How Does BCACL Support Families?

BCACL's mission is to advocate for children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities and their families to ensure justice, rights and opportunities in all areas of their lives. Our federation members - including families of children and youth, adults with disabilities, and service providing organizations - bring important issues forward that determine the focus of our work. In addition, several members of our Board of Directors are family members of a person with developmental disabilities who are dedicated to raising issues of concern to families.

BCACL also supports a Family Support Network for family support workers who work in our member organizations. The Network meets regularly to share resources and information, and also provides valuable input to BCACL's Family Support Coordinator on key areas that require advocacy efforts at the provincial level.

To contact the BCACL's Family Support Coordinator, Jeremy Vis, email jvis@bcacl.org or phone (604) 777-9100. For families living outside the Lower Mainland, please call our toll free number: 1-800-618-1119.

Ripple Effect Family Retreat

Exploring the power of advocacy and community development over the past 50 years, families have built momentum and created a ripple effect for a tidal wave of positive change in the community living movement by advocating for a better life for their children.

To help families continue to secure a bright future for their children, BCACL organizes an annual family retreat called the Ripple Effect. The retreat provides a unique opportunity for families in different regions of B.C. to come together to build their strengths, nourish their passions, and expand their knowledge.

Photo: Families attend the 2009 Ripple Effect Family Retreat in Cranbrook.