RSCL staff and Board members for refreshments provided by
HandyCrew and for a photo op on the site.
‐ Lisa Cowell, Manager, Fund and Community Development
BLAST OFF CELEBRATION
I was very pleased to a end the Youth Connec ons Blast Off
Celebra on on June 7th. Construc on has begun, so it was so
exci ng to see what has already been done, and to visualize what it
will be. This has been an event very much an cipated. It is quite
the accomplishment as it was approximately $150,000 to
construct. It will be accessible for both Youth Connec ons
par cipants and the community. This play space has been the
culmina on of a few years of corporate dona ons and fundraising
efforts of RSCL. The two signature events, A Taste Of India, and The
Benefit of Possibili es, (next one November 15, mark your
calendars!) proceeds were earmarked for this playground.
thank family members that donated a prize, donated an
item for a basket, bought a cket, or a silent auc on item.
All efforts are appreciated and every dollar was well spent.
I look forward to the Grand Opening when we can enjoy all
the hard work and me it has taken to get there.
‐ Melanie Arnis, Board President.
Tours of Youth Connec ons started off the celebra on, and then we
trooped out to the site for picture taking. The day had been rainy,
but thankfully had stopped. Dignitaries included all three MLAs for
Richmond, Mayor Brodie and councilor Bill McNulty. Also present
was Chris ne Campbell, local McDonald's restaurant owner who
represented Ronald McDonald Children Chari es. Smiles all
around!
A er speeches to gratefully thank everyone, we went back inside
for food, the staple of any celebra on which was catered by
HandyCrew Coopera ve. It was also a good me to chat with the
MLAs in an informal se ng, crea ng a stronger link between them
and RSCL.
My thanks go out to so many people at RSCL; Janice Barr, who kept
the project going forward despite delays, Lisa Cowell, who relessly
championed it to corporate donors, and ran the fundraisers with a
boundless energy, Kami Morris, a wiz at crea ng our printed
material, Gail Bains the force behind the Taste of India, all the
managers and staff that organized theme baskets, and came to the
fundraisers. I know how long some of those nights were. I want to
June 7th at the YC Blast Off Celebra on:
Linda Reid, MLA; Lynne Parkes, RSCL board member;
Melanie Arnis, RSCL Board President; Bill McNulty, city councilor;
Coulson Hougveld, RSCL Board member; Mayor Malcolm Brodie;
Rob Howard, MLA; Janice Barr, RSCL Execu ve Director; John Yap, MLA.
RSCL VIEWS Summer 2012 pg 6

RSCL Annual Outcomes Report once again shows
successful service delivery
th
I am pleased to provide you with a summary of our 9
Outcomes Management Report which tracks the results
of our programs and services each year. The information
and analysis derived from the Outcome Management
process is used to highlight areas of strengths and
identify areas requiring improvement. The Annual
Outcomes Management Report is part of Richmond
Society for Community Living's continuous Quality
Improvement Program. The 2011 report is consistent
with previous years in that it shows very positive results
and high levels of satisfaction with our programs. The
average level of satisfaction across the organization for
2011 was 96.26%.
For this report, we gathered information in eight different
programs:
Infant Development Program for families with
infants and toddlers (0-3 years)
Supported Child Development for families with
children and youth using child care (0-19 years)
Preschool & Daycare (3 - 5 years)
Day Programs for children, young adults and
adults with extra support needs
Employment Services and the Richmond
HandyCrew Cooperative (19 and older)
Residential Services for adults with
developmental disabilities (19 and older)
Supported Living for adults with developmental
disabilities (19 and older)
Respite for adults with developmental
disabilities and children/youth with special
needs (all ages)
For each of these program areas, we set goals and
collected information about:
Satisfaction – what the people using our
programs think about the services they receive
from RSCL
Effectiveness – how well things work
compared to the results we expect
Efficiency – how well we make use of the
resources we have
Service Accessibility – how easy it is for
people to get the services they need
RSCL gathered information by sending out surveys,
interviewing people and reviewing files. The surveys
RSCL VIEWS Summer 2012 pg 7
were available in both English and Chinese (where
needed). Self-Advocates that were able to indicate their
preference or satisfaction were also interviewed. Our
overall family satisfaction survey response rate in 2011
was 50.5% for the agency.
