Most people enjoy living independently. This does not necessarily mean living alone, but really just involves taking care of yourself and your life. For people who are disabled Independent Living is more than just a cool catch phrase. It is a philosophy that those who are disabled have taken to heart and embraced. This is because it can restore a feeling of self-worth and confidence. It shows a real amount of self-determination as well, because it can be both scary and cumbersome.

In terms of people with disabilities, the philosophy of independent living is based off of the idea that those that are disabled have the best idea of exactly what their needs are. This means that they hold the keys to their own happiness and must take the initiative to better their life. In no way does this mean that they are shunning outside help or assistance, or even that they do not need it, but instead means that they want to have the same opportunities that other non-disabled people have. It does however involve a return of control to their life. This philosophy breaks away from the traditional answer to people with disabilities, which for the most part involved institutionalizing them.

For those that are disabled there are several barriers to living independently. The most obvious of barriers is of course the physical one. This involves things like not being able to move around freely, taking a bath, and going to the grocery store. These may seem like simple tasks, but if you are disabled then they can be very hard. Another barrier is the assumptions that non-disabled people put on those who are disabled. Our World has greatly progressed though, but many people still view those who are disabled as unable to care for themselves. This is not fair or morally right, however, because everyone should have the right to determine their day to day choices.

The emotional and mental barriers of disability can be hard to overcome. This is in large part because many people lack compassion and acceptance towards those who are different. On the other hand, the physical barriers are in today's age much easier to overcome. There are many different types of home mobility products available to help those who are disabled live freely.

Many attribute the beginning of the Independent Living movement to a man named Ed Roberts. Ed Roberts founded the Center for Independent Living in 1972. He was a long time campaigner and activist for those who are disabled. He attended Berkley College and was the first student to attend this college that was seriously disabled.

Roberts contracted polio when he was a child, and he spent much of his life in an iron lung. He did not give up though and had a very strong support system in his mother. They successfully campaigned to have the physical education and driving requirement waved so he could graduate high school.

He continued to push to be accepted for what he was, a very intelligent human, but had to overcome centuries of pre-conceived notions about those who are disabled. In order to gain admission to Berkley he had to sue the California Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and fight the school every step of the way. The Dean of Berkley is noted as saying "We've tried cripples before and it didn't work."

After he was accepted he was housed in the infirmary because that was the only room that could support his iron lung. Other people with disabilities, who were also housed in the infirmary, began enrolling in Berkley and together with Roberts, they fought to gain acceptance at the school and in the United States. Roberts spearheaded movements to make the area accessible to those who are disabled and lobbied the school to create a disabled students program. It was not easy and he had to overcome many prejudices.

These experiences drove Roberts to found the Center for Independent Living and he has helped many people across the World. Part of the philosophy of the Center for Independent Living involves having peers teach their peers, instead of relying on people who have never had to deal with disabilities.

The Independent Living movement has continued to grow as those with disabilities push to be accepted.

Steve Wynler is a contributor and writer for http://www.usmedicalsupplies.com, a leading supplier of home medical equipment like stair lifts, mobility scooters, wheelchair lifts, and lift chairs.