Independent Living Skills

What is Independent Living?

Independent Living is a philosophy and a movement of people with disabilities who strive for self-determination, equal opportunities and self-respect. Independent Living does not mean that we want to do everything by ourselves and that we do not need anyone else in our lives and want to live in isolation. It means that we have the same right to choices and control in our everyday lives that our non-disabled brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends have and take for granted. We would like to grow up in and with our families, go to the neighborhood school, use the same bus as our neighbors, work in jobs that are in line with our education and interests, and have families of our own. Our sole focus is to remove whatever limitations are currently there and transforming those limitations into fruitful skills that will help Individuals with disabilities enjoy an independent lifestyle. Living independently allows us to enjoy a high level of personal satisfaction, confidence, and reassurance. 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.