Independent Living History
A man by the name of Ed Roberts is known as the “Father of Independence” – a well-earned, well-deserved title. Roberts contracted polio at the age of 14, and knew firsthand about discrimination when he was denied access to the University of California at Berkeley. He despised discrimination, and viewed it as dehumanizing. In a quest to give individuals with disabilities control over their own lives, Roberts became a civil rights activist. He challenged the university’s denial of his enrollment and won. He and his peers instituted a “Disabled Students’ Program” on campus. In 1971, Roberts and his associates organized the first Center for Independent Living (CIL). Today we have 21 CILs in Missouri. As of April 2002 there were 427 Independent Living Centers and 176 satellite offices across the nation. If you ever had the chance to hear Roberts speak, then you know he spoke of attendants constantly. He made the public aware that for every speech he spoke, his attendant made it possible for him to be there and to assist him in the fight for independence for everyone with a disability. He often would have his attendant on stage with him as he made his introduction, giving the highest regards for them. Roberts died in 1995. He lived 43 years through the assistance of an iron lung, ventilator, and of course his attendants.
CILs are consumer-controlled, community-based, non-residential organizations that assist persons with all types of disabilities so that they can live more independently in the community. The four core services, which are available at no charge to the consumer, are: information and referral, independent living skills training, peer counseling, and advocacy. The significant involvement of persons with disabilities, in providing direct services and instructing the consumer on how to advocate for themselves to empower them to live independently, is probably the most distinguishing feature of a center setting it apart from other agencies. The Independent Living Center does not tell the consumer to what to do. The consumer tells the agency what they would like to do. The center’s very existence is for the consumer. In addition to the four core services, CILs offer a variety of other services, programs, and activities. For a complete list of CILs in Missouri see the last section of the companion manual – Enhancing Independence: A Consumer’s Guide to Personal Assistance Services.