National Partnership Funding

Independent Living Canada continues to strengthen our national network ability to respond to local, provincial, and national issues which enhance and support programs and services for Canadians with disabilities through the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESCD) Ministry's Social Development Partnership Program - Disability Component (SDPP-D) funding. Through this contribution agreement, IL Canada supports the ongoing effort of Member IL Centres to implement core programming within our Core Pillars of Service in all areas of Canada.

With more than 22% (or 6.2 million people) of Canadians identifying as a person with a disability; the work of IL Canada continues to be vital in helping shape the positive future for Canadians with disabilities. IL Canada represents hundreds of thousands of independent persons with disabilities at the national level; bringing and strengthening a voice for the cross-disability community in our country. In coalition with 24 vibrant Member Centres across Canada, we are directly connected with programs and services that directly enhance the autonomy and independence of all Canadians with disabilities. Successfully supporting all Canadians with disabilities is paramount across all IL Canada Member Centres, offering programs and services that enhance and create positive change for all Canadians through regional and community work that includes:

1. Modern Approach to Disability:
   Ensuring Canadians with disabilities have access to resources that help educate and promote their understanding of the philosophy of Independent Living, taking control over every aspect of lives with strength, pride and dignity.
2. Community Inclusion:
   Ensuring that Canadians with disabilities are included in every aspect of life in Canada by: insisting on accessibility; promoting self-advocacy skill enhancement; providing broader community education; and championing the value of inclusion for all.
3. Employment:
   Ensuring Canadians with disabilities have equitable access to employment and training opportunities in their communities that promote a direct path to economic independence and dignity.
4. Disability Supports:
   Ensuring Canadians with disabilities have access to self-managed attendant services funding that promote the autonomy and dignity over every aspect of their lives.
5. Financial Security:
   Ensuring Canadians with disabilities have access to resources that create positive change in their lives, lessening and removing the effects of financial insecurity related barriers they are more than 80% likely to endure as a result of being a person with a disability

In partnership with several like-minded organizations across Canada, we are part of the broader disability landscape of national organizations working toward equity, inclusion, accessibility, and dignity for all Canadians with disabilities. We are in direct national partnerships that are involved in:

1. Reversal of the discriminatory MAiD Track 2
2. Reform and redesign of the Canada Disability Benefit
3. Creating accessibility at all events and festivals in Canada
4. Creating the Canadian Disability Inclusion Action Plan that aims to improve the lives of persons with disabilities in Canada