About Us:

We strive to provide a broad range of comprehensive services through programs to persons with disabilities as well as education and inclusion support to our community and region.

Our focus is the promotion and adherence to the Independent Living Philosophy (IL).  We do not so much believe in doing for others, as we do in educating others to do for themselves.  This is the spirit of IL in our Centre and community. We are proud members of the nationally based Independent Living Canada (formerly Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres) and are thus part of a national network of similar Independent Living Centres throughout all the provinces of Canada.

If you are a person with a disability; a family member or friend of a person with a disability; an employer of a person with a disability; or the general public in need of information and answers related to any disability issue:  Contact Us Today!

Our online presence is our 'dynamic' way to communicate with you.  We update our website frequently, and are continually ensuring the most up-to-date information about our Centre is live.  The programs and happenings of our entire Centre is contained within our website

We are a locally based organization who works directly with the entire community in many capacities as related to persons with disabilities. While we are locally based and directly serve the Thunder Bay community and entire Northwestern Ontario Region, we are proud members of Independent Living Canada (www.ilcanada.ca).  Belonging to this national network of Centres directly links us and our consumers to Centres spanning all of the provinces.  This national strength is focused regionally in the development and delivery of special services and programming unique to our consumers. 

Our Mission

Our mission is to promote ability and independence within an inclusive community.

Our Vision

Through action and education we will achieve a community where an individual's choices and rights are enhanced through accessibility and inclusion.

What is Independent Living (IL) Philosophy?

The Independent Living (IL) philosophy is an alternative approach to the traditional medical/rehabilitation service delivery model. The IL philosophy promotes and encourages an attitude of self direction in consumers so they can negotiate and access the community services and resources they require in order to participate as equal citizens in their community. The IL philosophy recognizes the rights of individuals with disabilities to assume risks and make choices.

Our Purpose and Goals

• To maintain an Independent Living Resource Centre that will encourage self determination, self-help, and participation of all persons with a disability in the community and region.
• To deliver personalized programs and services that develop and enhance individual skills and knowledge associated with independent living.
• To provide opportunities for personal growth and development through volunteer peer support programs, attendant care management courses, and information and referral services.
• To investigate and propose alternative models to fill gaps in service as they are identified.
• To promote public education about independent living and work towards identification and elimination of barriers towards independent living.

Our Centre constantly adapts itself according to the demand and needs identified by individual consumers and the community. We certainly focus on local development within Thunder Bay which includes all regional communities in Northwestern Ontario, but we always remain nationally and globally minded in our efforts to promote...

Community ~ Accessibility ~ Inclusion ~ Education