FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, ON, April 28, 2022 — This May, Ontarians might start noticing a lot more blue and green popping up in their communities — and not just from fresh spring flowers. Blue and green are the traditional colours of Community Living Month, a province-wide annual awareness campaign that takes place each May to promote authentic inclusion for people who have an intellectual disability and their families.
People who have an intellectual disability face challenges in their cognitive functioning that affect areas of daily living. Because of this, they often face negative stereotypes and assumptions that underestimate their strengths, contributions, and potential, and exclude them from many parts of society.
As the provincial face of the Community Living movement, Community Living Ontario has been advocating for more inclusive communities for nearly 70 years. Through their more than 100 local member organizations across Ontario, they support and empower over 80,000 people who have an intellectual disability and their families.
Michael Jacques, Community Living Ontario’s first Board President to have an intellectual disability and autism, first connected with the organization through their Reaction4Inclusion youth initiative. “Community Living Ontario taught me that I have a voice and that authentic inclusion means everyone,” says Jacques. “Community Living Month is all about celebrating our efforts to realize this vision, and the people, families, and caregivers who make it all possible.”
Landmarks across the province, including the CN Tower, will be participating in Community Living Month by changing their exterior lighting to blue and green on Friday, May 6th as part of Community Living Ontario’s Shine a Light on Community Living initiative.
But even if you’re not the CN Tower, there are plenty of other ways you can participate, including a blue and green photo campaign, virtual events, and social media actions. You can learn more about Community Living Month and how you can participate by visiting communitylivingontario.ca/community-living-month.
So, if you look out your window this May and see blue and green, take a moment to think about those who have an intellectual disability and the people who support them to live more inclusive lives in your community.
Community Living Ontario is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people who have an intellectual disability and their families advocate for meaningful inclusion in their lives and communities. Learn more at communitylivingontario.ca.
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If you would like more information, please contact Heather Evans by phone at 416-819-5853 or by email at hevans@communitylivingontario.ca.
