What Is Independent Living?
Understanding the Philosophy Behind the Movement
Independent Living is more than a type of service — it’s a philosophy, a movement, and a declaration of rights. At its heart, Independent Living means that people with disabilities have the same right as anyone else to make choices about their lives, to live in their communities, and to access the support they need without giving up control or autonomy.
The Independent Living Philosophy emerged during the disability rights movement of the 1960s and 70s, driven by people with disabilities who were tired of being told what they could or couldn’t do. They challenged institutions and systems that treated them as passive recipients of care. Instead, they pushed for a new way forward: one that prioritized freedom, dignity, and self-determination.
Independent Living Centers, or ILCs, embody that philosophy. These community-based organizations are run by and for people with disabilities, ensuring that lived experience informs every part of the work. But unlike traditional models that “do for,” Independent Living is about building the skills and confidence to do it yourself.
That could mean learning how to budget, prepare meals, ride the bus, manage personal care assistants, use adaptive technology, or navigate complex systems like health care, housing, or employment. It’s about breaking down barriers — both physical and systemic — while building people up to make their own decisions and direct their own lives.
When we talk about independence, we don’t mean doing everything alone. We mean having the tools, the choices, and the support that allow people to live life on their own terms. That’s what the Independent Living Philosophy is all about: empowerment, access, and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to participate fully in their community.
What Is a Center for Independent Living (CIL)?
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are community-based, nonprofit organizations that put the Independent Living Philosophy into action. They are not residential facilities or group homes — no one lives at a CIL. Instead, they serve as resource hubs, advocacy centers, and empowerment spaces for people with disabilities.
CILs are federally authorized and funded under Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act to provide what are known as the five core services:
- Information and Referral
- Independent Living Skills Training
- Peer Support
- Individual and Systems Advocacy
- Transition Services — including helping youth with disabilities move into adult life, and supporting people in transitioning out of institutions and into the community
These services are provided at no cost to the consumer and are designed to remove barriers, promote independence, and protect the rights of people with disabilities.
One of the most important features of a CIL is that it must be consumer-controlled, meaning that the majority of its staff and board members are people with disabilities themselves. This ensures that lived experience drives decision-making and that the services truly reflect the needs and values of the disability community.
CILs empower people with disabilities to build the lives they want — not by doing things for them, but by standing alongside them as they gain the tools, skills, and confidence to do it themselves.
More Than Services: A Community Model
A common misconception is that independence means doing everything alone. In the Independent Living model, it means being the decision-maker in your life — whether that includes hiring personal assistants, receiving public benefits, using assistive technology, or leaning on a chosen support network. It is a form of interdependence, not isolation.
Independent Living affirms that people with disabilities are the best experts in their own lives. It challenges outdated assumptions and builds pathways to full inclusion — at home, at work, in schools, and in civic life.
Why It Matters
Independent Living is not just a philosophy — it is a policy priority. Funding decisions at the local, state, and federal levels impact whether CILs can continue to meet the needs of their communities. As the population ages and more people acquire disabilities over time, access to independent living services will only grow in importance.
When we support Independent Living, we are investing in a more inclusive society — one where everyone, regardless of ability, has the right to choose where they live, how they spend their time, and what goals they pursue.
You can support this work by learning more about your local Center for Independent Living and the services they offer. Get involved, share their message, and advocate for funding and policies that protect the rights of people with disabilities. For national advocacy and updates, visit the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) — a leading voice in advancing disability rights and the Independent Living movement across the United States.
Together, we can ensure that independence is not a privilege, but a right that belongs to everyone.
