Who are we?

WIAIH was created in 1958 by concerned parents who joined together to develop programs for their children with intellectual handicaps. As their children grew and their needs changed, so did our services.

The West Island Association for the Intellectually Handicapped (WIAIH) was created by parents to respond to the needs of their children with intellectual handicaps.

Community-based services provide local services to answer the needs of the individual and their families. They offer a choice for parents looking for an alternative to publicly run services.

We are an active organization that offers services to children and adults with an intellectual handicap and support to their families.

Who do we serve?

We support and serve children and adults living with an intellectual handicap or autism and their families.

What is our goal?

We develop and provide programs and services designed to support the independence and empowerment of these children, adults and families. WIAIH takes a leadership role in advocating for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities or autism and sensitizing the community to their rights and needs. We work in collaboration with government services rather than in competition with them, in order to provide more services to families.

How do we function?

We are a volunteer-driven non-profit organization. We operate under the direction of a Board of Directors recruited from the community and are managed by an Executive Director.

What is our philosophy?

All people with disabilities have the potential for growth and self-fulfilment.

Community-based living allows for a sense of self-worth, happiness, identity, competence and belonging, regardless of the presence or severity of a handicap.

Community-based living allows for reciprocal relationships benefiting both society and the individual.

Community-based services provide local services which answer the needs of the individual and their families.

Community-based services promote the right to be involved as equal partners with professionals.

WIAIH respects and supports individual choices on several issues such as: education, recreation and residential needs.

Why should I become a member of WIAIH?

Becoming a member of WIAIH does not only give you access to our services, but also allows your voice to be heard. WIAIH needs to maintain a large number of members to continue being a strong voice in support of families. We monitor government policies affecting the lives of people with an intellectual handicap and their families and advocate on behalf of our members for better services. WIAIH works to sensitize professionals in the health, education, social service and recreation fields. Our services aim to answer unmet needs in areas such as respite care,recreation, and preschool services and to provide parents with an alternative to services offered by the public sector. In addition to direct services, we provide support to parents through discussion groups, current library materials, information meetings and social gatherings. Members receive our newsletter, The Informer, four times a year.

An annual membership costs $25.

Would you like to make a donation?

Just call us at (514) 694-7090. Your income tax receipt will be sent to you upon receipt of your cheque or credit card donation. Our charitable registration number is 10564 5196 RR 0001.