THIS! This is what we are talking about when we talk about “independent living”. Not where someone lives so much as their freedom to live where they want. Not some program or service so much as how each person can
The origins of Independent Living
the origins and the purpose of Independent Living, as told by Ed Roberts and as reprinted from the Mouth, one of two disability magazines from the early days of the IL movement. John Hessler was the second student to come
Warehouses of Neglect…
The disability community has been raising red flags regarding institutions for decades. We must continue to elevate the voices of disabled people to ensure they have community-based services in the community. We wish our community would have been heard and
Why can’t we all get along?
As the state networks wind down their work in developing a SPIL, I am weary and discouraged at how many of the networks are fighting with each other. It isn’t so bad when CILs and the SILC are collaborating and
Are you a new ED? We have some support for you.
Hello, and welcome to the training and technical assistance options for you as a new Executive Director of a Center for Independent Living. I hope you will be interested in the monthly Executive Director Call. They take place on the
The best definition of Ableism I’ve found …
From Sitting Pretty: The view from my ordinary, resilient, disabled body by Rebeka Taussig, PhD. “It feels like a risk relying on the word “ableism,” but I want to use it here, because I’m hoping to assemble something with you—something
How can your board find a new Executive Director with a disability?
The rules for consumer control indicate that 51% of your managers must have a disability. In smaller centers where there is only one manager — the Executive Director — the board must hire a person with a disability. Even if
The Olmstead Decision in real life.
From ADA.gov: The story of the Olmstead case begins with two women, Lois Curtis and Elaine Wilson, who had mental illness and developmental disabilities, and were voluntarily admitted to the psychiatric unit in the State-run Georgia Regional Hospital. Following the
How do I teach consumer control to staff?
Question: I’m particularly focused on boundaries and personal choice as reminder to existing peers in their work with consumers. As happens with many of us in any human service in our desire to “help,” I’ve had a couple situations in
Words do matter!
It isn’t that I never slip. I do. I am of an older generation and sometimes the words of my past and my history come out of my mouth when I don’t intend for them to. Maybe that is true for