all about cacl

Founded in 1958, CACL is a national federation of over 40,000 individual members, 400 local associations, and 13 Provincial/Territorial Associations for Community Living. CACL is a national member of Inclusion International, the international federation of associations working to advance the inclusion and human rights of people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Our Mission Statement

We are families, people with intellectual disabilites and supporters working together to ensure that all people:

have the same rights and access to choice, services and supports as all other persons;
have the same opportunities as others to live in freedom and dignity, and have the needed supports to do so;
are able to articulate and realize their aspirations and their rights.

To advance this mission, CACL

Provides leadership for the issue of inclusion, advocating for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and their families, and helping Canadians and communities build an inclusive country.
Promotes awareness about inclusion and provides the tools for making classrooms, workplaces and communities more inclusive.
Fosters leadership of families in the community living movement and supports efforts on behalf of all people with intellectual disabilities through local and provincial/territorial Associations for Community Living and grassroots networks.
Leads community change through partnerships like the Community Inclusion Initiative, a program that strengthens the capacity of communities to include and support people with intellectual disabilities and their families in all aspects of community life.
Puts research and knowledge to work to inform, lead and support efforts to advance rights and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities in Canada and around the world.

CACL's national offices are based in Toronto, with a core of fourteen staff and consultants.

CACL works strategically with other disability rights organizations.