Overview

Independent Living Centres (IL Centres) support individuals to put the idea and philosophy of Independent Living into action. Every Canadian IL Centre is governed and staffed by a majority of people who themselves have disabilities. In this way, they can truly understand and respond to the needs of their members and the community. IL Centres are located in urban and rural communities from coast to coast, and each IL Centre reflects the uniqueness of a given community and region. Exercising full citizenship is at the core of the Independent Living philosophy and the work of the IL Centres.

The Canadian IL Movement and IL Centres were founded on four principles. These four principles are: consumer control; cross disability; full participation and integration of all people with disabilities; and community based.

These principles are the basis of the four theme areas or core programs that each IL Centre offers: Information and Networking; Peer Support; IL Skills Development; and Research and Community Development.  Each core program or theme area has a definition, standards and principles.

The IL network also provides an array of programs such as employment, literacy and self-managed attendant care services. All are geared to supporting and enabling people with disabilities to fully integrate and participate in their communities

For more information:

Standards pdf    House of IL pdf'

Standards doc    House of IL doc