Teamwork/PowerPlay

SUPPORTING CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES FOR OVER FORTY YEARS

The Langley Association for Community Living provides services to persons with developmental disabilities. On January 26, 2001, all individuals who receive services through the Langley Association for Community Living were invited to participate in the development of a "Bill of Rights" that was facilitated by David Hingsburger. David is known internationally for his work and support of the rights of persons with developmental disabilities. The "Bill of Rights" provides a foundation for the supports that the Langley Association for Community Living provides.

Due to the positive response by individuals (self-advocates) who attended this event, the Langley Association for Community Living submitted a proposal for funding to B. C. Gaming Commission to create a theatre production based on the" Self Advocates' Bill of Rights". B.C. Gaming Commission approved our request. In September of 2001, we hired a professional actor to begin to teach acting skills to individuals who receive daytime service through our Bridge Centre program.

Within a short period of time, we discovered some hidden talent. Over the course of the next 7 months, the individuals from the Bridge Centre program with the support of the staff team began to practice their "roles" from the screenplay developed by one of the program staff, Joan Keane. Joan directed "PlayRights" with the assistance of the other members of the Bridge staff team.

While in the process of this production, we were encouraged to seek professional support to make a video. A non-profit organization called A.M.E.S. (Access to Media Education Society) in conjunction with Video In Studios assisted us to secure funding to help us produce this video. The important element to this video production was that four self-advocates were selected and became filmmakers with the mentoring of these professional supports. These four filmmakers were responsible for the decisions and direction of this film. On April 26, 2002, Langley Association for Community Living presented" PlayRights". Our theatre production was a huge success with over 200 people in attendance.

kickstART2 Appearances
Friday September 17, 2004  2:30 - 3:30 pm
Video presentation and workshop in the Connections Room
FREE