The Birth of the Idea
The not-for-profit organization Visions of Independence Inc. originated with the belief that every person has the right to live in the community of their choice, and be supported to do so regardless of ability.
The Manitoba Government announced the closure of one of Manitoba’s institutions in the year 2000. There was strong encouragement for this move from both the Association for Community Living Manitoba and the general community. The goal was that everyone with a developmental disability would be living in the community as opposed to living in an institution.
The Vulnerable Person’s Act proclaimed in October 1996 stated that all persons whom are born with a developmental disability are considered competent unless a hearing process takes place to deem otherwise. Along with the proclamation, a decision to review all cases under the Public Trustee was planned. In many cases, the blanket orders for supervision have been rescinded. Therefore all individuals in our province have theoretically had their rights restored. They have the same rights as every other adult in our community.
Under the advisement of the Pelican Lake Transition team, Adult Family Services, and the Association of Community Living Manitoba, we initiated a Winnipeg based community group to create a board of directors. What the team requested was a community group that would come forth with a “vision” for the named individuals, hence the name “Visions of Independence Inc.” was born.
