We are a family-based charity organization, assisting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families, dedicated to attaining full participation in community life, and ending exclusion or discrimination on the basis of intellectual or developmental disability. Inclusion Advocacy has been incorporated as a not-for profit charity since 1987 (formerly The Greater Moncton Association of Community Living.)


Advocacy and Empowerment

IA supports individuals and their families to navigate complex service systems and empower them to have more control over decisions that impact their lives.  Advocacy is a primary focus of IASENB’s work.

By developing collaborative partnerships with government services, other community agencies and the wider community IA assists self-advocates, and their families access to income support, transportation, health care, education and skill training, recreation opportunities.   

Services and Support

Creating inclusive communities where individuals with IDD can have meaningful participation and are valued is the overarching goal of this association.  IASENB provides support to persons with IDD and their families individually and through a variety of programs and services

Programs include:

  • PATH training and facilitation: a person-centred training approach to assist individuals and their families with decision-making at transition times in life
  • Literacy Tutoring:  One-on-one literacy tutoring for adults.
  • Supporting “People First” (self-advocate) group
  • One -on-one support 
  • Skill building workshops

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors at IASENB are dedicated volunteers who generously contribute their time and expertise.  We welcome new candidates

Current Board

  • Chair: Kourtney Stevenson
  • Vice Chair:  Stephane Amirault
  • Secretary: Terry MacTavish-Hawkes
  • Treasurer: Joanne Marshall-Forgie
  • Member at Large:  Dan Robichaud
  • Member at Large: Esther Ikubaje
  • Member at Large: Kat Leger
  • Member at Large: Robin Losier

Staff

Connie Melanson has served as the Executive Director of Inclusion Advocacy since December 2003.

With over 30 years of experience in recreation and a strong background in community service, she has held key positions in YMCA organizations and served as the Director of Recreation and Leisure Services with Centra-Care Inc.   She has over 25 years of involvement with the Association for Community Living (ACL) and is a trained Facilitator for “Circle of Friends” and PATH (Person Centred Futures Planning). Connie participates on multiple boards, including the Moncton Accessibility Committee and the Greater Moncton Down Syndrome Society. Her dedication has earned her several awards, including the YWCA “2007 Woman of Distinction in Public and Community Service.”