Organization
Independent Living Canada(ILC)
Independent Living Canada (ILC) is the national, bilingual, cross-disability umbrella for Canada's network of Independent Living Resource Centres, advancing the principle that people with disabilities are the foremost experts on what they need to live with autonomy and dignity. Originally formed in 1986 as the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC), it rebranded in 2008 to reflect its evolving mandate.
About
Independent Living Canada emerged from the global Independent Living movement, which holds that people with disabilities — not medical professionals or government agencies — should direct their own lives and services. ILC's national office coordinates a cross-Canada network of community-based Independent Living Resource Centres (ILRCs) that deliver peer support, information, and referral services.
What They Do
ILC sets national standards for Independent Living centres, facilitates knowledge-sharing and leadership development among ILRCs, and advocates to federal and provincial governments for policies that uphold disabled people's right to self-determination. It also provides research, training, and capacity-building resources to member centres tackling issues from accessible housing to personal attendant care.
Who They Serve
ILC serves adults with all types of disabilities across Canada, with emphasis on those seeking to transition from institutional or family settings into community living. Its cross-disability approach ensures that people with physical, sensory, cognitive, psychiatric, and complex needs all find a place within the network.
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