At the end of the public school year in 1955 Vernon, a brand new school was born and opened, along with a vision.
The vision had children with developmental disabilities learning, growing, and belonging.
And it's still being realized 70 years later.
The Vernon and District Association for Community Living (VDACL), home of Venture Training, will host a special 70th birthday party and community day Wednesday, July 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Paddlewheel Park. The event will feature cake, refreshments, A dunk tank, dancing, and games. Gumtree Catering will provide lunch and Night Moves Entertainment will provide the music.
"This year, we proudly celebrate 70 years of inclusion, advocacy, and community-driven change," said VDACL on its website. "Join us as we #VentureThroughTime to honour the movement that began with a simple but powerful dream."
Vernon and District Association for Community Living is a non-profit organization that believes people with developmental disabilities are individuals with the same rights as any other person. They are committed to helping its participants reach their fullest potential regarding their independence and community involvement.
"We provide services for more than 200 participants, currently offering 19 distinctive interactive programs which empower individuals to use their strengths with 'hands-on' skill-building opportunities to enrich the quality of their life," said VDACL.
In February 1955, an association committed to creating educational opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities was created, and Stuart Fraser was elected as its first president.
On June 21, 1955, a brand-new school was born, with three students and one passionate teacher at its head, Mrs. Owen Hooper. The students affectionately called it My School, capturing the sense of ownership and belonging that would define the school for decades. Later, in September 1955, the group formally incorporated an association that is known today as the Vernon and District Association for Community Living.
In the years that followed, enrolment grew, and My School moved through several temporary locations.
In 1959, an amendment to the Public School Act allowed local school boards to support students with moderate disabilities. This pivotal change expanded access to education and laid the groundwork for broader inclusion. The following year, the Vernon School Board donated land at the eastern end of the West Vernon School property. A new, purpose-built facility was constructed for $29,000, funded two-thirds by the Ministry of Education and one-third by the Association. On Oct. 21, 1961, the new My School officially opened — becoming a cornerstone of inclusive education for students under 18.
With the completion of the school, the Ministry of Education had fulfilled its obligation to persons under 18. However, there remained a large group of adults with no place to go.
Edna Oram, a prominent figure in the Vernon community, pioneered the idea of opening a sheltered workshop to meet this urgent need. This workshop eventually opened as the first of its kind in the area and was later named VENTURE, short for Vernon’s Adventure to Nurture, Train and Utilize Retarded Employables (historical name – outdated language, wrote VDACL on social media).
It signified venturing out to a new, better life and was often referred to as the “High School of My School.”
By 1966, a balanced program was being offered at My School, directed by Dorothy Alexander, the newly appointed head teacher. There were 18 students in three classes enjoying daily in-school lessons supplemented with swimming, skating, bowling, and gym activities.
Over the next two decades, My School flourished.
Enrolment increased, facilities improved, and partnerships within the community strengthened. By 1982, the school served 41 students, and the association adopted a new name to reflect the growth and cultural shift in language regarding developmental disabilities. Students began integrating into public schools such as BX, Alexis Park, West Vernon, and Hillview.
My School officially closed in June 1988 as full integration into the public system became a reality.
"This shift reflected a growing belief in inclusive education — where all students learn and thrive together," said VDACL.
Dorothy Alexander, who had led the school for more than 25 years, played a pivotal role in this transition. In recognition of her dedication, the building was renamed the Dorothy Alexander Centre.
As the association reaches 70 years, VDACL is taking time to honour the visionaries, educators, families, and community members who made the vision and dream a reality.
"From a single classroom to a movement that transformed lives, our journey is a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together with compassion and purpose," said VDACL.
