Majority of disabled people ‘want independent living’

INDEPENDENT living provides the best possible quality of life for people with disabilities, according to a new report.

The study, Extending the Boundaries, compiled from interviews with people from 26 centres, also found that access to personal assistance provides opportunities to gain employment, education and an active social life.

The report, which examines the progress of the independent living concept since it began in 1992, was unveiled yesterday at the launch of the National Advisory Group on Independent Living.

The group, which is drawn from a number of experienced statutory and voluntary agencies, aims to provide a unified and strategic approach to the further development of the independent living movement in Ireland.

Speaking at the launch, Ann Marie Flanagan of the National Advisory Group said: “Independent living is defined as the right of all persons, regardless of age, type or extent of disability, to live in the community with all the privileges that this entails.

“This is the preferred alternative, for the vast majority of people with disabilities, to living in institutions or having to live with their immediate family, which at one time were the only choices available.”

The report states that the optimum experience of independent living is one which combines access to transport, technology, accessible housing and a good working relationship with a personal assistant (PA).

The report recommends that employment support services need to be put in place for people working as PAs.

While a number of centres are successfully combining elements for a holistic approach to independent living, there is still a huge disparity in how services can be provided in different parts of the country.

Highlighting the new national advisory group’s commitment to improving the options available to people with disabilities, Ms Flanagan said: “It is the element of choice which underpins the independent living approach, and the group is committed to that concept.

“We will provide a forum to share skills and knowledge with other relevant agencies in order to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are met.”

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív said the group would bring about real change in the lives of people with disabilities.