We also solicited input from external stakeholders about
their satisfaction with RSCL programs and services.
Stakeholders included agencies that provide funding to
RSCL, other service providers, professionals, and
organizations that refer individuals or families to RSCL.
In 2011, we chose to solely interview External
Stakeholders due to low response rates from mailed out
surveys in years past. Overall, the results of the
interviews this year were very positive. Feedback from
our external stakeholders indicated that RSCL is
recognized and appreciated for:
The quality and commitment of RSCL staff
The personalized nature of the services provided
by RSCL
Strong leadership
Commitment to person centered and family
centered practice
Commitment to advocacy
Lifelong service for individuals and families
What We Have Learned Over the Past Nine
Years
RSCL began formally collecting program outcome
information nine years ago. Since that time, we have
refined our surveys, and determined other ways to collect
information and feedback about our programs and
services (e.g. online surveys, surveys delivered during
annual planning, individual interviews with a random
sample etc.). During the 2009 and 2010 calendar years
we reviewed and revised our Outcome Management
System and in 2011 we further refined the system. Many
of our goals (Outcomes and Indicators) have been
refined and adjusted to further challenge and promote
service excellence.
As a result of the information gathered and analyzed, we
have:
1. Improved personal planning processes and
followed through on established goals set by
individuals and their families;
2. Established an Employment Service
Department, including Supported/Customized
Employment and the Richmond HandyCrew
Cooperative;

3. Advocated for the expansion of early
intervention supports for families, and explored
alternative funding sources for children's
services;
4. Modified programs to accommodate the unique
and changing needs of the people we support,
e.g. renovations, extra staffing, hours of
service, etc.;
5. Created and sustained regular communication
with families and stakeholders, e.g. RSCL
Newsletter, Program Specific Newsletters, RSCL
website, e-zines, Facebook, etc.;
6. Developed a better understanding of the
demographics of the people who access our
services. This has helped us reach out to
different ethnic and cultural groups, e.g.
translated material, changes in hiring practices,
etc.
7. Shifted the priority within residential services
towards developing and maintaining
relationships for the individuals outside of paid
support.
What We Are Working on This Year
At RSCL, we are very proud of our accomplishments this
past year, and we believe we are making a positive
difference in the lives of many people in the Richmond
community. Based on the results of the 2011 Outcomes
Management Report, we are committed to working on
the following improvements this year:
Richmond HandyCrew Cooperative. Specifically
review and discuss:
a. Program and service delivery
b. Service expectations
c. Role and responsibilities
d. Solicit feedback
7. Follow up with each individual that indicated a
“little bit” on the satisfaction survey to
determine the reason for the response and if or
how service satisfaction can be improved.
8. Advocate with the government funding agencies
(e.g., CLBC, MCFD) on behalf of families to
increase the amount of respite funds available
for families and the compensation rate for
respite providers.
9. Explore options to recruit Respite providers from
different cultural communities.
If you would like a copy of the full Report, have a
comment or would like to know more about our results,
you can call us @ 604-279-7040 or visit our web site –
www.rscl.org.
‐Janice Barr, Executive Director
RSCL Supported 1068 individuals in the 2011 calendar
year. The following graphs depict the breakdown of
those we serve in terms of age, ethnicity and diagnosis.
Service Delivery Improvements:
1. Follow up on surveys with less than satisfactory
responses in an attempt to resolve issues and
improve service satisfaction.
2. Advocate for additional funding for early
intervention supports (i.e. infant development
and supported child development programs).
3. Survey Child Care Providers to determine the type
of Lending Library resources that would be useful
in child care centres (e.g. toys, equipment, and
information).
4. Increase the percentage of adults supported
through life services that are engaged in
volunteer experiences in the community.
5. Develop an orientation handbook for individuals
and families involved with Employment Service
and/or the HandyCrew Cooperative.
