This refers to one of the demands made by the movement of people with disabilities for the right to live in community and for the respect for equality, self-determination, and autonomy. It originated in the United Sates in the 1970s, but it has expanded to many parts of the world. The demand, nonetheless, is the same: people with disabilities have the right to live with whom they want and where they want, and to enjoy the same spaces as others.
To guarantee this, the State must provide personal assistance, the necessary support, and reasonable accommodations so that people can make their desire for independent living a reality.
Notwithstanding dependence due to reasons of age, illness, or disability, people with disabilities must have the power to make decisions regarding their own life and regarding their participation in society in line with the free development of their personality.
The agenda of the independent living movement includes positioning personal assistance as a right for anyone who requires it.
References:
Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. (2019). Guía de información Personas con Discapacidad. Conocé y ejercé tus derechos. Ediciones SAIJ – Sistema Argentino de Información Jurídica. P. 6.
Real Patronato sobre Discapacidad. (2019). Guía de estilo sobre discapacidad para profesionales de los medios de comunicación. Madrid: Real Patronato sobre Discapacidad. P. 95.
Photo credit: Disabled and here