Canadian Business Awards 2020

CORPORATE VISION / Canadian Business Awards 2020 25 , businesses and working to better understand how to most effectively interpret and implement its laws. This step will be the next big challenge facing the organization going forward. Finding a place where everyone is afforded the respect they deserve is more of a challenge than first appears. Places like SSILC don’t just work tirelessly to build up those who haven’t been shown the respect they need, but they show the rest of us how far we have to go. Established in 1991 by consumers, for consumers, the team at SSILC works tirelessly to help people with disabilities to find their place in society. Guided by the philosophy of Independent Living, each client is treated with respect and encouraged to embrace their independence in a way that is not always true with disability support providers. SSILC has achieved a tremendous amount of success through its advocacy of a consumer controlled, community based, cross-disability agency that is able to promote the full citizenship of people with disabilities. Meeting these people where they are, the SSILC team applies the philosophy of Independent Living to all their clients. SSILC is fully equipped to support people in as they explore options, make choices, build relationships and take full responsibility for their life. This is achieved through the use of self-identified goals and peer support. Few organizations are more ideally positioned than SSILC to see the many changes happening in Canadian society, which also ensures that the team can adapt its work to fit these trends. These trends often revolve around alternatives to traditional work, for those who experience social anxiety and may not be able to work in this environment; support for immigrants such as training; and volunteer opportunities that have the potential to end with employment both outside and within SSILC’s system. There are several groups that experience social and economic disadvantage, with these people more likely to not only undergo marginalization, Best Disability Support Provider 2020 - Saskatchewan For people with disabilities, finding the right place to receive the necessary support can be an immense challenge. Often, what is needed is not a one-size-fits-all answer, but a safe place inwhich to explore the opportunities available. The South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre Inc. (SSILC) does incredible work, providing these essential services throughout the local area. We lookedmore deeply to find out more. Dec19338 but finding it increasingly difficult to participate in the life of the community as a result. One of the ways in which SSILC stays on top of these changes is through ensuring that it continually engages with people who have disabilities. This attitude applies to its leadership and the organization currently operates with a volunteer Board of Directors, 83% of which are people with disabilities, as well as the rest of the staff, composed of 65% of people with disabilities. As with all organizations designed to support people, it is through these staff members that the results are made clear. Demonstrating care, respect, compassion as well as outstanding professionalism at all time, the team have been able to achieve incredible results. Those who come through the doors at SSILC are always set at ease and allowed to work through things at their own pace. As each person is different, a flexibility of approach is built in, with the need for self-initiative and self- management being paramount to success. The result is not only a workforce that is highly engaged and committed, but also incredibly effective when it comes to providing the kindest possible support no matter what the situation. Looking forward, the team at SSILC has a lot to look forward to. Plans to relocate to a larger location, so as to provide more robust and enhanced programming are underway, with work being undertaken in such a way as to not interrupt any exciting programs. The passing of Canada’s Accessibility Act in 2019 will change the way in which SSILC interacts with Contact Details Company: South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre Inc. (SSILC) Contact: Shari Hildred Website: www.ssilc.ca