Independent Living Philosophy
What is Independent Living?
Independent Living (IL) is a philosophy and a movement that emphasizes the right of individuals with disabilities to live independently, make their own choices, and participate fully in their communities. It is based on the belief that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else and should have control over their own lives.
Core Values and Principles
The Independent Living philosophy is guided by a set of core values and principles, which include:
1. Consumer Control: Individuals with disabilities have the right to make their own decisions and control the services and supports they receive.
2. Self-Determination: People with disabilities should have the freedom and authority to make choices and decisions about their lives.
3. Equal Access: Individuals with disabilities should have access to the same opportunities, services, and resources as people without disabilities.
4. Inclusion: People with disabilities have the right to fully participate in all aspects of society, including education, employment, housing, transportation, and community life.
5. Advocacy: Individuals with disabilities and their allies should advocate for their rights and work to eliminate barriers to independence and inclusion.
6. Peer Support: People with disabilities can benefit from the shared experiences and support of their peers who have faced similar challenges and achieved independent living.
7. Empowerment: The IL movement seeks to empower individuals with disabilities to take control of their lives and advocate for their rights.
The Independent Living movement
IL Movement History
The Independent Living movement began in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a response to the institutionalization and segregation of people with disabilities. The movement was led by individuals with disabilities who sought to live independently in their communities and have control over their own lives.
Key milestones in the IL movement include:
1962: Ed Roberts, a student with quadriplegia, enrolls at the University of California, Berkeley, and paves the way for the first Center for Independent Living (CIL).
1972: The first CIL is founded in Berkeley, California, by Ed Roberts and other disability activists.
1973: The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is passed, prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in federally funded programs and establishing the Independent Living Program.
1990: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is signed into law, providing comprehensive civil rights protections for individuals with disabilities.
Impact of the IL Movement
The Independent Living movement has had a profound impact on the lives of people with disabilities and society as a whole. It has:
– Challenged stereotypes and attitudes about disability
– Promoted the self-determination and empowerment of individuals with disabilities
– Advocated for the removal of barriers to independence and inclusion
– Led to the development of community-based services and supports
– Influenced disability policy and legislation at the local, state, and national levels
promoting full inclusion and participation
Kentucky SILC and the IL Philosophy
At Kentucky SILC, we are committed to advancing the Independent Living philosophy and promoting the full inclusion and participation of Kentuckians with disabilities in all aspects of life. We work in partnership with Centers for Independent Living, disability organizations, and state agencies to create policies, programs, and initiatives that embody the core values and principles of Independent Living. Through our advocacy, education, and outreach efforts, we strive to create a Kentucky where all individuals with disabilities can live independently and thrive in their communities.