What We Do
ACSL specializes in supporting people with complex physical, cognitive, psychological and behavioural challenges to live successfully in community. We do that based on understanding their likes and dislikes, strengths and limitations, glimmers and triggers – and their hopes and fears. Because everyone is unique, and we all change over time. With individualized programs and highly trained staff, we find the pathways for people to be engaged, involved and interested in the world around them, on terms that they chose. We believe that every person has the right to live in community without barriers so that they can maintain meaningful relationships, participate in everyday life and feel valued as members of society.
What is successful community living?
At its heart, it’s about everyone having the freedom to create the life they want to live, in a community where they feel safe, are supported to live with dignity and can make their own choices.
- Autonomy: Having real choice and control over your daily life, with the ability to make informed decisions about how you live.
- Mutual support: Individual needs are met through tailored care, in an environment where people look out for one another.
- Built-in accessibility: Environments are designed to remove physical and practical barriers, making spaces easy to navigate and use comfortably.
- True belonging: Being included, valued, and welcomed for who you are
Our Approch
Person-Centered Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
At ACSL, we believe that every individual deserves to be understood, respected, and given the tools to live a fulfilling life. We don’t focus on “managing” or changing a person; we focus on changing the environment, building communication skills, and improving overall quality of life.
We use Person-Centered Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)—an evidence-based approach that blends human rights with practical, respectful science.
The Core Principles of Our Approach
Our team works closely with individuals and their families to build a support plan around four key pillars:
- Person-Centered First: The individual is at the heart of every decision. Their goals, preferences, strengths, and choices drive the entire support plan.
- Understanding the “Why”: We look at the big picture. Is the environment too loud? Is the person in physical discomfort? Are they trying to tell us they need space or a connection? Finding the root cause is our first priority.
- Skill Building over Restriction: True independence comes from learning new ways to navigate the world, making mistakes and learning from them. We focus on teaching functional communication, coping strategies, and life skills so that challenging behaviours are no longer the only way to get a need met.
- Proactive Environmental Shifts: Often, small changes to a daily routine, a physical space, or the way staff communicate can drastically lower anxiety and prevent distress before it even starts.
Our Commitment to Dignity of Risk
We believe that living a full life involves making choices, trying new things, and experiencing everyday risks. Our PBS framework is designed to wrap safety and skill-building around an individual’s goals, ensuring they can explore the community and make their own decisions with dignity and respect.
Community Engagement: Belonging, Connecting, and Thriving
True support doesn’t happen behind closed doors. At ACSL, we believe that a full life is lived in the heart of the community.
We don’t view community engagement as just “getting out of the house”. To us, it means supporting every individual to build real friendships, pursue passions, find meaningful volunteer work and employment, and claim their rightful place as active citizens. We don’t just help people visit the community; we help them belong to it.
Our Four Pillars of Meaningful Connection
We match community supports to each person’s unique goals, paces, and interests. Our approach focuses on four key areas:
Our Four Pillars of Meaningful Connection
We match community supports to each person’s unique goals, paces, and interests. Our approach focuses on four key areas:
- Social & Recreational Belonging: Whether it is joining a local art class, signing up for a sports league, attending concerts, or finding a favorite neighborhood coffee shop, we support individuals to explore their hobbies alongside people who share the same interests.
- Employment & Civic Contribution: Everyone has gifts to share. We partner with local businesses and organizations to support individuals in finding paid employment, volunteering for causes they care about, or participating in local advocacy and civic events.
- Independent Living & Navigation: Building confidence in the community is a journey. We offer personalized skill-building to help individuals learn to navigate public transit, manage money during transactions, and safely explore their neighborhoods.
- Building Natural Supports: Paid staff are a bridge, not the destination. Our ultimate goal is to help individuals build “natural supports”—genuine relationships with neighbors, coworkers, shopkeepers, and friends that exist independently of our services.
Dignity of Risk in the Community
We believe that the freedom to explore, take on new challenges, and try new things is essential for personal growth. Our team works collaboratively to wrap proactive safety planning around an individual’s goals, ensuring they can experience the community with confidence and autonomy.
Partnering with Our Local Community
We also work directly with local businesses, community centers, and employers to provide education on accessibility and neurodiversity. True inclusion requires a two-way street: we support individuals to step out into the world, and we help the world become a more welcoming, barrier-free place to receive them.