Independent Living Centers in Rural Communities

Independent living centers offer a new method of serving people with disabilities which utilizes a consumer approach in program management and service delivery. The two-fold purpose of centers is to assist people with disabilities in establishing lives of independence and to advocate for changes in society. Initially established in urban settings in the early 1970's, the independent living center model spread to many rural communities during the 1980's. The authors provide an overview to independent living centers, including a definition of independent living, identification of the four distinguishing characteristics of centers, and a description of core services. They examine the special demands which rural life places on independent living service provision, including a review of barriers to rural independent living and ways independent living centers are addressing these barriers. The article closes with a list of recommendations of subject areas in which additional training and research programs are needed.