Mission

To insure that appropriate supports are in place for people with intellectual disabilities to live, learn, work, and participate in activities in their own communities, alongside non-handicapped people as respected and valued contributing members.

The Goal of GMACL is to make "Community Living" a reality for all people in the Greater Moncton area. GMACL works on behalf of approximately 250 families/people with intellectual disabilities (i.e. a diagnosis of mental retardation).

Our major activities are:

• Maintaining a parent support group.
• Providing advocacy for families and individuals in need of educational, vocational, residential or recreational services.
• Providing an opportunity for individuals to learn to read and write through a Community Academic Services Program (CASP).
• Public education by way of public service announcements, speaking to groups, National Access Awareness Week, in-services to professionals in the field.
• Family and professional training and awareness through sponsoring workshops on issues and innovative approaches.
• Setting up "Friendship Circles" in schools.
• Consulting with government departments and community based organizations to promote community options.
• Sharing information through a newsletter.
• Linking families together.
• Attending planning meetings with families/individuals regarding their educational, residential and vocational futures.
• Advising and supporting People First (a group of self-advocates speaking up for themselves).