“Community Living BC (CLBC) is a crown corporation that works with individuals, families, service providers, community and government partners.
CLBC receives funding from the government.
CLBC supports as many people as it can with this funding.
CLBC connects people to community.
CLBC connects people to funded services.”
and so much more...
Sandra: I was trying to find out how to connect with the greater CLBC community about Luke’s story to create more awareness about this new “awakening” communication for autistic non-speakers using letterboards. Luke is all about advocacy... and every time we do the letterboards with Madison, that’s his big ask, “How can I do more?”
I was pointed to this great website, https://selfadvocatenet.com/ where self-advocates can upload a “success” story. If his story is accepted, he would receive $100, and possibly be chosen to have his story posted in the CLBC Email Newsletter. Well, we submitted it late March, and hadn’t heard anything, until my girlfriend messaged me that she saw Luke’s story in April’s CLBC Email Newsletter! We were so happy to see it, even if it was WAY at the bottom (scroll way down). We were super excited to have this incredible exposure to the entire CLBC Community. Grateful to be in April’s newsletter too, as it is Autism Awareness month! Imagine how many people read / saw his story! Yay, so exciting! Here is a link to the newsletter, full of great things CLBC is doing. Scroll to the bottom to read Luke’s story, or see his story below. https://mailchi.mp/gov/clbc-update-for-individuals-families-april-15-2024-edition#luke
Here is the story Luke wrote:
Finding My Voice: CLBC Story
“I am a non-speaking autistic man from Kamloops. I went nineteen years without a voice. So many were wrong about me and what I am capable of. I am here to tell my story. I found my voice through AAC, more specifically a letterboard. It was great in opening my world. My family calls it the “Great Awakening”. I love them infinitely. They always saw more in me. They didn’t know how to unlock it, until my mom found spelling. Spelling is the single best thing to ever happen to me. I can finally show the real me. I am now on a mission to help other non-speakers. I am also passionate about educating professionals who work in this field. I invite all to have a conversation with me. We can be the face of change. For the first time in my life the people I love are getting to know who I am inside. It's a beautiful thing. Many tears have been shed. It's overwhelming to have your voice unlocked. I'm stepping into a new version of myself. I am excited for my next chapter to begin. I need more allies to make change. I need better funding and more supports who are trained in spelling-based communication. I believe this is achievable. You can help voices flourish. Are you ready to be the change?”
—Luke Verhoeff
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