Our History 1952-1967

1952

LACL’s journey began with a group of parents that had a vision for their son or daughter to live, learn and play as valued or at least accepted members of the community.
They had been told by medical professionals, Social Workers, Educators and others in the community that their children needed to be sent to institutions and forgotten.

1955

Dorothy Gooder was convinced that all students should have the same opportunities. She believed innovative, creative teachers could be found and asked to adapt the way they taught.
Parents initiated a pilot project to have their children in a class room to demonstrate that kids with disabilities can learn and teachers can teach.
School program established for six students by parents and volunteers. The first class was in Kintown Clubroom School.
The Lethbridge and District Associated for Retarded Children was organized.

1957

This group of parents and enlightened citizens form the foundation of Lethbridge Association for Community Living and formally incorporate the organization on July 16, 1957.

1959

With volunteer dollars and government help, Dorothy Gooder School was built for 50 students
The organization helped build the school named it after parent and visionary Dorothy Gooder.
The school was segregated, but not because she wanted it to be. It was because Ron, her son, could not get into the neighbourhood school. Dorothy started the school as a demonstration that learning was possible. She successfully proved her point!

1965

1966

1967

As families were drawn to the school from out lying areas parents realized that some students needed a place to stay during the week to ease the need to commute long distances everyday. This was the forerunner to residential services in Lethbridge.

Presidents