A Message from Traci Walters, National Director

Dear friends and supporters:

Independent Living Canada plays a leadership role in promoting and supporting the development of Independent Living Centres (ILCs) across the country. Through our network of Centres over a quarter of a million people living with a disability has access to essential programs and services.

As the national office, Independent Living Canada acts as a liaison between the IL Centres, Federal government departments, parliamentarians, the media, and national disability and non-disability organizations. However, one of our primary functions is to create tools and resources for people with disabilities that help facilitate and support their participation in Canadian society.

I frequently travel to the various Centres and it gives me a chance to chat with the consumers who are participating in the programs and services – from young people to seniors. As an organization that is in a new phase of growth and development, it is important that we keep abreast of the changing needs of our consumers.

Our goal is to ensure that not only do all core programs meet the highest standards but can be modified to address a diverse consumer base. A major priority in the next five years is to expand the Independent Living Canada network to reach more of the 4.4 million Canadians living with a disability.

Canadians living with a disability, who may include your family members, friends and neighbours are and will continue to be our number one priority.

Yours sincerely,

Traci Walters