This presentation is part two of the first in a series of "Life Stories" put on by the Coquitlam Public Library intended to raise awareness of people who are from marginalized groups and how they have experienced prejudice, social exclusion or stigma.

In this presentation James Miller and David Webster from posAbilities Employment Services talk about their work in the community and the advantages of having an inclusionary workplace. posAbilities is the product of four community living societies merging in 1998 under the new name of Mainstream Association for Proactive Community Living. The fifth organization, an autism treatment center called Laurel House, joined the Association in 2002. The merger was prompted by the agencies being small and scattered across a large geographic area.

In 2010, the Association chose a new name, posAbilities, a contraction of the word positive (pos) and abilities. This name reflects their focus on diversity and the abilities of all persons served. The change marked a departure from the prevailing view of prior years, which included normalizing or mainstreaming people to fit into existing social structures. Currently, the organization views diversity as an asset that strengthens our communities, as inclusion means that no one is left behind or excluded.

The speakers shared the realities of living as a marginalized member of the community, with the stories of a few clients.

The underlying concept of the library project is the belief that he best way for Canadians to build a better future for all is to understand and appreciate everyone’s past and present.