CACIL

If you are visiting this website, chances are you are familiar with our organization, the Capital Area Center for Independent Living. But are you familiar with what a Center for Independent Living really is, or what independent living is truly all about?

The very first Center for Independent Living (CIL) was opened in Berkeley, California in 1972 by a disability activist named Ed Roberts. Roberts was incredibly influential in spreading the IL philosophy, and is often referred to as the father of the disability rights movement. Roberts and other disability activists of the time were able to use the momentum of the 1960’s civil rights era to propel the philosophy of disability rights and independent living across the country. Today, there are CIL’s in every state nationwide, including 15 here in Michigan.

So what exactly IS independent living? What does that mean for people with disabilities? A lot of people would probably define independence as being able to do things on your own, without any help. Some might say independence is being self-sufficient, depending only on yourself to get by. Here at CACIL, where in addition to the consumers who we serve, the majority of our staff members also have some form of a disability themselves. When asked how they define independence, one word resonated in the answers: choice.

“We all have paths to choose. Some choices are good, some are bad, but our choices lead us to where we are today and influence who we ultimately become” shared Academy coordinator Kim McDonald. “Choices are choices, for better or worse and we all make mistakes but being able to make choices and learn and grow from them is what independent living means to me”. Jean Harris, an Independent Living Specialist explained “independence means a lot of things; having informed choices, self-determination, recognizing opportunities, being aware of your strengths and weaknesses. When a person is able to look at their life and acknowledge what they need to be independent, with or without supports; that is truly independent living”. Teresa Weaver echoed that sentiment stating, “you can need help and still be independent, what is important is making your own decisions and fully participating in life”.

There are two core beliefs to the independent living philosophy. The first is that disability is a natural part of the human experience. Everyone at some point in their life will be touched by disability in some manner. Recognizing that having a disability doesn’t mean someone is “defective” or needs to be “fixed” was a huge accomplishment for the disability rights movement. The second core belief is that the focus of disability policy should be to change the environment, not the person. It is attitudinal and programmatic barriers that cause the most discrimination and problem for people with disabilities. If we change how we perceive people, we can change how we treat them and how we set up our communities. By allowing all people access to opportunities and giving everyone the right to make their own choices, we can empower so many individuals that have a lot to offer.

Here at CACIL, we work every day to empower people to be as independent as they can be, to break down barriers, and change attitudes. We have seen firsthand how enriched a person can become when given the chance to decide things for themselves, and understand the value in being accountable, responsible, and informed. Al Swain, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, explained “if independence is determined by a physical act, then anyone who is bigger or stronger than you can take away your independence. Independence is an internal process that is based on self-determination, self-advocacy, and taking responsibility for your life’s choices”. We challenge you to be informed and spread the word about what independence really is.

To learn more about the independent living movement or to connect with CIL’s nationwide, please contact us at (517) 999-2760, or visit http://www.ncil.org/ or http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/collections/drilm/.