Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw attention to the vision, the dynamism and the exceptional devotion of a remarkable volunteer with the developmentally disabled: Fay Bland.
For the past four decades, Fay Bland has been the inspiration and driving force behind an independent living skills network which has made it possible for a large number of developmentally delayed young adults to develop their full potentials and to play an active role within the community, thus enhancing their self-esteem.
Fay Bland has been a trailblazer and an inspiration to hundreds like me who have volunteered over the years in the field of intellectual disabilities. Her contribution has been in every way an exceptional one. The creation and flourishing of AVA-TIL has enabled scores of young adults with intellectual disabilities to lead challenging and autonomous lives within the community.
I pay tribute to this remarkable woman and role model who has inspired many of us by her life giving example and action.