CILT and the Independent Living community as a whole are saddened to share in mourning the passing of longtime disability advocate and former CILT board member, Audrey King. After a lengthy bout of illness, Audrey passed away on March 16, 2025, surrounded by the warmth of friends and family.
It is difficult to encapsulate Audrey’s legacy in one article. From the young people with disabilities that sought her care as a psychologist of over 30 years at the Hugh MacMillan Rehabilitation Centre to international conference patrons attending her renowned speeches, Audrey’s influence was far reaching as a vocal and passionate champion of Independent Living.
Audrey was an upholder of the dignified rapport between a Self-Manager and their attendant as she was one of the first Self-Managers on Direct Funding from back when it was a pilot program in 1995. “Thanks to DF, some 30 years later (and, in spite of ventilator dependence and severe physical disability), I continue to be an independent, capable person living within my own community,” said Audrey. “I am extremely grateful.”
After contracting polio at the age of nine, Audrey was also a staunch advocate for polio survivors and she penned many articles and books sharing her experiences living with a ventilator about how society needed to adapt and better integrate people with disabilities. In 2003, Audrey was a recipient of the CILT Founders’ Award recognizing her significant contributions exemplifying and advancing IL philosophy.
The CILT family would like to extend our deepest condolences to Audrey’s family, friends, and all those touched by her wisdom and kindness. We have dedicated the space below as a tribute to share just a few of the reflections that demonstrate the powerful impact Audrey made on the world.
Obituary:
To read Audrey’s obituary, please visit: https://www.aftercare.org/obituaries/audrey-king-4/#!/TributeWall
The celebration of life service will be held on April 26, 2025 at the Village Mews Pavilion, 255 the Don Way West, Don Mills (Audrey’s residence). It will be focused on sharing favourite memories about Audrey, her wonderful gifts, accomplishments and love for people. Please visit the following link for more details or email cakingzibin@gmail.com: https://cilt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Celebration-of-Life-Invite.pdf
Poems by Audrey King:
Audrey wrote two poems as part of CILT’s writing program, “Wordplay Creative Writing for people with Marginalized Genders and Disabilities,” which you can read here: Wordplay Creative Writing for People with Marginalized Genders and Disabilities
You can also view Audrey reading the poem starting at the 17-minute mark: Creative Writing for people with Marginalized Genders and Disabilities | Reading Event Showcase
My Time Inside an Iron Lung:
Audrey narrates her moving account of spending months in an iron lung and numerous hospitals, and how she managed to overcome those challenges: Overcoming a Lonely Childhood | Mütter Museum
Audrey’s Tale of Flourishing with a Disability
A profile of Audrey’s life told in the context of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) which is now legal in Canada, at a time when many disabled Canadians still find their lives devalued by our society and its institutions.
