Defining the philosophy of independent living isn’t all that difficult. Simply put, it means that even with a disability we want to be able to make choices about the things we believe are important. We are the ones living our lives and coping with our disabilities. We are the experts on what we need and what we are capable of doing.
That idea is simple, but it matters a great deal. It means people with disabilities should not have other people decide everything for them. We know our own bodies, our own homes, our own routines, and our own goals. We may need help sometimes, but help should support our choices, not replace them. Independent living is about having control over your own life.
Unfortunately, when you are disabled, you may find that your choices are limited by physical or societal barriers. These barriers may be obvious, such as the absence of ramped entrances for people who use wheelchairs, a lack of interpreters or captioning for people that can’t hear, or a lack of Braille or taped copies of printed materials for people who have visual impairments.
These barriers can show up in everyday places. A store may have a step at the door and no ramp. A meeting may not offer captions, so a person who is deaf misses important information. A form may be printed in small type with no alternative format, so a person with low vision cannot read it. These are not small problems. They can keep people from shopping, learning, working, voting, and taking part in community life.
There are other barriers too – frequently less obvious – that can make it even more difficult for those with a disability to live independently. These barriers are caused by people’s misunderstandings and prejudices about disability. They result in low expectations about things people with disabilities can do.
These less obvious barriers can be just as limiting as stairs or missing captions. Sometimes people speak to a person with a disability as if that person is not in the room. Sometimes they assume help is needed before asking. Sometimes they doubt what a person can do because of how they look or move. Low expectations can shut doors before a person even gets a chance to try.
Independent living should not merely be defined in terms of living on one’s own, being employed in a job fitting one’s capabilities and interests, or having an active social life. Independent living has to do with self-determination. It is having the right and the opportunity to pursue a course of action. And, it is having the freedom to fail and to learn from one’s failures just as non-disabled people do.
That is an important point. Independent living does not mean a person must do everything alone. Many people who do not have disabilities also rely on others for help, advice, or support. The real issue is choice. A person may choose to live with family, with a roommate, or alone. A person may use personal care, a ride service, a communication aid, or a job coach. The key is that the person gets to decide what works best.
It also means people with disabilities should be allowed to take chances. Everyone learns by trying, making mistakes, and trying again. A student may try a new class and find it is not the right fit. A worker may try a new task and need more practice. A person may move into a new home and learn that a different setup would work better. That is part of living and growing. People with disabilities deserve that same room to learn.
The philosophy of independent living means everyone has something to contribute. We all have things we excel at and things we don’t do so well. We are all located somewhere on the same continuum. Those of us with disabilities bring knowledge of survival to the community, and we are willing to share that knowledge with others. We accept each other as we are. We grow from our experiences, we learn new ways of achieving and new ways of looking at life. That makes everyone stronger!
There is real value in that. A person who has had to solve problems every day may have strong skills in planning, adjusting, and speaking up. A person who has learned how to ask for accommodations may know how to make a space better for many people, not just one. Communities become stronger when they include those ideas. Different life experiences lead to better answers and better problem-solving.
Independent living also changes the way we think about support. Support should build ability, not create dependence. For example:
- If a person needs help reading mail, they may choose a family member, a friend, a peer supporter, or a service that fits their needs.
- If a person needs a ride, they may use public transit, a ride service, a neighbor, or another option that works for their schedule.
- If a person needs help at work, a few simple changes or the right tools may make the job possible.
- If a person needs information in a different format, asking for it is part of equal access, not a special favor.
When people have the right tools and support, they can take part more fully in school, work, family life, and the community. That is good for the person and good for everyone around them. Inclusion is not only about being invited. It is about being able to take part in a real way.
At Disability Network Lakeshore, we understand how hard it can be to navigate disability-related needs and community barriers. If you are looking for help, we can help people find and use disability resources. Our services are free. You do not have to figure everything out alone. Call us at (616) 396-5326 if you want to learn more about support, referrals, peer support, skills development, transition, advocacy, and other services that may help you or someone you care about.
Our World still has barriers for people with disabilities.
Whether you're an individual or a company, searching for disability resources is discouraging and frustrating. And when you don't have the right tools, individuals and communities suffer. Wouldn't you like to live in an inclusive community where everyone can participate, contribute, and belong?
That question gets to the heart of independent living. People do better when they can take part in daily life with dignity and choice. Businesses do better when they serve more people well. Communities do better when more voices are heard. Removing barriers helps all of us.
The right resources are hard to find. We get it.
We understand how it feels to struggle to fully participate in an inaccessible community, which is why we help people find and use disability resources.
Sometimes the first step is simply knowing where to start. A person may need help understanding rights, finding an accessible service, connecting with peers, or planning a next step. A family member may need ideas for support that respects a loved one’s independence. A business or community group may need guidance on how to reduce barriers. These are the kinds of practical needs that can make a big difference.
Independent living is not a fixed place you arrive at once and for all. It is a way of thinking and living. It asks us to listen to people with disabilities, believe what they say about their own lives, and make room for choice. It asks us to expect more from our communities and from ourselves. And it reminds us that everyone has value, everyone has strengths, and everyone has something to offer.
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