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Living Independently

People with disabilities deserve to live independently. We work to build a more inclusive region where everyone can thrive.

People with disabilities deserve to live independently and thrive in their communities. Nobody should experience barriers to leading a fulfilling life. We get to work each day to do everything we can to build a more inclusive region where everyone can thrive. Any way we can.

THE CHALLENGE

As of 2022, the GTA was home to one million people aged 15 years and up with at least one disability — intellectual, physical or developmental. For too many of these individuals, disabilities mean facing barriers to participating in parts of everyday life others take for granted. Between accessibility issues and discrimination, various factors and unique challenges make it more likely for them to experience poverty, which can in turn make it hard or impossible to afford crucial things like living expenses, medical equipment, medications and more. So with unwavering determination we are working to build an equitable, accessible GTA where everyone can access the things they need to thrive.

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22.5%

of individuals from Peel, Toronto and York aged 15 years and older had one or more disabilities that limited them in their daily activities

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2X

Seniors were twice as likely to have a disability as youths ages 15 to 24 years in 2022

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39%

Resources required to thrive with a disability can cost up to 39 per cent more than thriving without a disability

THERE ARE NO LIMITS TO BUILDING ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES

We support 34 programs addressing the barriers and challenges individuals with disabilities face through investing in our network of community agencies. These innovative programs offer everything from training, workshops, consultations, case management, information sessions, support groups and social programming that help people to live independently. We’re also doing everything we can to ensure vital spaces like our Community Hubs can operate in the neighbourhoods that need them. These one-stop shops for social services promote independent living by offering easy access to social clubs, employment programs and more while promoting engagement and a sense of belonging.  We’re tirelessly driving research, advocacy and policy efforts to break down barriers — like being a part of Ontario for All with 90 non-profit organization advocating for key priorities such as income security and benefit rates for people living with a disability.

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Flexible funding has been incredibly helpful in allowing us to be a nimble and responsive in meeting the needs of the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while also empowering and amplifying their voices to be strong members of our community.

Ann-Marie Binetti, Senior Manager at Community Living Toronto (a United Way-supported agency)

BUILDING A GTA FOR ALL

Building community takes community. Together, we have helped:

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23,927

individuals receive support to live independently in their homes and engage with their communities

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3,331

people with disabilities develop skills that helped them move towards work or volunteerism

People with disabilities should never be limited in fully participate in their communities and enjoying the same opportunities afforded to anyone else in the GTA. United, we can build an equitable and inclusive region free from barriers. Any way we can.


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