6. Conduct at least one orientation session for
families that have a son/daughter enrolled in
Employment Services or participating in the
RSCL VIEWS Summer 2012 pg 8

RSCL Employment Services grow
RSCL Employment Services welcomed two new staff this Spring. Katya
Potekhina joined the staff as a Voca onal Counsellor in March. Katya will
be working with HandyCrew and with employment candidates doing
assessments and discoveries for the individuals. She will also be doing job
coaching with the Employment Program.
Suzanne Jackson joined the team in April as an Employment Specialist.
Suzanne comes from the Boys and Girls Club working with their clients to
assist them with their employment goals. Suzanne's role with the
Employment Program will be to market the program and build
rela onships with poten al employers in the business community.
We are very happy to add new faces to this expanding program!
Youth Employment – Update
It's the season to
get outside!
Is your yard ready?
Contact us
to help you with
Need a hand?
We can help...
No job too small
Lawn Mowing, Weeding,
Garden Maintenance,
and Yard Cleanup
including raking, light gardening, pruning,
cutting trees, rubbish removal to landfill,
light carpentry, small moving jobs and more...
For your free estimate
call: 604-241-4113
email: info@handycrew.ca
visit: www.handycrew.ca
Delivery
Services
Call for Details
Thanks to con nued funding from Vancouver Founda on and Vancity
Community Grants, the RSCL Youth Employment Program has seen
significant growth in the past year. Our Employment Specialists con nue
to support the youth that par cipated in our program last year – all of the
youth who secured employment from September 2010‐March 2011
con nue to be employed. In addi on, RSCL has begun working with a
new group of nine young adults who have expressed a desire to find
employment. Four of these individuals are enrolled in high school, the
balance are recent graduates who par cipate in RSCL day services.
Caroline Holat joined the Youth Employment Program last Fall. Since
then, she has par cipated in an assessment and discovery process to
iden fy her talents and abili es, and also to iden fy her desires regarding
the type of employment she would like to pursue. Following a job search
and interview process, she was offered a posi on at Canadian Tire in
th
Burnaby. She began her training on June 6 and shares her experience:
My name is Caroline Holat. Today is June 6, my first day working in the
community. I work at Canadian Tire on Kingsway Street as a Front End
Service Associate. This morning I got ready for work and I am happy to
have a job and be making money. I took the bus to work and had no
problem ge ng there.
When I arrived I checked in with my job coach Diane then I placed my me
card in my slot. I felt proud to be working. Then Stephanie my General
Manager showed me what I will be doing. While helping customers I felt
needed and proud of myself. I'm looking forward to my next shi at
Canadian Tire.
RSCL VIEWS Summer 2012 pg 9
‐ Caroline Holat

IDP Playgroup –
A Place to Have Fun, Make Connec ons, Learn and Grow!
“Our li le girl gets excited as soon as she sees the building because
she knows its 'Playgroup me.'” – IDP Parent
The Infant Development Program Playgroup is held at South Arm
Community Centre every Tuesday morning from 10 ‐ 11:15 am
star ng in September and ending in June. As a family enters the
mul purpose room they are greeted by 2 IDP Consultants and a room
filled with toys for infants 0‐3 years old. The room is set up with a gross
motor sta on, a reading corner, an infant play area, a child size doll
house, and table top ac vi es. The parent/caregiver and child spend
approximately an hour exploring the different toys before
transi oning to a music circle me around the mat.
Parents/Caregivers tell us that the children are happy, comfortable
and enjoy the variety of toys at playgroup. For the parents/caregivers,
it is a me to connect with other parents, receive sugges ons from
IDP Consultants and visi ng professionals. Because all the children
that a end playgroup are part of IDP, one parent shares that it is “nice
to have an opportunity to come to a playgroup where other
children/parents are faced with similar developmental challenges,
and not have to feel like I need to explain about my child's struggles.”
Playgroup is also fun for IDP Consultants. It gives the Consultants a
chance to observe a child in a different se ng, interac ng with other
children and singing songs with families. Over the past two years, IDP
has invited other community professionals to visit playgroup. Visitors
have come from the BC Centre for Ability (Physiotherapists,
Occupa onal Therapists, and Speech‐Language Pathologist),
Richmond Health Department (Dental Hygienist, Nutri onist, Public
Health Nurse, Child Psychologist), Child Care Resource and Referral,
Supported Child Development Program and Family Place. The visitors
have helped address parents' concerns and provided parents with a
personal connec on to other community resources. IDP looks
forward to con nuing having visitors a end playgroups over the
coming years.
