The Board of Directors of Independent Living Canada is pleased to announce the hiring of Louise Bergeron as the National Director, effective July 15, 2010.  more ...

Minister Cannon Invites Disability Stakeholders to Witness Ratification of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

The RDSP is a savings plan designed for the long-term financial stability of people with disabilities. In addition to the savings plan, contributions may be supplemented by a Canada Disability Savings Grant and Canada Disability Savings Bond. more ...

Welcome to Independent Living Canada! Independent Living is a philosophy, a way of viewing oneself and a way of society viewing people with disabilities. It is a matter of perception. When individuals with disabilities have control over the decision-making process and the services that enable them to participate in all aspects of society, the overarching notion that individuals with disabilities are only in need of care is challenged.

This philosophy is facilitated by Independent Living Canada and its network of member Independent Living (IL) Centres. The IL Centres provide a focal point in local communities that facilitates this new perspective on disability. The disability is not the problem; rather, the disabling conditions in society are. When barriers are removed, individuals with disabilities have greater choice and control over the supports that they need and the resources that are required in reducing barriers to mainstream society.

The term ‘Independent Living’ as defined by people with disabilities does not mean doing things for yourself, or living on your own. It means having choice and control over the assistance and/or equipment/assistive devices needed for daily life and having access to amenities that society has to offer such as housing, transport, health services, employment, as well as entertainment, education and training opportunities.

Independent Living Canada and its member IL Centres work with individuals with disabilities to have greater choices and control over how support is provided. This philosophy is exemplified at local IL Centres and the ripple effect of the principles and practice of this philosophy is transferable to mainstream service providers, businesses, public sector, educational facilities and government programs and policies.

To learn more about Independent Living Canada, the Independent Living movement, our programs, services and resources simply navigate around this website.