In a momentous step towards inclusion and equity, Manitoba has announced the closure of its last remaining institution for people with developmental disabilities. On Human Rights Day (Dec. 10th), the Manitoba Development Centre closed its doors for the last time. This decision is more than just an administrative milestone; it marks a profound societal shift towards recognizing the inherent rights and dignity of every individual. For organizations like the Developmental Disabilities Association (DDA), which has long championed deinstitutionalization and community-based supports, this moment is a reminder of how far we have come—and how much further we still need to go.
Deinstitutionalization Matters
Deinstitutionalization is more than a policy decision; it is a human rights imperative. People with developmental disabilities deserve the opportunity to live, learn, work, and thrive within their communities. With just a little support they can reach their full potential. Institutions, by their very design, segregate individuals from society, often depriving them of meaningful relationships, autonomy, and opportunities for personal growth. In the community, they get to decide their path in life.
Through our decades of experience as a community living agency, we know that people with developmental disabilities have better outcomes, improved quality of life, greater independence, and stronger social connections when they are supported within inclusive community settings. Society benefits as a whole by fostering a culture of inclusion and understanding.
Here in BC, the journey to close institutions was neither quick nor easy, but DDA was there. The final piece of the puzzle, Woodlands in Vancouver, closed its doors in 1996. Creating community living required collaboration between governments, advocacy organizations, families, and individuals with lived experience. The transition to community-based services was marked by challenges, including securing adequate funding, find space, training support staff, and addressing public misconceptions.
However, the results speak for themselves. Thousands of individuals who once lived in institutions now enjoy enriched lives in the community, supported by tailored services that prioritize their unique needs and aspirations. Today, DDA supports 2,000 families a year with community-based programs, operates 19 group homes in Richmond and Vancouver and supports over 70 people in them to live as independently as possible.
At DDA, we celebrate this milestone and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities. Manitoba’s decision highlights the importance of ongoing advocacy and the need to remain vigilant in ensuring that every individual—regardless of ability—has the opportunity to live a full, meaningful life in the community.