Visi ng playgroup also helps the professionals fulfill their program's
mandate. For the BC Centre for Ability therapists visi ng playgroup
gives them the opportunity to “provide consulta on to shared clients,
general informa on to all parents, and also provide developmental
screening to facilitate appropriate referrals.” The Dental Hygienist
comments that “evidence tells us that children with healthcare needs
are at high risk for tooth decay, which can further complicate their
overall health. Being able to talk with the parents at IDP Playgroup
and give out informa on and resources about preven ng tooth decay
is very important.”
Overall, it has been a rich year at IDP Playgroup. We thank everyone
who contributed and par cipated over the year and we look forward
to seeing you in September. Have a wonderful summer!
RSCL VIEWS Summer 2012 pg 10

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver – Richmond/South
Delta/Gulf Islands Division selected RSCL as the beneficiary of
their 2011 fundraising ac vi es. In total they raised $4,250 in
support of the Youth Connec ons Playground.
Coast Capital Savings donated $4,000 to RSCL in support of our
Thursday night Social Group.
RSCL Donors Since March 2012
Satwany Bains
Janice Barr
Bean and Beyond Cafe
Booth Mechanical Ltd.
Gordon Calder
Ian Campbell
Lisa Cowell
Kevin Craig
Dollar Smart
Theresa Edmondson
EJM Construc ons
Johanne Enemark
Fangle Handbags
Paul Flesher
Walter Flesher
Linda Ford
Rachheal Grewal
Miyoko Hamade
Aurea Heikkila
Faye Ho
Gurchain Khaira
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Maria Lavotha
Cynthia Li
Andrew Marshall
Leanne Mar n
Eva May
Ministry of Housing and Social
Development
Nicola Wealth Management
Susan Nishi
Anna Panichelli
Ann Philp
Real Estate Board of Greater
Vancouver
Gordon Steblin
Steveston Bakery
Daniel Tam
Elizabeth Tan
Thai House Restaurant
Vancouver Founda on
Gradua ng students from Kwantlen Polytechic University's Public
Rela ons Program raised $6,454.17 at their fundraiser “Our
Secret Garden”. Proceeds from the event, held at Tapenade
Bistro will benefit Adult Services
nd
On Wednesday, May 2 RSCL par cipated in McHappy Day by
volunteering a couple of hours behind the counter to promote this
worthwhile cause. One dollar from the sale of every Coffee, Happy
Meal and Big Mac sandwich from McHappy Day will be donated to
Ronald McDonald House BC capital fund.
RSCL is grateful to RMHCC for suppor ng our playground renova on
campaign with a $20,000 dona on. In addi on, Chris ne and Bob
Campbell own four Richmond loca ons and are great supporters of
RSCL, including employing one youth through our Youth Employment
Program.
RSCL VIEWS Summer 2012 pg 11

Remembering our History: a legacy of families challenging the status quo
the following ar cle is from a speech made by Faith Bodnar, BCACL Execu ve Director, at BCACL's 1st annual “Reason to Care” luncheon.
More than 55 years ago, families with children with
developmental disabili es came together to say no to
ins tu ons, yes to full rich lives in the community and form
the BC Associa on for Community Living (BCACL). They
stood up and claimed the rights of their children to belong
in their families, to go to school and to have full lives. The
reality was that these pioneers were literally going against
all the history, professional wisdom (if one could call it that)
and loud, nega ve messages of the day: “leave your kids in
the hospital, place them in the ins tu on and go home, get
on with your life as if this never happened, you aren't
qualified to care these children, they don't belong and you
might as well give up now.” “There is no hope”.
The dreams and
resolve of these
parents inspired the
crea on of the BC
Associa on for
Community Living.
These families were
truly courageous,
audacious, bold, and
even considered by
some reckless.
Their dreams were
based on nothing
more than the love of a parent for their child and a belief in
their right to be supported and have a place of value in their
homes, in their churches, in schools, on the playgrounds, in
workplaces and in community. These dreams inspired
BCACL and with it a cascade of supports, ideas, innova ons
and advances in human rights over the next 55 years, not
just for people with developmental disabili es, but for all.
