Committed to Empowering Individuals
At The Independent Living Centre London and Area, we are a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities. We believe that every person deserves the opportunity to live a life without barriers, and we are here to help make that possible. Through peer support, direct funding assistance, and advocacy, we work to break down the barriers that people with disabilities often face in everyday life.
History
While the Self-Managed Attendant Services - Direct Funding program is 30 years old as of 2024, its underlying philosophy and principles date back more than 60 years. It was in the 1960s that a handful of student "consumers" (people with disabilities who use, or "consume" services related to disability needs) attending the University of California defined a non-medical, non-charity approach to disabilities.
Consumers, the students argued, are not sick or in need of a cure. They developed principles of independent living associated with attendant services:
- Consumers should be integrated as fully as possible into communities.
- Those who best know the needs of consumers and how to meet those needs are consumers, themselves.
- The needs of consumers can be met most effectively by comprehensive programs, which provide a variety of services.
The principles and philosophy spread throughout North America and the world, leading to the founding of Independent Living Resource Centres (ILRCs) established with federal government funding. There are now 12 ILRCs in Ontario and a total of 28 across Canada.
Only a few decades ago, users of attendant services in Ontario were generally limited to two options: residing in supportive housing or using Attendant Outreach services. Some consumers, wanting greater choice, control and flexibility than they were receiving from these programs, began strategizing about a consumer-driven partnership between consumers and the provincial government that would allow funds for attendant services to flow directly to individuals. Such an arrangement, they felt, would more fully meet consumers' needs to exercise full responsibility, independence and self-determination regarding attendant services; to live outside designated housing or catchment areas; to have more control over who would provide the most personal of assistance on a daily basis and over the human relationships involved; and to receive the amount of service needed, as well as exercise flexibility over scheduling their services.
Amid this period of strategizing, the government commissioned a review of Ontario's attendant services in 1988. Among other recommendations, the report, "Independence and Control: Today's Dream, Tomorrow's Reality," indicated the need to provide a direct funding option.
1990
In May 1990, the Attendant Care Action Coalition (ACAC), the Centre for independent living in Toronto (CILT) and London Cheshire Homes organized the first-ever provincial attendant services consumer conference, at Woodeden Camp near London, Ontario. It brought together consumers and their attendants, researchers, Independent Living Centre members, government officials and service providers.
ACAC/CILT completed a position paper and a proposed model for direct individualized funding for attendant services. Together with the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres (CAILC), they sent a summary letter to the government.
1992
During the summer of 1992, the province of Ontario's Minister of Health met with the Coalition and indicated a commitment to test this service model, with Independent Living Centres playing a key role in managing the proposed pilot project. A steering committee consisting of government policy people, political staff from three ministries, and consumers of attendant services worked collaboratively on the government policy paper for the direct funding pilot.
1993
In 1993, after years of negotiating by consumers and their advocates through three provincial election periods and as many different parties in power - the Ministry of Community and Social Services Act (Bill 101) was amended to enable direct funding.
1994
The following year, at a consumer conference on attendant services held at Woodeden Camp, the Minister of Health announced that funding had been approved for a pilot Direct Funding project to be run by CILT and the Ontario Network of Independent Living Centres.
The London Independent Centre started its registration process and was a registered charity by 1995.
1997
The provincial government allocated $4.4 million for the two-year pilot project starting in 1994. The Toronto Centre, was chosen as the administrator of the pilot due to its experience with large-budget projects and helping consumers find suitable attendant services. By 1997, 102 consumers were participating in the pilot; all participants took a leap of faith by giving up their rights to use other types of publicly-funded attendant services in favour of hiring and managing their own attendant services through direct funding.
In a subsequent evaluation of the pilot self-managers (as the program participants are called) reported increased self-determination in all aspects of their lives, a reduced sense of vulnerability, greater independence, a stronger sense of self-esteem, more fulfilling personal relationships and greater social participation.
1998
In 1998 the Ontario government increased the Direct Funding budget to $18.7 million and transformed it from a pilot to a full-fledged program with approximately 700 participants. The number of participants has remained at about 700 since 1998, with about 300 on the waiting list. A funding increase announced in late 2011 was aimed at reducing the wait list and enabling up to 50 more consumers to become self-managers.
2011
In 2011, the Ministry of Health announced plans to transfer the administration of the Direct Funding program to the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TCLHIN). This administrative shift meant that CILT receives its Ministry funds through the TCLHIN and is accountable and reports to the TCLHIN instead of directly to the Ministry. CILT also negotiated a three-year agreement with TCLHIN that describes the Direct Funding program, its conception, spells out its unique features and provides demographic statistics so the program is protected in writing and can continue as it is now.
2024
The ILCLA said a grateful goodbye to Pamela Quesnel, its Executive Director, who head been serving the Centre for 25+ years, and welcomed their new Executive Director, Gigi Aggarwal. The centre experienced a lot of change in 2024, moving locations, closer into the heart of downtown, welcoming a new peer support program manager, as well as new partnerships.Â
Board of Directors and Staff Members
Marie Ross
President
Marie Ross is a passionate individual, always taking on challenges to create change and progress in the world. With experience of being on several boards, she carries a fresh perspective of innovation and growth for the centre.
Bonnie Quensel
Secretary
Bonnie has had a long relationship with the centre. Her family helped started and get the London centre going. She continues to share her knowledge and wisdom with the centre.
Kris Jacques
Board Member
Kris is a kind spirited individual who is a self manager on the Direct Funding program offered by the centre. Kris is an example to the community of why the program exists. His warm personality always lights up the room.
Elysa Spetgang
Board Member
Elysa is a fun-loving individual who brings fresh insights and a youthful perspective to the ILCLA board. Passionate about serving the community, she is dedicated to driving meaningful change and supporting initiatives that make a difference. Through her role on the board, Elysa hopes to help create an inclusive, vibrant environment where everyone can thrive.
Becca Brown
Board Member
Becca is a self-manager on the Direct Funding program, a service offered by the centre. She is an individual who is always learning and generously sharing her journey with others. Becca embodies the spirit of a warrior princess, embracing self-transformation with courage and grace. Her humbleness and vulnerability are not only deeply genuine but also bring invaluable richness to the community.
Gigi Aggarwal
Executive Director l Direct Funding Program Coordinator
Gigi brings a deep commitment to empowering individuals to live life on their own terms. Her vision has always been to spearhead change and contribute in a meaningful way to people’s lives. With a strong belief in equity and person-directed care, she leads the organization while supporting its growth in innovative and forward-thinking ways.
Gigi has a deep passion for the Direct Funding Program and the way it transforms lives — enabling individuals to manage their own care, hire their own staff, and take control of their daily living. Under her leadership, the program continues to thrive, helping more people gain the freedom and dignity that comes with self-managed support.
Suruchi Jain
Peer Support Program Coordinator
Suruchi plays a key role in building meaningful connections among people with disabilities, helping to create a strong, supportive community rooted in understanding and mutual respect.
Peer support is more than just conversation — it’s about empowering individuals through shared journeys, building confidence, reducing isolation, and creating a space where lived experience leads the way. Suruchi designs and facilitates programs that bring people together to learn from one another, form lasting bonds, and support each other in navigating the challenges and victories of independent living.
Creating Inclusive Communities
We are committed to building bridges that connect individuals with disabilities to the services, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. By focusing on community inclusion and accessibility, we aim to create environments where everyone is welcomed and valued. Join us in our mission to build stronger, more supportive communities.
