Independent Living Philosophy

Founded in 1986, Independent Living Canada (IL Canada) is the national umbrella organization, representing and coordinating a network of Independent Living Centres (IL Centres) at the national level.

The Board of Directors for IL Canada are comprised of a majority of people who themselves live with a disability and include Members at Large as well as a representative from each Province where an Independent Living Centre is located.

IL Canada’s aim has been about empowering the individual to self-identify positive changes. IL Centres are designed to facilitate greater independence through the active and meaningful involvement of persons living with any form of disability in all aspects of their lives.

Independent Living Canada (IL Canada) commits to promoting and building awareness of its mission by undertaking the following activities:

Independent Living Canada supports the development of Independent Living Centres, and provides education and leadership for its member organizations, partners and communities.

1. Be consumer-controlled
More than 51% of people directly involved in the organization’s management and decision-making are people with disabilities.

2. Serve cross disability
Offer programs and services to all persons, regardless of the type and number of their disabilities.

3. Be community-based and not-for-profit
More People with disabilities can identify issues in their own communities which affect their lives.

4. Promote full participation & integration
Supporting people with disabilities and encouraging individuals to participate in all aspects of economic, cultural and social life in Canada.

OILRC is all about promoting a new perspective on disability. We believe in supporting and connecting people to useful resources to make their lives easier and more accessible.

Offers people with disabilities, and the community relevant information, which they require. Methods include workshops, Internet access, resource library, newsletters, and telephone referrals and support.

The Peer support program provides services and resources to people with all/cross disabilities in the Ottawa area. In accordance with the Independent Living philosophy, we will provide opportunities to consumers working towards gaining self-confidence, independence, increased skill development and knowledge of community services.

Consumers can achieve and improve their skills by attending existing workshops, information sessions, and social outings. The program offers weekly outings and workshops, with the exception of active and healthy living, Information sessions are provided on topics consumers show interest towards.

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Creates the capacity of the Centre to identify and respond to unmet needs which people with disabilities identify. Examples of current and recent initiatives includes delivery of a national consumer-based employment program aimed at individuals facing multiple barriers, local administration of the Ministry of Health funded Direct Funding Program for Attendant Care, a local partnership aimed at developing crime prevention strategies for people with disabilities funded by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The Empowerment and Skills Development program will provide assistance to individuals with all/cross disabilities in the Ottawa area. In accordance with the Independent Living philosophy, we will provide opportunities for the consumer to gain self-confidence, autonomy, increased skill development and knowledge of community services.

Consumers can achieve skills and develop independence through the offered workshops, information sessions, social outings and more.

For more information, contact us at:
Ottawa Independent Living Resource Centre
214 Montreal Road, Suite 401
Phone: 613-236-2558 Ext. 222
Email: peersupport@oilrc.com