About IL
About independent living
Barriers to independent living
For many people with disabilities, barriers in their communities take away or severely limit their choices. These barriers may be obvious, such as the lack of ramped entrances for people who use wheelchairs or the lack of qualified interpreters for people who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Other less obvious barriers can be even more limiting, such as attitudes stemming from people’s misunderstandings and prejudices about disability.
What Is independent living
Essentially, independent living is living just like everyone else. It is having opportunities to make decisions that affect one’s life. It is the ability to pursue activities of one’s own choosing – limited only in the same ways that people without disabilities are limited.
Independent living has to do with self-determination. It is having the right and opportunity to pursue a course of action of one’s choosing.
The independent living movement
The basis of the independent living movement
The opportunity to participate in all aspects of life that one chooses is more than a basic need. It is a very basic human right. This concept has formed the basis of the independent living movement. Since the early 1970s, this movement has worked toward making this right applicable to all people.
Independent living philosophy
Simply stated, the philosophy and ultimate goals of the independent living movement are to guarantee full and equal participation in society for people with disabilities. This means access to education, employment, quality health care, the political process, and to society in general.
Changing attitudes and actions
Prior to the birth of this movement, many individuals with disabilities were relegated to back rooms and attics. These people experienced the anger and frustrations of an externally imposed isolation. The independent living movement brought not only an increased awareness of these indignities, but also the idea that, together, a difference could be made.
More information about the Independent Living movement can be found on the Resources page. You can also contact us via e-mail or phone at 800.826-3700 or 888.396.3459 (TTY).