Discover Independent Living

By Traci Walters and Emily Ternette

The Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC) and the Independent Living Resource Centre of Winnipeg (ILRC) are proud to present to you the National Independent Living Conference "Progress Through Partnerships," a celebration of Independent Living in Canada, scheduled for August 24-27, 1994 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This major conference and planning process is a demonstration of a new partnership of representatives from the Independent Living movement, the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, the City of Winnipeg, Canadian Corporations and Voluntary Community Groups.

The 1990s represent a period of paradigm shift. The concept of transferring risk from professionals and authorities to consumers requires close examination and analysis. People with disabilities and their associates have an important range of concrete accomplishments to share with policy makers, researchers and decision makers. It is critical that people with disabilities be present at the table alongside policy makers in partnership. This event brings together these key forces in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation to review, study and advance the knowledge base of "Independent Living in Canada."

The Independent Living movement has spent years developing and demonstrating what the term "Independent Living" (IL) means to people with disabilities. The essence of this empowerment philosophy is consumer-control and choice being transferred to the individual with their chosen community supports.

Independent Living is about having choices and options, making decisions and taking risks and even making mistakes if we so choose. It’s not about medical professionals deciding what we should do or how we should take on lifestyle decisions. It’s about working together!

The conference will share knowledge in the recent development of Independent Living Resource Centres (ILRCs). ILRCs are vehicles in the community which demonstrate and promote the Independent Living movement. While each centre has its own unique characteristics, there are guiding principles which are central to the philosophy of all centres, including:
- consumer control;
- cross-disability (inclusive of all disabilities);
- a community base; and
- promotion of full integration and full participation.

As you can see, Independent Living is not about titles, or special names given to programs. It is not about a certain type of apartment setting or location. It is a way of living, it is a way of thinking and a way of being treated as a person with a disability.

We are at a very important stage in the Independent Living movement. We have ILRCs developing throughout Canada. We are demonstrating how the IL model works successfully, empowering consumers in the process, and its cost-effectiveness. It is an alternative service-delivery model which may have an impact on the way all services are delivered in this country, not just services for people with disabilities.

Now is the time for all of us -- people with disabilities, families, business, government, providers and researchers -- to come together to create dialogue and partnerships to plan the next generation of social policies in Canada as it pertains to people with disabilities.

This is our opportunity to demonstrate that IL models work and that they work well. There are extraordinary examples of IL models throughout Canada working in partnerships with providers, business, researchers and government, clearly demonstrating the Independent Living movement as it ripples throughout the community and the country.

With this in mind, "Progress Through Partnerships" will be more than a conference. Together, policy makers, families and consumers will review, study and advance the knowledge base of independent living in Canada.

"Progress Through Partnerships" will feature more than 60 dynamic, interactive presentations from across Canada. National and international speakers will include the most respected leaders in the Independent Living movement. One of the more exciting features will be a satellite link which will join thousands of people across the country. A trade show and display featuring leading manufacturers and dealers from across Canada will demonstrate the newest technologies, adaptive equipment, technical devices, relevant IL research literature, plus many other fascinating attractions. A large poster presentation will also be featured.

As 1994 has been designated the "International Year of the Family," "Progress Through Partnerships" will relate many activities to this theme. The conference will examine the idea of enhancing the role and empowerment of family. As well, through a variety of family-oriented events, it will encourage the sharing of experiences of independent living in order to enhance family life. Specific youth-oriented workshops for a variety of age groups will also be offered. A children’s area will be set up where children can play and share together.

Over 300 delegates are expected to attend this dynamic and diverse event. There will be something for everyone -- speakers, debates, films and events for the entire family. This will be an immeasurable learning experience with countless great new ideas to take away for the future.

Come and be a part of this very historical Canadian event. Celebrate with us "Progress in Partnerships," August 24 to 27, 1994 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as we forge ahead together to the twenty-first century. You’ll learn that Independent Living is not just a concept, but a way of life!

For more information or to register, call the National Conference Office at: (204) 989-2317; Fax (204) 943-8123; TTY (204) 947-0194.

(Traci Walters is National Director of CAILC; Emily Ternette is on the National Independent Living Conference Promotions Committee.)