Understanding Independent Living
Independent Living is closely linked to the Social Model of Disability. It recognises that most of the time, it's barriers in society that stop Disabled people from having choice and control, not their impairment or anything else within them.
The Hammersmith & Fulham vision for Independent Living defines it as: "the right of Disabled people, of all ages, to live in the community with the same choices, control, and freedom as other residents."
Key principles of Independent Living
We can talk about Independent Living when all of the following are present:
1. Choice and control: Empowering individuals to make decisions about their own lives, including where they live, the services they receive, and how they participate in the community.
2. Equality and inclusion: Ensuring that Disabled people have the same opportunities and rights as other citizens.
3. Accessibility: Making sure that public services, buildings, transportation, and information are accessible to everyone.
4. Self-directed support: Providing tailored services that meet individual needs, preferences, and aspirations.
The 12 pillars of Independent Living
There are twelve pillars that have been identified by Disabled people as areas to work on. Only when the 12 pillars of Independent Living have been developed to their maximum can we say that a person is able to live independently, regardless of their disability status.
- Full access to our environment - Ensuring physical accessibility to all public spaces and buildings
- A Fully accessible transport system - Making all forms of public transportation usable by everyone
- Appropriate technical aids and equipment - Providing necessary assistive technologies and devices
- Accessible and adapted housing - Ensuring availability of homes that meet diverse needs
- Personal assistance to enable an independent lifestyle - Offering support services that enhance autonomy
- Inclusive education and training - Ensuring equal access to learning opportunities at all levels
- An adequate income - Providing financial support to maintain a decent standard of living
- Equal opportunities for employment - Ensuring fair access to jobs and career development
- Appropriate and accessible information - Making all information available in various accessible formats
- Advocacy (towards self-advocacy) - Supporting individuals to speak up for their rights
- Empowering counselling services - Offering support to help individuals make informed decisions
- Appropriate and accessible healthcare provision - Ensuring equal access to quality healthcare services
Independent Living in practice
In co-production groups, we should always consider how our decisions and actions contribute to these pillars of Independent Living. By focusing on these areas, we can work together to create a community where all residents, regardless of the barriers they experience, can live with dignity, choice, and control over their lives.
Remember, Independent Living is not about doing everything by yourself, but about having the same choices and control in your life that non-disabled people take for granted. Through our co-production work, we can help make this a reality for all residents in Hammersmith & Fulham.
Our vision for independent living in H&F
To find out more about the council's vision for independent living, see Our vision for independent living in H&F