History of the Independent Living Movement
The movement began in the 1970s in Berkeley, California, where a group of students with disabilities, led by Ed Roberts, fought for accessibility and the right to live independently. Ed, a wheelchair user, was denied housing at the University of California, Berkeley because of his disability. He and other activists with disabilities pushed for change, leading to the creation of the first Independent Living Center (which is still around today!) in 1972. This model spread across the U.S. and later Canada, influencing disability rights legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In Ontario, this is called Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), which was implemented in 2005.
Our Roots
The Independent Living Philosophy and Movement
The Independent Living (IL) movement is a global movement that advocates for rights of people with disabilities to live independently, make their own choices, and fully participate in society. It challenges the idea that people with disabilities should be cared for in institutions or rely on professionals to make decisions for them. Instead, the IL philosophy is based on self-determination, peer support, and equal access to all areas of life, including housing, employment, and community participation.