Independent Living

Independent Living, as seen by its advocates, is a philosophy, a way of looking at disability and society, and a worldwide movement of people with disabilities who proclaim to work for self-determination, self-respect and equal opportunities.

In 1972, the first Center for Independent Living was founded by disability activists, led by Ed Roberts, in Berkeley, California. These Centers were created to offer peer support and role modeling, and are run and controlled by persons with disabilities. According to the Independent Living approach, the example of a peer, somebody who has been in a similar situation, can be more powerful than a non-disabled professional's interventions in analyzing one’s situation, in assuming responsibility for one’s life and in developing coping strategies.

Solutions include information, advice, support and training about suitable assistive technology and equipment, funding options, assessment and referral pathways, linking to community services and respite options. Services are accessed by people with disability, older people, their carers, service providers, health professionals, educators and suppliers, and Home and Community Care services providers via Respite and Carelink Centers.

Independent Living means being in control of your own life, taking responsibility for your actions, taking risks, and either failing or succeeding on your own terms. It means participating in community life and pursuing activities based entirely upon self-determined interests and preferences. To support these goals, Independent Living Centers help individuals of all ages with all types of disability to obtain whatever services they need to preserve their right to choose and to fully and equally participate in society.

In the Independent Living philosophy, disabled people are primarily seen as citizens and only secondarily as consumers of healthcare, rehabilitation or social services. As citizens in democratic societies, the IL Movement claims, persons with disabilities have the same right to participation, to the same range of options, degree of freedom, control and self-determination in every day life and life projects that other citizens take for granted. Thus, Independent Living activists demand the removal of infrastructural, institutional and attitudinal barriers and the adoption of the Universal Design principle.

According to the Independent Living Movement, with peer support, everyone - including persons with extensive developmental disabilities - can learn to take more initiative and control over their lives. For example, peer support is used in Independent Living Skills classes where people living with their families or in institutions learn how to run their everyday lives in preparation for living by themselves.

Currently some two million Americans with disabilities are confined in nursing homes, care facilities, and other institutions not because that is what they want or need, but because that's what the government will pay for.

Further Information Regarding Independent Living

The Center for Independent Living - USA
The Center for Independent Living (CIL), the world's first organization of its kind, is a national leader in supporting disabled people in their efforts to lead independent lives. As an organization founded by people with disabilities, we understand the challenges faced by our consumers. This motivates us to achieve immediate and long-term solutions – be it assistance with finding housing or a job, equipping a home with assistive technologies, or enhancing independent living skills.

Independent Living - Seniors in Southern California
Freedom is usually associated with independence. Everyone desires independence - it is a quality that defines American culture and history. Independence is not a prideful or stubborn quality; a person who takes care of himself or herself can be seen as someone who is respectful of others' time, polite in all things and who is willing to work for the niceties of life.

Senior Independent Living in Los Angeles
All human beings have the desire to live independently. As children we dream of the day we become of legal age and can make our own decisions. As renters, we may dream of the day we have our own house and can live independently of a landlord or leasing agreement. We will always have that desire to live independently, as it contributes a feeling of pride and accomplishment.

Pathfinders for Independent Living
Pathfinders for Independent Living, Inc., a nonprofit organization, was founded after the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA.) Pathfinders provides information and assistance to elderly and disabled individuals and their caregivers on how to live as independently as possible.

Independent Living Debate
When it comes to senior housing, there are a surprising number of options available to seniors. While discussions tend to range between assisted living, senior communities and nursing homes, a significant debate exists on the issue of independent living.