Independent Living Waterloo Region

11/17/2025

IT'S LIVE!!!!

Our Annual Holiday 50/50 Draw is back raising money for our Community Resource Program! Someone will win half the jackpot and the other half supports accessibility and independence in our community. Tickets available now. Will you get yours today?

Go to: https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/ilwrcrp5050 to buy your tickets now!
Buy 40 tickets for $50!
Buy 15 tickets for $25!
Buy 5 tickets for $10!

11/11/2025

Comfort food, connection, and community...

Join .nicole_ for a cozy cooking experience that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!
Vegetarian chili,  homemade garlic knots, and a classic Caesar salad.
Because comfort food just tastes better when it’s shared.

11/04/2025

"Clothing isn't just about style. It's about confidence, comfort, and independence."

That’s why Sheri Roberts, our Community Resource Coordinator, wanted to share this upcoming session from Spinal Cord Injury Ontario:

Comfort, Confidence & Clothes: Tips and Tricks for Life on Wheels
Wednesday November 5th at 5:30 – 7:00 PM (online)

Whether you dress independently, with support, or help someone else get ready for the day, this workshop offers creative ideas, adaptive clothing tips, and real life solutions for life on wheels.

Sheri says, "Feeling good in what you wear shouldn't come with barriers. This is such a practical and empowering conversation."
Register here: https://www.sciontario.org/pc-event/comfort-confidence-clothes-tips-tricks-for-life-on-wheels/

Join us for an engaging Virtual Peer Connections focused on Adapted Dressing. We will explore a range of tips, tricks, photos, and video demonstrations to help make dressing easier, more efficient, and comfortable! Whether you dress independently, semi-independently, or require full support, this Pe...

11/03/2025

Introducing our NEW Sensory Kits!

Developed to assist those with a variety of sensory needs, including but not limited to those with Autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergences.

Designed in consultation with Porchlight Counselling and Addiction Services, a Sensory Support Kit contains an assortment of items to stimulate and encourage development of various senses. Sensory support items may also reduce stress and anxiety and provide comfort in various environments.

Kits focus on one or more senses: hearing, sight, touch, balance, and self-movement/body position. In addition, RWL offers general kits for exploring fidget items.

This collection is supported by the Lyle S. Hallman Fund held at Waterloo Region Community Foundation

Place a hold today!

Learn more: https://ow.ly/QaHf50XiFCY

10/28/2025

Today, October 28th, 2025, we celebrate the incredible Attendant Services staff who make independent living possible every day. Your compassion, professionalism, and dedication empower adults with physical disabilities to live life their way.

On behalf of the ILWR Board and Administrative Team, thank you for all that you do, today and every day.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

10/14/2025

October is Community Support Service Month - Community Support Services (CSS) are at the heart of helping Ontarians live and age well at home. From Meals on Wheels and transportation, to adult day programs, assisted living, caregiver respite, and much more, these services keep people connected, independent, and healthier, while easing pressure on hospitals and long-term care.

Although CSS touches the lives of millions of Ontarians, these services remain chronically underfunded and too often overlooked. The passion and commitment of staff and volunteers keep these programs running, but greater awareness and recognition are needed to ensure long-term sustainability.

That’s why this October, the theme of Everyone Needs Community Support Services shines a spotlight on CSS throughout the month of October, reinforcing that these services are not optional, but essential!!

The following are some dates for celebration at ILWR:
October 10 Assisted Living Day
October 13-17 Community Care Worker Week
October 16 Falls Prevention Day
October 28 Attendant Services Day

10/10/2025

Today, October 10th is Assisted Living Day!

Across Ontario, community-based services make it possible for people with disabilities to live independently, safely, and with dignity.

Today, we celebrate the dedicated staff, tenants, and community partners who make assisted living programs thrive — creating spaces where people can live life their way.

October is Community Support Month, an opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness about the value of these services and the service providers who deliver them.

Thank you for everything you do to build more inclusive, supportive communities, you know who you are!

09/24/2025

Independent Living Waterloo Region is excited and proud to release our 2024/2025 Annual Report!

This year we:
✅ Supported 298 Consumers through our Community Resource Program, with 533 participants joining 116 peer and social activities.

✅ Provided nearly $90,000 in Access Fund grants, helping 23 individuals access vital equipment and supports.

✅ Provided Attendant Services to support 157 people with disabilities to live independently within their own homes.

✅ Welcomed 15 new Self-Managers into our Direct Funding program, now serving 239 in total.

✅ Achieved record satisfaction levels - 79% Employee engagement and 78% Consumer satisfaction.

✅ Completed the Accreditation Canada Primer Survey with the highest standing, moving forward to Qmentum.

We are grateful for the continued trust and support of our community and partners. Together, we are building stronger pathways to independence, accessibility, and inclusion.

Read the full report here:https://ilwr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ILWR-2024-2025-Annual-Report_FINAL.pdf

09/17/2025

It was the perfect day for golf and raising funds at the Deer Ridge Golf Club Charity Classic Golf Tournament. The Access Fund continues to receive some of the money raised from this annual tournament.

The Access Fund helps individuals with disabilities in our local community purchase assistive devices, adapted technology, and medical equipment to help them live more independent lives. The Chair of the ILWR Board, Greg Barratt had this to say...

08/10/2025

Saturday's dinner was a success! Everyone is so full and happy that we are waiting a little bit for dessert, which the youth baked today....ice cream sandwiches with their own cookies full of chocolate chips, m & m's and marshmallows!

After a day of playing games, baking, and drawing, we surely had built up an appetite!

07/15/2025

🌞 Despite a bit of rain, our 28th Tournament of Hope was a huge success — and it's all thanks to YOU! ⛳💚

Because of your generosity, the ILWR Access Fund supported 23 individuals in 2025 with nearly $90,000 in funding. It was our biggest year ever! 🎉 That brings our total impact to 340+ people and over $820,000 in assistive devices, adapted tech, and medical equipment funded. 💪♿

We are so grateful for your continued support. You’re opening doors and creating possibilities.

Thank you also to the staff and management at Beaverdale Golf Club for all that you did to make our tournament the success that it was!

Here’s to next year’s tournament, we are already excited for it!