Humboldt and area has plenty to celebrate in October as it’s been declared inclusion month. The region is well known for opportunities in work, recreation and connection for all regardless of abilities. 

With the Government of Saskatchewan’s proclamation of October as Inclusion Month, the city and the province have an opportunity to celebrate the positive difference inclusion has made in the lives of people with disabilities and the contributions people with disabilities make in their communities. It also is an opportunity to acknowledge the important work that staff and volunteers of Inclusion Saskatchewan do. 

More than 6.2 million Canadians - that’s almost 22 percent of the population aged 15 or older are living with some form of disability that affects their freedom, independence or health,” explains Futuristic Industries Director Ray Whitton. “This number doesn’t include disabilities among children and youth under 15 years of age. Disability inclusion at work is more than just hiring people with disabilities. An inclusive work place will use all of its employees for all their strengths. It offers all employees with disabilities visible or not, and I think that’s an important distinction, an opportunity to succeed, learn, be compensated and to advance. True inclusion is really about embracing difference.”

That’s the perspective that the Humboldt agency and the community at large have demonstrated. 

"This month we are celebrating the journey of inclusion our province has been on," Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky said. "Whether it is investing in residential and community supports, or working to create Saskatchewan's first accessibility legislation, we want to ensure people with disabilities in our province can fully participate and feel included in their communities." 

For more than 60 years, Inclusion Saskatchewan, formerly the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living, has aimed to ensure people with intellectual disabilities are valued, supported and included, having opportunities to make choices in all aspects of their life. Inclusion Saskatchewan directly supports more than 2,900 people every year in 13 communities across Saskatchewan. 

"We are thrilled that October has once again been proclaimed Inclusion Month in Saskatchewan," Inclusion Saskatchewan President Bluesette Campbell said. "We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the positive impact that full community inclusion has on individuals living with intellectual disabilities and their families."