About Us

About Our Organization

The independent living centre of London and Area(ILCLA) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization that is dedicated to providing consumer-directed services and programs to help people with disabilities achieve independence. ILCLA depends on volunteers, fundraising and donations from grassroots organizations and people like you. Our programs include information and networking, peer support, independent living skills development and research and community development.

We run various social and educational activities each month including a weekly exercise class, outings and more. Most activities are no cost and you do not have to be a member to participate, all are welcome. Optional membership is $5 per year which gives you a free subscription to our newsletter and voting rights at our membership meetings.

Independent Living Skill Development

We help people pursue their individual advocacy goals by offering one on one support. The support can include helping contact agencies or government offices that they may be having difficulties with. By offering this guidance it allows individuals to be better equipped to handle the situations independently in the future.

We hold monthly skill-building seminars allowing members to learn a new skill or stay up to date on information that will help them make good decisions. Past sessions have included Henson Trust, self-defense, emergency preparedness, how to live on a shoestring budget, accessible transportation. and the Ontario Disability Plan. Please feel free to contact the center or take a look at our events page for upcoming events.

Research and Community Development

Our main goal is to identify unmet needs in the community and explore options to meet those needs. In the past, we have achieved this by publishing an access guide to London, booklets on ODSP and inheritances, mousepads with important contact information. Currently, we are distributing a book entitled “Words of Wisdom from One Generation to Another” and participating in the Age-Friendly Network.

Information Referral and Networking

Anyone can visit, call or email us with disability-related questions and we will provide answers or referrals to the appropriate source. Common inquiries include housing, transportation, income, & finances assistance for assistive devices. Networking in the community allows us to make sure everyone knows about us and we can stay up to date with our information.

Peer Support Program

With this program, people come together for an activity that they have suggested, and while they are there, bridges of friendship and support blossom. Problems are solved. There is a sense of belonging. The activity could be a pot luck or a game of battleship, hollywood squares, trivia quizzes, jeopardy, the price is right, chair exercises, or scattergories.

All are welcome!