The work of these families is the biggest single force
shaping and advancing all human rights in Canada and it all
star ted with a simple but profound act of parents taking
their children home.
My life bumped into the work of these parents in the early
1960's growing up in Edmonton, in a very middleclass
neighborhood called Lynnwood. I knew nothing about the
forces that had come together, when I asked my mom why
Ellery didn't go to my school, despite being my age and
being a neighbor and when his brother Colin did. Why
didn't Ellery play with us a er school? Why didn't he join
us? Why Mom? Why not mom? My mother answered
saying that Ellery was special and that he went to a special
school on a special bus and played with other special kids. It
didn't seem so special to me.
In retrospect for me it was extraordinary and changed my
life. It was the wave that galvanized the community living
movement across Canada and built BCACL into the force
for jus ce and change it was then and con nues to be
today.
BCACL is honoring the dreams of families in advancing
rights, promo ng ac on and suppor ng abili es of their
children with developmental disabili es.
So that when Mrs. Roberts phoned me last April to say her
son's funding was being cut by 90% and she didn't even
know where to start, BCACL was there and 8 long months
later BCACL was central in ge ng that funding restored
and that by raising and suppor ng the voices of families just
like hers across the province we saw the announcement of
$40 million of added investment just last month by our
government. BCACL spoke up and stepped out with
families and our member agencies and the whole province
listened and the government heard.
So that when Brenda called us to say she was living in
shelter and her son Robert, with au sm needed to start
school in two weeks, BCACL pulled the pieces together so
she could take her three children including Robert to their
new neighborhood school.
So that when a student was placed in a me out room no
bigger than a broom closet in a school BCACL was there to
stand with his mom and say it is unacceptable.
So that when the former residents of Woodlands Ins tu on
demanded that the Centre Block be torn down, it was.
So that when families languish endless waitlists, the
province‐wide unified strength of BCACL's voice mo vates
decision makers to invest in supports and services.
So that when people with developmental disabili es say
their PWD rates of $900/month guarantee nothing more
than a life of abject poverty and despair, BCACL is there to
lead the call for dignified, responsive and adequate rates.
At BCACL our responsibili es are as clear and urgent as
they were more than 55 years ago. We support the abili es
and advance the rights of families and people with
developmental disabili es and in doing so promote the
ac on that leads to the small and large scale changes to
public policy, legisla on and a tudes that transform
communi es to be place of real belonging and inclusion fir
us all. At BCACL, we stretch and squeeze every dollar we
receive, we rely on an amazing small but staff of eight, army
of volunteers, supporters and donors and we depend on
the guidance and support of our member agencies at every
turn.
Visit the BCAC L website for more informa on:
www.bcacl.org
RSCL VIEWS Summer 2012 pg 12

Pendleton Open House
RSCL con nues to change and grow with the needs of the
people we serve. The residents of Muscro House recently
th
moved to the newly renovated Pendleton House. On May 9
Pendleton residen al and day program hosted an Open
House to show off the new site. It was a great success, the
weather cooperated and we had over 100 guests. Thank you
to all for coming and see you at our summer BBQ.
Pendleton House is happy to
announce that Carson
Reimer is our newest
resident. Carson moved in at
the end of May and we are
happy to welcome him to
our family.
Treehouse early Learning Centre
Over this last year Treehouse early Learning Centre has introduced
Emergent Curriculum prac ces. This approach to learning develops from
exploring what is relevant, interes ng and personally meaningful to
children. It is designed to promote learning through the display of simple
materials in an a rac ve presenta on, allowing children to create and
problem‐solve through explora on of a variety of different, interes ng
materials.
Happy
Birthday!
th
On June 5
Melody Edgars
th
celebrated her 50 birthday.
Wishing you all the best!
During this me we provided the children with a variety of paper and boxes,
and through a co‐opera ve and crea ve process they transformed these
materials from a train, to a castle, to a boat, to a tri‐dimensional ocean
scene. The final result was displayed at the Children's Art Exhibi on at
Caring Place in May to celebrate Child Care Month in the City of Richmond.
