Our Programs
Community Resource Program
The Community Resource Program (CRP) helps people with disabilities in our community to live independently and develop stronger social connections.
We do this through one-on-one support, peer-based recreational and social activities, and our Youth in Transition program.
These programs are open to any individual who self-identifies as having lived-experience with a disability.
One-on-One Support
ILWR’s Community Resource Coordinators (CRCs) are available to support you in eliminating barriers to independent living. Our CRCs work with you to create tailored plans that identify and address issues and concerns, then connect you with vital and varied resources in our community.
If you live in Waterloo Region and have a disability, we encourage you to contact us for more details.
Peer Activities
Developing relationships is a cornerstone of the Community Resource Program. We provide people with disabilities the opportunity to connect with their peers. The CRP offers a variety of social engagements including casual conversation groups, special interest activities (such as movie and book clubs, seated yoga, and adapted exercise), guest speakers, workshops, games, and recreational activities.
For more information, or to receive our weekly activity newsletter, please contact crp@ilwr.ca.
Youth in Transition
This program brings young adults (aged 15-24) with disabilities together in a fun, supportive environment to help them prepare for independent living. Weekly meetings are a great opportunity for peers to get together, share experiences, learn new skills, and have fun.
Youth group events include educational and recreational activities, guest speakers, and group discussions. Our events put a strong emphasis on socializing and team building, with participants taking the lead in planning session topics and coordinating activities with the support of a facilitator.
Awareness and Education
Independent Living Waterloo Region is committed to the removal of barriers for people with disabilities. We believe that the first and most important step to creating a barrier-free environment is to educate individuals without disabilities about the barriers that exist and how we can work together to remove them.
We can provide virtual or in-house awareness training for your business, school, or organization. For more information or to arrange a speaking engagement, please contact Dan Lajoie at dan.lajoie@ilwr.ca.
Program Registration and Accessible Spaces
Our one-on-one support, peer activities, and Youth in Transition programs are currently free to join and do not require an assessment or intake process. These programs are provided virtually at this time.
While delivery of these programs has been affected by restrictions required by COVID-19, we believe in providing an accessible and safe space for all program participants. As such, we fully support both a virtual and hybrid platform, which removes many physical barriers experienced by individuals with disabilities.
