Association of ARC/RRCs Celebrates International Day for Persons with Disabilities

SYDNEY, NS, Dec. 3, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Today, the Association of Adult Residential Centres/Regional Rehabilitation Centres is joining with people from many countries worldwide to recognize United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities.  Each organization is hosting events within their facilities and communities, reflecting this year's theme, Inclusion Matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities. 

The annual event is coordinated by United Nations Enable, to focus on issues that affect people with disabilities worldwide.  There are also sub-themes this year, including:

• Making cities inclusive and accessible for all
• Improving disability data and statistics
• Including persons with invisible disabilities in society and development

"We are proud to join in this global observance and to promote the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities," says Millie Colbourne, Chair of the Association of ARC/RRCs.  "Nova Scotia's ARC/RRCs have consistently advocated for equal rights, empowerment and full participation of persons with disabilities over the years.  Additionally, the programs, services and supports we deliver are provided in a way that encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in decision-making, develop skills and abilities, and participate in family and community life as much as possible."

The membership of the Association of ARCs/RRCs is made up of all the ARCs/RRCs across the province of Nova Scotia including:

• The Meadows Adult Residential Centre, Bridgetown
  http://www.homesforcare.com
• Breton Ability Centre, Sydney
  http://www.bretonabilitycentre.ca
• Harbourside Lodge, Yarmouth
  http://www.harboursidelodge.ca
• LaHave Manor Corporation, Bridgewater
  www.lahavemanor.ca
• Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre, Waterville
  www.krrc.ns.ca
• Quest – A Society for Adult Support and Rehabilitation, Halifax
  www.questsociety.ca
• Riverview Home Corporation, Stellarton
  www.riverviewhome.ca
• Sunset Residential and Rehabilitation Services, Pugwash
  www.sunsetcommunity.ca

Together, the members of the association provide a home and rehabilitation environment to approximately 600 individuals with a complex array of disabilities including intellectual and physical disabilities, chronic mental illness, acquired brain injury and dual diagnoses.

To learn more about the activities occurring in the province's ARC/RRCs, please visit www.arcrrc.ca or the website of the individual organizations listed above.

The Association of ARC/RRCs utilizes the collective leadership, knowledge and expertise of its members to search for evidence-informed solutions for sector challenges, and works collaboratively to effect change and enhance quality of life for persons with disabilities.

SOURCE HEALTH ASSOCIATION NOVA SCOTIA

Millie Colbourne, Chair, Association of Adult Residential Centres/Regional Rehabilitation Centres, Breton Ability Centre, 1300 Kings Road, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1S 0H3, Phone: [phone] ext.3302, Email: [email protected],