the connections story

The history of developmental disabilities in Alberta can be captured in the phrase ‘from eugenics to newgenics.’ It’s difficult to imagine today, but people with disabilities had very few rights and were routinely sterilized only a few decades ago. Newgenics refers to today’s situation where parents with a developmental disability are disproportionately represented in Child Intervention files, even though these parents are less likely to neglect or abuse a child. Today, there continues to be many barriers for people with disabilities to make choices and fully participate in the community. This is especially true in the area of intimate relationships and family.

Connections was founded in 1990 to help adults with developmental disabilities have full lives, supported to have relationships and, if they choose and can manage the responsibility, to have a family. In 1992 Connections Counselling and Consulting Foundation was incorporated under the Societies Act (BN # 890700347RR0001) and initial funding followed in 1994 from United Way of Calgary.