‘Raise our voices together’: Community Living flag flies at Huntsville town hall

Huntsville, Ontario – Change happens only when enough of us take a stand.

“To the Town of Huntsville, thank you for raising our flag today,” said Bernadette Lovegrove, board chair for Community Living Huntsville, during a Community Living Month flag raising celebration at Huntsville town hall on May 11, 2026. “Creating a Community of Belonging Together relies on support like yours – and on a shared belief that our community is stronger when people with and without disabilities can live together as respected, included, and contributing community members.”

The event welcomed a crowd of more than 40 people, including Huntsville council members and staff, disability self-advocates, students, educators, local business representatives, local media partners, and supporters.

“People with developmental disabilities, through no fault of their own, continue to face barriers to dignity and belonging in education, employment, housing, and social inclusion,” said Lovegrove. “The only way to create change is to raise our voices together – and today is an important part of that.”

Mayor Nancy Alcock told the crowd that Community Living Month extends beyond those with disabilities. “It actually uplifts our entire community,” said Alcock. “You inspire all of us to make this place a beautiful place to be.”

Suzanne Willett, our executive director, thanked the mayor and town.

“Our community is filled with people who all share something very important in common: we all live here. But, often, some voices are louder than others – and some voices get left out – which can make it feel like some of us don’t matter and don’t belong,” said Willett. “Actions like today’s flag raising are crucial to raising the voices of those who need to be heard, especially if we want to create a community of belonging together.”

She noted Community Living Huntsville had a history of taking action to help raise the voices of people with developmental disabilities, and their families, so this place we all call home is a welcoming and supportive place for everyone.

But there was always more to do.

That is why, she said, our organization worked with people who access our services to launch our Self-Advocate Advisory Committee.

“The committee acts as a voice for the people we support – and that is important because, as disability-rights advocates say, ‘Nothing About Us Without Us,’” said Willett. “Doesn’t that sound like something we all want? Nothing about us without us.”

She stated that 27 per cent of Canadians have a disability.

“That’s a lot of Canadians,” she said.

Willett encouraged every for-profit, nonprofit, service club, community and government organization to listen to the voices of everyone in their community – especially those with disabilities: “And then join us in promoting and advancing meaningful choice and real inclusion for people with developmental disabilities, so people, families, and our community can thrive.”

Need some inspiration?

“One simple – and fun – action you can take almost right now is to get your tickets to our Silent Disco Dance Party happening at Canvas Brewing Co. on May 29,” she added to chuckles and cheers. “Happy Community Living Month!”

Community Living Huntsville is a not-for-profit, registered charity that supports and advocates alongside more than 300 children and adults, and their families, to promote and advance meaningful choice and real inclusion for people with developmental disabilities, so people, families, and our community can thrive. Learn more at clhuntsville.ca and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.