Several fundamental beliefs have been incorporated to create the basis of the independent living philosophy. We as human beings are all unique and should celebrate our differences as well as our similarities. This is no different within the community of people with disabilities.

People who experience disabilities as a part of their every day lives are best qualified to discuss and share their knowledge of the issues they and others may have to deal with. For this reason peer support is one of the primary focuses of the independent living philosophy.

Even though disability touches every society and every community, we are still a minority and as a minority we are oppressed. For this reason it is very important that we let our voices be heard. One of the best ways to do this is to ensure that we are leaders, directors and board member of agencies which serve persons who experience disabilities.

Cross disability is an important concept within this philosophy. The idea behind this concept is that despite the specific differences of individual disabilities, we all have to deal with many of the same issues. For this reason all agencies, boards, councils and committees which serve people with disabilities should primarily have a cross disability focus. All programs designed to serve people with disabilities should strive to ensure equal social, cultural, economic, and political opportunities for all disability groups.

Kathy Bates, SILC, Summer 2006