What is independent living?

Independent living is both a philosophy and a movement. People with disabilities who seek to live independently strive for self-determination, equal opportunities, and self-respect. Independent living does not imply that people with disabilities want to do everything by themselves and that they do not need anyone else in their lives. It means that they have the same right to choices and control in their everyday lives that their non-disabled brothers and sisters, neighbors, and friends have and often take for granted. They seek to grow up with their families, attend the neighborhood school, use the community bus line, work in their preferred industries, and have families of their own. At Ability 1st, our focus is to remove limitations and transform them into fruitful skills that will help individuals with disabilities enjoy independent lifestyles. Living independently provides a high level of personal satisfaction, confidence, and reassurance in people with disabilities. Millions of Americans who experience disabilities have an established foundation that allows them to lead lives of independence. They fulfill every imaginable role in their communities, overcoming the barriers of misconception and misunderstandings.