The Independent Living Movement

a person holding a placard during an advocacy rally

For people with disabilities, living independently means having control over the assistance (i.e. equipment, devices, services) required for daily life, and barrier-free access to amenities such as housing, transport, health services, entertainment, education and employment.

The independent living movement was born out of the 1960’s and 1970’s civil rights movement and is founded on principles of choice, autonomy and control. At its core, the philosophy promotes the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities to live independent lives so that they may fully participate in their chosen community.

The aim of independentlLiving is to emphasizes the value of people with disabilities having access to everyday life experiences by providing community-based, stakeholder-controlled services, support, resources and skill trainings.