There are two membership categories of Independent Living Canada: Centre Under Development (CUD) and Accredited Membership.

Centre Under Development

To be accepted by Independent Living Canada as a Centre Under Development an applying group must:

• Be consumer controlled. This means that the majority of the Board of Directors or Steering Committee must be people who live with disabilities
• Be cross-disability. This means that people who live with a variety of disabilities or combinations of disabilities are welcome to participate
• Be community based. This means that programs and supports offered by the Centre are based on needs expressed by consumers in the community
• Have a clear understanding of Independent Living
• Have completed a feasibility study

It is important for applying groups to be in contact with Indpendent Living Canada. This enables the Membership and Accreditation staff to provide information and support throughout the application process. Whenever possible Independent Living Canada helps developing groups to connect with Accredited Centres from across the Network. This peer sharing enables the group to learn more about ILCs and to get support throughout the development process.

Groups seeking membership are asked to forward a completed application which consists of a variety of questions to be answered by the Steering Committee. As well, supporting documentation and the feasibility study is included with the package. This information is forwarded to Independent Living Canada's Membership Committee for their review.

Independent Living Canada has a detailed Eligibility Criteria List for membership. If you would like a copy in alternate format or in print, please contact us directly.