It was an afternoon of celebration at the Elk's Lodge In North Bay on Thursday.
Stella Curits was one of a number of speakers as North Bay's Association for Community living celebrated its 70th anniversary.
Curtis is a member of a North Bay Advocacy Council.
"Our advocacy council seen many changes but vision of inclusion remains," she said during her speech.
Megan Waqué, Executive Director of Community Living North Bay says the organization plays a valuable role in the community as it provides services and supports to people who have an intellectual disability and their families in North Bay and surrounding area.
"As we celebrate 70 years, we reflect on our history and the incredible people who have shaped our journey," Waque stated.
"This milestone is a testament to our community's dedication to inclusivity and the belief that every individual deserves to live a life with dignity, respect, inclusion and participation. We look forward to celebrating this special day with the community."
Waque, has only been the executive director with the organization for just over a year, but she says the organization has seen huge changes since its inception in 1954.
"It's so important for clients we have and how happy they are," she said.
"So it really just reflects how far we've come from a time when people with developmental disabilities weren't even allowed in schools and they were just stayed at home, and then how far we have to go just integrating people fully into the community and yeah just a chance to reflect on how far we've come and how far we'll continue to go and integration."
