Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: October 29, 2004
• Invested on: September 09, 2005

Diane Richler's commitment and determination have greatly improved the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. An advisor and former executive vice-president of the Canadian Association for Community Living, she now volunteers as president of the human rights organization Inclusion International. One of the advocates who successfully lobbied for the insertion of "people with mental disabilities" into the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, she has had an enormous influence on policy in Canada. She has changed attitudes and practices, bringing about new community resources, the integration of those in institutions into mainstream society, inclusive education, and the self-advocacy movement, where people are empowered to help themselves.