Community Living – Fort Erie is a non-profit organization with over 60 years experience providing advocacy for, and support to, individuals who have intellectual challenges, and their families.
Our name reflects the growing understanding that all people deserve the opportunity to be fully included in the community. We are experts in working with the community to strengthen its natural capacity to welcome and support people who have intellectual challenges so that they are included in all aspects of the community.
Our Mission
Community Living – Fort Erie exists to promote inclusion and to ensure people with intellectual challenges have their rights and privileges upheld.
“Inclusion . . . Not Just A Right . . . The Right Thing To Do”
Our work has moved well beyond the right to an education.
We now work with communities to include people who have an intellectual disability in all aspects of community life.
Community Living – Fort Erie is committed to providing the best possible resources to minimize accessibility barriers.
Accessibility is the extent to which a person can access a device, a service, a building or other environments.
Barriers to service are defined as, but not limited to:
- Structural Barriers
- Environmental Barriers
- Communication Barriers
- Attitudinal Barriers
- Financial Barriers
- Transportation Barriers
Should you encounter any such barriers, please contact:
Community Living – Fort Erie at 905-871-6770.
Our Vision
An Inclusive Community That Only Sees Abilities.
Our Roots and Growth
In 1957 a few parents gathered at Town Hall in response to a newspaper ad placed by a parent of child with Down’s Syndrome. At the time, there were only two services available for children with intellectual challenges. A segregated school in Welland with parent transportation and an institution in Orillia. For adults, the only options were to stay at home with no programs or be admitted to Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital for life.
Parents wanted more for their sons and daughters, so they started their own organization and began by implementing a school program locally. Classes were first held in 1958 in a room at the Canadian Legion and then moved to a small building on Lavinia Street in 1960.
The shift in thinking and attitude towards people with disabilities throughout the 70’s drove the Association to constantly change and improve.
Throughout the years Community Living – Fort Erie has strived to meet the needs of people with intellectual challenges and their families in our community. Volunteers sit on our Board of Directors, assist with fundraising and build relationships between the people we support and their community.
Today we support over 230 families in the Greater Fort Erie Community!!
Need Emergency or Photo Cards?
Emergency Cards
Any person supported by Community Living – Fort Erie who requires an “Emergency Card” (which will contain Emergency Need-to-Know Information) can contact Community Living – Fort Erie at 905-871-6770.
You can also come directly to our office to request one.
Ontario Photo Identification Cards
Service Ontario provides an Ontario Photo Identification Card. This identification card is a convenient alternative for any non-driver to confirm age or identity, providing you are 16 years of age or over and an Ontario resident.
For a participating location near you, call toll free at 1-800-387-3445 or go to ServiceOntario.ca/Find Services.