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About Us
Community Living Atikokan (CLA) is a community based organization dedicated to promoting the acceptance and value of all persons. We provide a full range of services to meet the varying needs of adults with an intellectual disability.
Originally incorporated in 1969 as the Atikokan & District Association for the Mentally Retarded, the name was changed in 1991 to the Atikokan & District Association for Developmental Services, and again in 2010 to Community Living Atikokan. Over the years as the goals of those receiving services evolve, our association followed suit to better reflect their aspirations.
It is our belief that all persons deserve respect and dignity, and have the right to be an integral part of their community. As a means of fulfilling this goal, CLA plays an active role in identifying the needs of those we serve, and providing support to enhance independence and growth. We offer this through residential services, supported employment, transitional assistance, as well as daily leisure and recreational programs.
Since 1969, the association has served the needs of people with disabilities and their families through a wide range of community activities, projects and services.
The association has acquired a number of properties over the years, including several housing units, an apartment building, the training and leisure centre, and its current office space.
Over the years, the services provided have changed and resources have been used to develop opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to experience growth, quality of life, integration and equality within the community to their fullest potential. In contrast to earlier forms of services that emphasized standardized service options, CLA has moved to a more “person centered” model built around the unique values, priorities and preferences of each individual it serves.
Working closely with individuals and their families, the association assists people to design and shape supports that reflected their own sense of what was needed. While acting as a facilitator and even catalyst for the new arrangements, CLA never imposed options upon individuals or their families. Rather, the approach is to empower both the person and their family to decide as much about what was being planned as possible and to remain in charge of the new arrangement well past the point where it was launched.
At present, CLA supports five individuals in a group living arrangement, provides independent living support for 15 other individuals and employment support for many more. The association continues to be governed by a voluntary Board of Directors and is driven by the following mission: Community Living Atikokan is committed to providing respect, supports and services to meet the diverse developmental needs of people within the community.