Inclusion Nova Scotia (formerly The Nova Scotia Association for Community Living ) in 1954, as parents and friends of people with intellectual disabilities who recognized the need for provincial and national unity to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. 

Today, we are part of a national Federation that includes 13 provincial and territorial members and over 300 organizations. We are also part of Inclusion Inter-Americana and Inclusion International, the regional and global federations working to advance the full inclusion and human rights of people with an intellectual disability and their families.

 As a provincial non-profit organization and registered charity, our actions  and priorities are issues that affect the lives of people with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and their families in Nova Scotia.

 Together with our members and Federation partners, we believe that everyone should have the same access to opportunities to lead a regular, fulfilled life: grow up at home with your family; be included in school with friends and peers; immerse in a hobby or sport; have a career; travel; make friends; find a soulmate; contribute to your community, and so much more. These are the common building blocks for life for most people in Canada, and the dreams and aspirations of people with an intellectual disability are no different.

Inclusion only happens when the lives of children and adults with an intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder unfold no differently – immersed together with their peers without a disability in the same pathways and experience of life common to us all.