The Direct Funding Program has been held up as an excellent example of what can be achieved by a consumer-driven partnership involving government, consumer-run organizations and consumer committee members.*
 
We wish to thank the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care for funding the program and for the invaluable support which has been provided over the years as direct funding developed from the dream of a few consumers, through the stages of Steering Committee consultation and plans, the creation of enabling policy and legislation, to Pilot Project and finally to the reality of a full on-going program benefiting over 700 Ontarians and their families.
 
Direct Funding was developed by consumers and their allies with the full backing of the Independent Living movement in Canada and especially in Ontario. We want to thank our partner consumer organizations who are the members of the Ontario Network of Independent Living Centres (ONILC). While the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto administers the funding and agreements for the program, all ONILC partners provide essential promotion of the program, assistance to applicants and support to self managers in each of their regions of this vast province.
 
One of the great strengths of the program is its consumer-controlled application and selection process which enables greater self-determination for consumers in the application process. We are deeply indebted to the commitment of the many consumer volunteers who assist with interviewing applicants at Selection Panels, and freely offer their time and experience to their peers.
We also offer our gratitude to the consumer volunteers who contribute their exceptional expertise and guidance on the Direct Funding Review Panel. They provide invaluable second opinion regarding some of the very difficult decisions involved in the administration of the program.
 
To the self managers who make the program the great success that it is, and who share their joyful stories with us and with others -- many, many thanks.

 

 

 

 

Collingwood: Breaking Down Barriers- An Independent Living Centre
Kapuskasing: disABILITY Resource Centre for Independent Living 

Kingston: Independent Living Centre Kingston 

Kitchener/Waterloo: Independent Living Centre of Waterloo Region

London: Independent Living Centre London and Area

Ottawa: Ottawa-Carleton Independent Living Centre (OCICL)
Parry Sound: RISE - Resource Centre for Independent Living

St. Catherines: Niagara Centre for Independent Living (NCIL)
Sudbury: Independent Living Resource Centre Corp.
Thunder Bay: Independent Living Resource Centre Thunder Bay
Toronto: Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT)