People with developmental disabilities have a long history of being segregated from the community, of being labelled as different with no discernible gifts to offer the community, and relegated to participating in the community in unvalued roles. The families involved in Deohaeko Support Network have experienced the pain of seeing their children live unfulfilled lives.
Deohaeko members, their families, friends and supporters have a vision of life where people with disabilities can be seen as valuable, contributing members of their community with gifts to share. Rougemount Cooperative members are learning about this experience and finding ways to include individuals in their community through natural means. In this community, members intentionally seek out ways to support their neighbours and accept the gifts each have to offer.
