International Day of Persons with Disabilities Podcast Series

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Independent Living Canada launches new podcast series to commemorate organization’s 35th anniversary

Ottawa, December 3 – To recognize the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the independent living movement in Canada, Independent Living (IL) Canada has launched a new podcast series of personal stories of Canadians living with disabilities and the impact the independent living movement has had on their lives.

Each podcast episode features a one-on-one interview with an individual with a disability and shares their personal independent living journey. Stories focus on how the independent living movement has guided them to overcome personal challenges and barriers, and how local Independent Living Centres have empowered individuals to become more independent through self-advocacy and accessing opportunities. 

“As we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and mark the significant milestone of IL Canada’s 35th anniversary, we are honoured to share the journeys of these individuals and celebrate their incredible personal accomplishments through this new podcast series,” says Anne MacRae, National Executive Director of IL Canada. 

“Storytelling truly connects us all, and these podcasts help give a voice to people with disabilities whose everyday lives have been positively affected by the independent living philosophy and movement. These stories also highlight the tremendous work that Independent Living Centres across the country have done—and continue to do—to meet the individual needs of Canadians living with disabilities, and to promote the full participation of people with disabilities in society.”

One episode features Paul-Claude Bérubé, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Accessibility Standards Canada. As the first Vice-President of the Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres and the former National President of the Board of Directors of Independent Living Canada, he discusses how the independent living movement has evolved over the past twenty years and how he embodies the principles of independent living in his everyday life. 

“The independent living movement has changed over the past twenty years through the actions of the individuals it has most affected,” says Paul-Claude. “These individuals want to integrate and be respected, but they also want to contribute to the development of Canadian society.” 

In 2017, IL Canada launched a Celebrating 150 Stories of individuals’ personal stories to commemorate Canada 150. This new podcast series provides an update on some of the individuals featured in the book and where they are in their lives today.

The podcasts are available in English and French and will be released every Friday over the next several weeks, starting on Friday, December 3. They can be accessed on Facebook and Twitter and the website. 

More information is available at:
www.ilc-vac.ca

About Independent Living (IL) Canada

Founded in 1986, Independent Living Canada is a national non-profit association of Independent Living Centres lewd by and for people with disabilities who promote the Independent Living Philosophy. IL Canada supports the development of Independent Living Centres, and provides education and leadership for its member organizations, partners and communities.

Contact 
Anne MacRae
Independent Living Canada
Anne.MacRae@localhost
(613) 563-2581 

-END-