ILRC Core Programs
Information and Networking:
The Information and Networking Program promotes the ILRC's programs and provides information to people who need it. People can either telephone, write, drop in, or fax the Centre to request or access this information. The program assists people with disabilities, agencies, and the general public.
Research and Community Development:
Research and Community Development tries to identify areas where there are gaps in programs and services. Once gaps in services are identified, Research and Development will work at:
- Developing new programs and providing support to consumers or community groups to implement them;
- Working with existing service providers to extend their programs to include these services;
- Form committees of interested consumers and partner with other relevant agencies, who want to work on making changes regarding specific issues;
- Work with other departments of the Independent Living Resource Centre to provide support and information to enhance their programs.
Peer Support and Interaction:
The Peer Support and Interaction Program is based on the philosophy that people in a similar situation can be of great benefit to each other. The goal of the Peer Support and Interaction Program is to further promote concepts of independent living through peer interaction of people having similar disabilities and/or experiences. The objective of this program is to recruit and train volunteers to give leadership in encouraging other consumers to develop independent living skills.
Independent Living Skill Development:
Independent Living Skill Development assists individuals that may be having difficulties:
- dealing with service providers
- who do not have the information that will help them to make informed decisions
- who do not always know where to turn for assistance.
The goal of this program is to promote the development of independent living skills, so that people can reach their own solutions to their own problems. The program does not work "for" you, but "with" you so that you can develop the skills needed to advocate on your own behalf. These skills may include how to compose letters, make telephone calls or hold meetings with individuals who make decisions that may affect you.
This goal is met with each consumer through a basic three-step process:
- The individual is assisted to identify his or her needs;
- The individual is shown what services may be available to meet their needs and how to access them; and
- The individual is assisted in learning how to cope with the possible bureaucracy of the services or agencies.
Each person is an individual, thus, assistance is provided according to his or her own situation. This program focuses on providing information, referral, training, and empowering individuals.
