Independent Living Philosophy
Independent Living (IL) Philosophy starts from the premise that disability is a natural part of life. Some people are born with their disability while others acquire them through injury or illnesses. Even individuals who currently have no disability are likely, with aging and changing circumstances, to acquire a disability. Thus, we are only temporarily able-bodied.
Cross Disability
All persons who have disabilities share a common experience having to face society’s stereotypes and prejudices about disability. Centers for Independent Living (CILs) provide services and promote access for all types of disabilities.
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Peer Support
A peer is someone who has a disability who is a role model, mentor and support person for another person who has a disability. The concept was derived from other peer, self-help movements, such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
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Consumer Direction
No matter the severity of your disability, you have the right to select and manage the services you need. Even if you cannot perform many everyday tasks, you have the right to recruit, hire, train, and manage the services provided by a Personal Assistant.
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Consumer Control
Persons who have disabilities should direct, manage and run the programs that serve them because they are most knowledgeable about their own needs and issues. Consumer control is achieved when, at a minimum, a majority of a CIL’s Board of Directors as well as a majority of the staff are persons with disabilities.
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Self-Determination
Every person is unique and each individual, regardless of the type or severity of his/her disability, has the right to make his/her own decisions about how s/he wants to live his/her own life. and determine his/her own lifestyle.
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