The concept of independent living

Independent living is one of the main goals that international conventions and institutions concerned with matters relating to persons with disabilities seek to achieve. Any social policy targeted at persons with disabilities starts with the premise that they  are an integral part of society, enjoy all the rights available to others – including the right to work and social security – and participate effectively in and contribute to community-building.[1] This relies on equipping them with the skills to be able to take on a degree of social responsibility. National social policy creates opportunities for protection through legislation that ensures that persons with disabilities have access to public services, such as education, health care and employment, as well as the opportunity to start family and raise children with the greatest independence.

Independent living is not a new concept; it has its roots in the Smith-Fess Civilian Rehabilitation Act of 1920. The concept establishes the importance of persons with disabilities being aware that they can manage their lives by accessing special services and removing potential difficulties and limitations.[2] This concept is therefore based on the right to choose and the ability to make decisions based on how these persons see themselves.

The philosophy of independent living is a social approach in which persons with disabilities enjoy all civil rights, and their basic needs for health care, rehabilitation and social services are met. This means that they have the same rights to freedom, self-management and self-determination as others.[3]

Technology plays a key role in supporting the independence of persons with disabilities and allowing them to communicate and accomplish tasks without the need for physical mobility. This means it must be reflected in the strategies and financial resources supporting independent living.

The concept of independent living goes hand in hand with the concept of social inclusion, which is the desired goal, and which requires equal opportunities and persons with disabilities taking up key roles in society.[4] The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was based on the social model of disability, which emphasizes society’s responsibility to remove behavioural and physical barriers that lead to the exclusion of persons on the basis of their mental and physical condition.[5]

When appropriate legislation and adequate financial resources are in place and a consistent and clear philosophy is adopted in the formulation and implementation of strategies and plans for achieving independent living, any society, regardless of its culture and means, can support persons with disabilities. This support enables them to fully rely on themselves and make life decisions. Furthermore, supportive policies can be continuously developed to ensure the ability of these persons to live independently with limited intervention from society.

The aim of supporting independent living is to encourage persons with disabilities to integrate into society by positively exercising societal roles and, in so doing, give them the ability to be psychologically and socially independent and gradually attain greater autonomy from parental and social authority.

[2]       الصمادي، 2020.

[3]       مركز مدى، 2017.

[4]       Remmerman, 2019, p. 58.

[5]       Remmerman, 2019, p. 225.