Consumer Control

Centers for Independent Living often use the word consumer in reference to people with varying forms of disability.  This designation distinguishes people with impairments or health problems from people who have at some point in their lives experienced discrimination based on disability, and have sought the services of a Center for Independent Living or other advocacy organization.  For many people with disabilities, the word consumer is an empowering one, reflecting the individual’s right to make informed decisions regarding their best interests.  In the Independent Living framework, the word consumer also emphasizes our shared experiences, regardless of the form of disability. 

The Independent Living Movement creates a new social paradigm for people with disabilities, emphasizing that people with disabilities are the best experts on their own needs, having crucial and valuable perspective to contribute and deserving of equal opportunity to decide how to live, work, and take part in their communities, particularly in reference to services that powerfully affect their day-to-day lives and access to independence.

A phrase often used in the IL Movement is "Nothing About Us Without Us." This is a product of the long-standing societal norm of "dealing" with people with disabilities as a problem to be solved. It reflects the fact that many of the civil rights issues people with disabilities face are a product of widespread exclusion from society, especially when the discussion is focused on disability issues. People with disabilities view the problem fundamentally differently, which is why consumer involvement is so important to the Independent Living Movement.

Organizational integrity of CILs, SILCs, and NCIL is achieved through the staff and Board of Directors of each being comprised necessarily of at least 51% people with significant disabilities.

NCIL promotes a national advocacy agenda set by its membership. Each year, members provide crucial feedback that helps NCIL set national priorities for the Independent Living Movement.  People with disabilities serve on various committees of the Board of Directors to analyze and affect change in priority areas, such as Transportation, Housing, Healthcare, and Civil Rights.  Each subcommittee works to enact change at the national level and provide individuals with disabilities, Centers for Independent Living, Statewide Independent Living Councils, and other community organizations with the crucial information and strategies needed to transform their communities.

Photo by Sharon Farmer.

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