Since 2001, the BCACL Board of Directors has been developing social policy statements to provide a foundation for our advocacy, public education and government relations work. Building on BCACL's Vision, Mission and Statement of Values and Principles and based on resolutions passed by the membership, these statements capture the policies, practices and positions taken by BCACL over its several decades of activity.

The policy statements are designed to assist families, self advocates, staff and volunteer leaders at the local and provincial level to advocate on behalf of people with developmental disabilities and their families. The policies can be used as tools for educating and mentoring new leaders as they emerge at all levels of the federation, as well as communicating to community partners the values, issues and positions that drive the work of inclusion.

There are seven major areas of policy: advocacy, health and well-being, resources and supports, family supports, citizenship and participation, education, and freedom from harm. BCACL continues to develop policy statements within each of these areas.

This work has been undertaken with the assistance of a policy consultant, committee members (including self advocates, families, staff, volunteers and community members) and BCACL staff. Policies are presented to the BCACL membership after being reviewed and formally adopted by the BCACL Board. We are grateful to Vancity's Capacity Building program for ongoing funding in support of this work.

The following policies have been adopted to date:

Health and Well-Being
• Health and Well-being Guiding Principles
• Aging in Place
• Advanced Health Care Directives
• Do Not Resuscitate Orders
• Early Intervention / Early Supports
• Electro-Convulsive Therapy
• Euthanasia
• Restraints
• Right to Treatment
• Sexuality
• Sterilization

Resources and Supports
• Adequate Income
• Eligibility for Community Living Supports and Services
• Having a Home
• Individualized Funding

Inclusive Education
• Inclusive Early Childhood Education (0 – 5 Years)
• Inclusive Education: participation in K to 12 Schools
• Individual Education Plans (IEP)
• Parental Involvement in Public Education
• Special Supports and Therapy Services for School-Aged Children
• Post Secondary Education