We are thrilled to con nue expanding the possibili es that this approach
provides to our environment.
‐ Lori Mountain, Treehouse Supervisor
RSCL recently received the dona on of Playland
One‐Day PlayPasses and PNE Fair Gate Admission
Passes through the PNE's KC's Kids Dona on program.
We are very grateful for these passes – these ou ngs
are always a highlight for those a ending
Youth Connec ons!
RSCL VIEWS Summer 2012 pg 13

I have a job and I love it!
At a recent fundraising event for RSCL, Rhianna Coyle shared her
story which included the value of our Youth Employment Program
in helping her to create an independent and fulfilling life:
Hi my name is Rhianna Coyle. I live in Steveston with my parents. I
live downstairs with a big bedroom and bathroom to myself so I
have space to be by myself. I have wanted a job for a long me. It
has been very hard to get one. In high school I did work experience
but I wanted a real paying job. RSCL worked with me to give me pre
employment skills so I would be be er prepared for a real job.
I had supported employment with the Richmond Handy Crew for a
couple of years. I cleaned the head office for a training wage. I
learned to be on me, be a self starter, to be responsible, and get
along with my work friends. But I s ll wanted a real job. RSCL
worked very hard to get me a job, but no one would hire me. I did
get lots of interviews but I s ll wasn't hired. Lots of months went by
and I didn't have a job. I was feeling down and bummed.
Then Audi at the Richmond Auto Mall wanted me to scan their
documents. I tried it out to see if I could do it. I have to unstaple
the papers, I type the number of the paper into the computer, then
copy it, push process documents, push paste, save it, and then I
scan it. It seemed complicated at first, but soon I found it easy.
Audi must sell a lot of cars because there are always a lot of
documents!
Now I work two days a week, for 5 and a half hours a day. It is a long
day for me because I have to take a bus to the mall, and then the
Automall shu le to Audi. It takes me over an hour to get there, but
it is worth it.
Having this job makes me feel important, and useful. I feel more
independent. I enjoy mee ng new people at my job and my
manager and boss are really nice. They give me compliments on
the work I do and it makes me feel awesome.
Having my own money gives me more independence and freedom.
I have bought an iPod, and am looking at a new TV for my room. I
want a big one! It is nice to be able to buy things for my family too. I
was able to buy nice Christmas gi s for them, and that was a great
feeling.
When I am not working I am at Quantam day services, or
volunteering at the Richmond Animal Shelter. I have a great life,
with Quantam, volunteering and now having a job makes my life
complete.
As a major sponsor for our Secret Garden event in
February, we have included the attached
advertisement for Cowell Motors.
Rhianna with her mom and Mark Madryga.
3rd Annual RSCL Staff Conference
In March, RSCL hosted our third annual All‐Staff
Conference at the Execu ve Airport Plaza Hotel. With a
theme of Wellness – Balancing Body, Mind and Spirit, this
two‐day conference provided staff with break‐out
sessions focusing on a range of topics including Non‐
Violent Communica on, Advocacy, the Joy of Working
and Personal Support Networks.
The staff conference offers an opportunity for more than
100 permanent staff (and some relief staff and
caregivers) to get to know one another be er, to learn
together, and to laugh together. This improved sense of
community within RSCL results in an improved ability for
staff to work together to provide the best possible
programs for the individuals that are supported, and for
their families.
The highlight of the conference was our closing keynote
speaker Michael Bortolo o, an mo va onal speaker
who was born with cerebral palsy. His message of
overcoming adversity by challenging internal and
external limita ons and barriers was inspiring for all in
a endance.
Immediately following the
conference, RSCL hosted a Staff
Apprecia on Event which
recognized staff who have
worked with the agency for 5,
10, 15 and 20 years.
RSCL VIEWS Summer 2012 pg 14

RSCL ANNUAL FAMILY PICNIC
THURSDAY August 23, 2012
4-7pm
King George Park
4100 No. 5 Road
Richmond
Games
Prizes
BBQ
Friends
and a whole lot of fun!
Can you juggle?
www.rscl.org
contact 604‐279‐7040 for more informa on
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