Disability Awareness, Rights & Equality

Are You Bridging the Divide?

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Independent Living

The Independent Living Philosophy espouses living like everyone else-being able to have control of one's own life, having opportunities to make decisions that affect one's life and being able to pursue activities of one's own choosing, regardless of disability.

The Independent Living Movement according to UK disability studies theorists, Jenny Morris (1993) is based upon the premise that:

All human life is of value.
All, regardless of their disablement, are capable of making choices.
People who are disabled by society's reaction to physical, intellectual and sensory impairment and emotional distress have the right to assert control over their own lives.
All person's with a disablement have the right to participate fully in society.

'The right of all persons regardless of age, type or extent of disability to live in the community, as opposed to living in an institution; to have the same range of choices as everybody else in housing, transportation, education and employment; to participate in the social, economic and political life of their communities; to have a family; to live as responsible respected members of their communities with all the duties and privileges that this entails, and to unfold their potential.' (Adolf Ratzka, lecturer in the European Independent Living movement 2002).

Independent Living / Awareness Training

This Training is designed to provide individuals who have disabilities and their personal assistants with an introduction to the Independent Living movement. Whilst the training features aspects of disability awareness, the sessions are specific to the history and philosophy of Independent Living.

A Personal Assistant is an individual who assists a person with a disability in activities of daily living. These activities may include, personal care, meal preparation, shopping, transportation and light clerical duties.

There are currently twenty-seven Centres for Independent Living operating throughout Ireland. Each Centre functions on an individual basis, although all adhere to the same principles of Independent Living. To learn more about the Independent Living Centres in your area please visit the CIL Carmichael House website for full contact details.

If you would like more information on any of the training services referred to on this website, you may click here for a contact form.