Independent Living

The Independent Living movement began to organize in the late 1960's and early 1970's as part of the Disability Rights Movement in Berkeley, California. It was based on the premise that people with disabilities should have the ability to independently participate in the community. It also refers to the idea that people with disabilities strive to negotiate the same choices and control in their every-day lives as people without disabilities are able to do (Bryant & Bryant, 2003; ILI, 2006).  The first Independent Living Center opened in Berkeley in 1972 and has grown from a local effort, to having a national impact on human and civil rights through hundreds of Independent Living Centers throughout the world.

Individuals with or without disabilities who perform independent living skills are in a position to feel more empowered, self-determined, self-respecting, and able to integrate themselves into their home, school, work, and community in general ( Bryant & Bryant, 2003) . These necessary independent living skills, which can be enhanced through the use of AT include:

• Mobility
• Activities of daily living/self care
  • Grooming (washing, brushing teeth, combing hair, etc.)
  • Eating and drinking
  • Dressing
  • Taking care of the house (e.g. cleaning, doing laundry)
• Communication
• Leisure
• School or Work activities

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