Independent Living Waterloo Region

02/10/2026

Save the Date!!

June 1–2, 2026
Ken Seiling Waterloo Regional Museum

The 2026 National AccessAbility Week Tradeshow & Conference is coming to Waterloo Region.

Join innovators, professionals, organizations, and community members for two days focused on accessibility and inclusion. The event will feature workshops, panels, presentations, vendor displays, a sensory room, food trucks, and more.

Registration will be FREE. Follow our page for updates and details as they are announced.

Interested in becoming a vendor? Early-bird pricing is now available. Email accesstradeshow@ilwr.ca to learn more before spaces fill.

01/30/2026

After a 4-1 win for the Kitchener Rangers against the Sarnia Sting, Independent Living Waterloo Region set up at the Community Corner - a heartfelt congratulations to Scott who entered and won the raffle for a Vincenzos Waterloo gift basket full of treats! Enjoy!

01/28/2026

01/23/2026

The Creativity Series is already half way through!

Visual Arts and Spoken Word workshops are happening in February!

01/15/2026

We are happy to congratulate Donna as the winner of the 2025 ILWR Holiday 50/50 Draw!

Donna didn’t just walk away with a prize, she shared a story that reminded us what community really looks like.

She’s been connected to Independent Living Waterloo Region for more than two decades, continuing the work because, as she put it, “I’m happy where I am. That’s why I’m good at what I do.” For Donna, showing up fully matters – Enthusiasm included!

A proud parent of five adult children and a grandparent to eight grandchildren, she brings that same care, humour, and energy into everything she does. She also shared, with a laugh, that she is “very happily divorced,” and firmly believes that if you wake up dreading your day, it’s time to make a change.

When she realized she had won the 50/50 draw, without hesitation, chose to give a portion back to support Consumers accessing the Community Resource Program.

This is the ripple effect of community support. A draw becomes connection. A prize becomes generosity. And enthusiasm stays exactly where it belongs.

Congratulations Donna and thank you to everyone who supported the draw and helped make moments like this possible.

We look forward to next year’s 50/50 draw. Until then, please visit https://ilwr.ca/donate/ to help support people with disabilities in our community.

01/09/2026

Today we’re revisiting this powerful video featuring Phillip, who shares what independent living means to him. His words remind us that independence is about choice, dignity, and having the right supports to live life on your own terms.

This story continues to resonate — because the values behind independent living don’t change. Everyone deserves the freedom to make their own decisions and participate fully in community life.

Our YouTube channel features a wide range of videos and resources grounded in lived experience, practical information, and community connection — all designed to support independence and informed choice. Check it out!

🎥 Watch (or rewatch) Phillip’s story:

We spoke with some of our Consumers to find out what Independent Living means to them. This is Phillip's story…

01/06/2026

You are invited to take part in the Creativity Series, a hands-on, virtual workshop series designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and support self-expression. This four part series begins this Thursday from 10:30 am to 11:30 am and will continue every other week for the next two months.

Through media literacy (Jan 8th), photography (Jan 22), visual arts (Feb 5), and spoken word (Feb 19), participants will explore new ways to share ideas and stories in a supportive, welcoming space. No prior experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.

Join one workshop or several, engage at your own pace, and leave with practical skills and creative inspiration you can use every day.

Bonus: For every workshop you attend, your name will be entered into a random draw to win tickets to a Kitchener Rangers game in March!

To register: http://bit.ly/4q4hOdb

12/23/2025

From all of us at Independent Living Waterloo Region
H a p p y H o l i d a y s!

As the year comes to an end, we want to send heartfelt wishes to our community partners, staff, Consumers, and supporters. Thank you for the trust, care, and connection you bring to our work every day.

May this season offer moments of rest, warmth, and time with people who matter to you.

With gratitude,
The ILWR Team

12/18/2025

We have a winner! 🎉

A big congratulations to Donna, our Holiday 50/50 Draw winner, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who purchased tickets, shared the draw, and supported the Community Resource Program at Independent Living Waterloo Region.

Your support helps people with disabilities live independently and stay connected in our community.

If you missed the draw or would still like to support the Community Resource Program, you can make a direct donation anytime through our website:
👉 https://ilwr.ca/donate

Thank you for helping make independence possible.

12/16/2025

Someone’s going to win.
And this is how community shows up.

It’s the final days to get tickets for ILWR’s Holiday 50/50 Draw. Half the jackpot goes to one lucky winner, and the other half supports Community Resource Programs for folks with physical disabilities in our community.

🎯 Jackpot: $1,800+ and growing
⏰ Winning ticket drawn: December 18 at 4:00 p.m.

👉 Buy tickets online via Rafflebox:
https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/ilwrcrp5050

The Community Resource Program supports people with disabilities to live independently and build stronger social connections through one-on-one support, peer-based recreation, social activities, and the Youth in Motion program.

12/12/2025

🎉 Our snowman friend is dressed in ILWR colours and has some holiday cheer to share! ⛄

Take a chance in our Annual Holiday 50/50 Draw. You could win half the pot and the other half helps support folks with physical disabilities in our community.

A little limerick fun and a big way to make a difference!

🎟️ https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/ilwrcrp5050