Nothing exemplifies the Independent Living principle of “consumer control” more than the Board of Directors of the Centre for Independent Living in Toronto (CILT), Inc.
CILT is one of a very few disability organizations in Toronto that is controlled completely by persons with a disability.
Consumer control means that CILT is controlled by consumers with a disability. Those who are members elect the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting according to the directions set out in the By-Laws. For example, CILT’s By-Laws state:
ARTICLE 19: NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
- A “disabled consumer” is defined as a person having a disability such that, as a result of their disability, the person experiences attitudinal, structural and/or systemic barriers to full integration into society.
- The affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by a board of twelve (12) directors until changed by special resolution. The majority of the board shall be made up of disabled consumers and the positions of President and Vice-President shall at all times be a disabled consumer.
In keeping with our By Laws the majority of CILT’s Board are disabled consumers.
Darren Cooper – Chair/President
Tara Gersonde – Vice Chair/Vice President
Ken Conners – Treasurer
Deborah Daniel – Secretary
Jennifer Hines (member-at-large)
Mandi Brace
Buvani Sivagnanasunderam
Karen Denton
Nadia Kanani
Cathy Samuelson
Jason Herterich
Anita Singh-Shetty
