1980's-Today

• 1983 The Community Living Skills program was started. This program started with twenty-four (24) people on individual training plans, receiving instruction on a one-to-one basis or in very small group activity groups. Group activities included practical skills such as cooking. The program operated out of the workshop and included six major components: Social Behaviour, Self Care, Communications, Basic Knowledge, Practical Skills, and Body Usage.
   
• 1985 Community Volunteer Connections was formed as a way to link volunteers and developmentally disabled adults who have common interests.
   
• 1989 Name changed to Dryden and District Association for Community Living on July 4, 1989.
   
• 1990 Community Volunteer Connections separates from DDACL and becomes incorporated.

• 2004 MMW Video Conferencing Pilot Project begins in Dryden linking the Association to clinical and psychological support services from Surrey Place Centre in Toronto.
   
• 2005 DDACL posts a permanent web site on the Internet (ddacl.com).
   
• 2006 MMW Video Conferencing Program develops from pilot project.

• Dryden and District Association for Community Living changes its name to Community Living Dryden. The name change is meant to reflect a renewed emphasis on community inclusion.
   
• 2006-2007 CLD undergoes significant renovations as a result of a capital investment from the Ministry of Community and Social Services and the generosity of a loving parent.  CLD also acquires a new building on Colonization Avenue.  The new building is a duplex that is called home by several of the people we support while also leaving space for a respite apartment.
   

  Mary Alberts' generosity resulted in the renovations of our Community Connections Program space.  This space is now officially known as the Mary Alberts Room.  See the photo section for more pictures of the Mary Alberts Room.

  Today CLD continues to be an affiliate of Community Living Ontario. As an affiliate, we are part of a federation of more than 100 local Community Living organizations across Ontario.

  Community Living organizations promote the understanding that persons with developmental disabilities, like everyone else, have the right to be included in the fabric of community life, to live fully integrated lives within their community—to live, to go to school, to work, to enjoy recreation opportunities, and to be active in retirement.

  CLD’s mission is to assist adults with developmental disabilities in realizing their hopes, dreams and goals through our direct service programs and through active involvement in our small north-western communities.

  Within our programs we support approximately 74 individuals and provide employment to approximately 58 staff including full time, part time and casual workers. In addition to our front line staff, we have two Directors of Service, a Regional Access Coordinator for video conferencing, a Transitions Facilitator, a Bookkeeper/Office Manager, a Secretary/HR, a Receptionist/Secretary and an Executive Director.

  The specific direct service programs that we provide to the community of Dryden and the surrounding district include Residential Services, Vocational Services, Supported Independent Living, a Transitions Program, a Community Connections Program, and our Video Conferencing Program accessing clinical supports.