Policy Place
Deinstitutionalization and the Beaufort Association for Inclusion:
A Turning Point in Comox Valley’s History
May 2025
In the mid-20th century, individuals with developmental disabilities in British Columbia were often institutionalized in large, isolated facilities. The system lacked the resources, care, and respect that these individuals deserved, relegating them to a life of segregation, isolation and limited opportunities. However, the 1950s and 1960s marked a transformative period in the province’s approach to disability care, beginning with the push for deinstitutionalization—a movement to integrate people with developmental disabilities into community life, where they could thrive in a more supportive, inclusive environment.
A key milestone in this shift occurred in June 1960, with the incorporation of the Beaufort Association for the Mentally Handicapped. The charity was founded with the vision of improving the lives of children with developmental disabilities, advocating for their inclusion in schools, and developing a better understanding by the general public of people with diverse abilities.
During the 1960s and 1970s, as the deinstitutionalization movement gained momentum, several important charities and organizations were established across Canada to provide services and advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. These organizations played a crucial role in shifting societal attitudes towards inclusion, independence, and community integration.