Independent Living is premised on the philosophy that all people with disabilities have skills, determination, creativity and a passion for life, yet many are unable to fully participate in the economic, political and cultural life because barriers to full citizenship persist in Canadian society outdated attitudes, inflexible laws and regulations, and fragmented and uncoordinated approach to everything from hiring, to housing, to public transportation.

The IL philosophy is not an abstract concept. Instead, it is about a way of living as a person with a disability in a society full of barriers. This diagram illustrates the IL philosophy in action as a process between barriers, gaps, skills and supports.

The Canadian ILC Process Model

		IL Needs
Individual Barriers to IL Identified by people with Disabilities				Community Gaps & Needs Identified with the full and active participation of people with disabilities
		Information & Networking Skills
RE-INVEST PEER SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE		IL SKILLS		RE-INVEST LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO COMMUNITY
		Service Development Options Explored
Citizens Develop Self-Help Skills				New Community Support Options
		INDEPENDENT LIVING