On Thursday March 25, 2010 AiMHi plays host to the film called
‘Body and Soul: Diana and Kathy’
This film is a rare look at an unusual relationship between two people some would call profoundly disabled. Two remarkable advocates for people with disabilities, Diana Braun who has Down’s Syndrome and Kathy Conour who has cerebral palsy, met three decades ago and vowed to fight to live independent lives. Fearful of being shut away in a nursing home or forced into a state run institution, Diana and Kathy broke the rules, escaped the system and modeled a grand experiment in independent living. This is a story of a profound, creative friendship and about making a difference. This film show time is 12:10 pm and it will be held at Raven Haven.
“This is a topic near and dear to our hearts.” says Julie O’Reilly AiMHi Community Awareness and Supports Coordinator.
AiMHi along with other communities across BC, we recognize the benefits of community living.
The Community Living movement was started by families who wanted a better life for their loved ones. By 1987 all three large institutions in BC were closed down and people moved back into their communities to live, work and enjoy community life. Read more at: http://www.bcacl.org/1980s
The success of the Community Living movement has been immense and the wealth of our diverse community today is immeasurable. People who have disAbilities have become contributing members of society; as self-advocates, they are working, volunteering and giving back to their community in a variety of ways. ”The measure of a country's greatness should be based on how well it cares for its most vulnerable populations.” Mahatma Gandhi
People who live in institutions are isolated and usually segregated from their community. They live behind walls and are denied the right of full citizenship and community participation. Many people are working to influence change; people and family members who want their loved ones to return home to live in their community, but in many provinces their messages have not been acted upon.
Unfortunately, this movement of acceptance is unique to only three provinces in Canada. In fact, many people across Canada remain trapped in institutions. “Large institutions continue to be funded in seven (7) of our provinces.” Taken from the website: www.institutionwatch.ca
It is a wonderful legacy for BC to be the first province to really listen to families and self-advocates. This legacy lives on through continued commitments from our provincial government commitment such as in The Five Great Goals. ”GOAL 3: Build the best system of support in Canada for persons with disabilities, those with special needs, children at risk, and seniors.” http://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2006/stpla...
Our AiMHi Mission Statement says it well:
“Strong communities recognize and celebrate the value of all citizens. AiMHi contributes to a strong community by providing advocacy, supports and services to people who have special needs and their families. Our culture supports people to have good lives at work, at home and in the community.”
For more information call Julie O’Reilly Community Awareness and Supports Coordinator at AiMHi: 250-564-6408 ext 228
View the 2010 Traveling World Community Film Festival Schedule at www.worldcommunity.ca
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