Centre for Independent Living in Toronto - CILT Inc.

06/12/2026

The annual CILT Awards are now OPEN for submissions! Check out all the links in this post and consider applying.

All CILT Awards are accepting submissions until September 1, 2026.

Sandra Carpenter Award for Artists: https://tinyurl.com/2yhmrxxr

This award recognizes and celebrates a disabled artist whose work reflects creativity, originality, and a commitment to the values of Independent Living.

Helen Henderson Literary Award: https://tinyurl.com/4ybeaer7

This award is granted to an individual who has produced an outstanding piece of writing related to raising public awareness of a disability issue or barrier. The award is presented annually as part of CILT’s commitment to honouring Helen Henderson and raising public awareness about.

Vic Willi Award for Youth: https://tinyurl.com/4y4j4dc8

This award is granted to a young disabled person showing leadership in disability activism and disability rights. The award is presented annually as part of CILT’s commitment to honouring Vic Willi and supporting the development of young disabled leaders in Canada.

06/08/2026

Last week we posed the question for NationalAccess Ability Week, "What is one change you would like to see from the government to better address accessibility barriers experienced by people with disabilities?"

In February, CILT’s Wendy Porch highlighted key areas in her deputation to the City’s Budget Subcommittee:

1. Lack of accessibility coordination

2. Urgent need for housing supports

3. Accessible transit

4. Disability-specific Poverty Reduction Strategy

Link to the video of Wendy's deputation: https://youtu.be/DllMzQczoSg

06/07/2026

We were thrilled to participate in this year's AccessFest today at David Pecaut Square in downtown Toronto. CILT was one of a wide range of orgs exhibiting at this outdoor accessibility fair.

Big Shoutout to AccessNow and event partners for Year 2 of this community festival that advances accessibility, not as an add-on, but as foundational to building a disability inclusive Canada- and a movement.

AccessNow

Alt: 10 photos of scenes from AccessFest -speakers on the main stage; people at workshops and exhibitor tables, and crowd scenes.

06/05/2026

CILT is recruiting for new board members!

Join our dynamic Board of Directors as we continue to empower people with disabilities to live independently and take control of their own lives.

Link and details to apply is on the CILT website or at the following link: https://cilt.ca/join-cilts-board-of-directors-seeking-committed-individuals-to-champion-independent-living-principles-for-people-with-disabilities-2/

06/05/2026

Join our community at AccessFest happening TOMORROW at David Pecaut Square, 215 King St W, Toronto from 9am - 9pm. The event is free for all to attend!

CILT and the Direct Funding team will be there partaking in the festivities and sharing information about managing your own attendant care, putting you in control of your life.

Come and celebrate with us!

06/03/2026

As we continue to mark the contributions of people with disabilities on National AccessAbility Week, creating a more accessible and inclusive society takes collective action from governments, organizations, communities, and individuals.

What is one change you would like to see from the government to better address accessibility barriers experienced by people with disabilities?

06/03/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT: "Renew human rights-based approach to Canada’s housing strategy."
Ottawa, Ontario – Office of the Federal Housing Advocate
June 3rd, 2026

“When governments work alongside those most affected and design policies that reflect real needs, we can achieve lasting change. This is why a human rights-based approach offers a clear and effective path forward to address Canada’s housing crisis and build a more inclusive future.”
– Marie-Josée Houle, Federal Housing Advocate

The Canadian Human Rights Commission is Canadas national human rights institution. The Commission helps ensure that everyone in Canada is treated fairly, no matter who they are.

06/01/2026

Congratulations on 40 years of supporting Independent Living and representing people with disabilities from coast to coast to coast! And a huge shoutout to all member centers celebrating this week recognizing Independent Living Across Canada Day!

06/01/2026

CILT is proud to mark Independent Living Across Canada Day today on June 1st. Recognized annually, this day promotes the human right of people with disabilities in Canada to live with autonomy, inclusion and independence in their communities.

At a time of growing erosion of these rights, CILT calls on all societal sectors to advance bold progress towards people with disabilities realizing these rights.

Last year, CILT celebrated 40 years of empowering people with disabilities to live independently and control their own lives.

05/31/2026

It's National AccessAbility Week and we want to honour it by sharing CILT’s commitment to accessibility!

Access is a core principle of Independent Living. It's a necessary step towards dignified equity and inclusion for disabled people. We strive and advocate for embedding accessibility into programs and services from the start.

What is one thing you can commit to this week to improve accessibility at your organization or in your community?