Is Independent Living still Revolutionary?

Disability Connection, Memphis’ Center for Independent Living, participates in a national discussion.

By Tim Wheat

This week the National Council on Independent Living and the IL-NET, the National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Independent Living had a discussion about getting back to the movement. They wondered if the innovative Independent Living philosophy has stagnated and is not current to people with disabilities. Disability Connection staff, peers and board members participated in the discussion. 

What do you think about Independent Living in our community?

What is a CIL?

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) play a crucial role in empowering people with disabilities to lead autonomous lives and actively participate in their communities. As community-based, non-residential organizations, CILs advocate for disability rights, provide essential resources, and offer services that promote independence. In Memphis, Tennessee, Disability Connection Midsouth, Memphis’ Center for Independent Living lives this mission. The Center serves as a lifeline for individuals seeking to take control of their lives while navigating a system that often falls short on accessibility and inclusion.

At its core, the purpose of CILs is rooted in the disability rights movement’s core philosophy: Nothing about us without us! This means that people with disabilities should not only have a say in the policies that affect their lives but also be equipped with the tools to make their own choices. CILs provide advocacy, peer support, independent living skills training, and information and referrals—all designed to help individuals transition from institutions to independent living or to avoid institutionalization in the first place.

Advocacy and Action in Memphis

One of the critical roles of the Center is ensuring that the city's infrastructure meets the needs of all its residents. From advocating for curb ramps and accessible sidewalks to pushing for better paratransit services, MCIL serves as the voice for people with disabilities.

“Accessibility is not a privilege; it is a civil right,” said Deborah Cunningham, the past Director of the Memphis Center for Independent Living. “Without accessible spaces, our community is cut off from employment, education, and simply living their lives.”

Beyond physical accessibility, Disability Connection is instrumental in advocating for policies that ensure fair housing, employment opportunities, and educational access. The organization works closely with local government agencies and other nonprofits to shape policies that uphold the rights of people with disabilities.

Fostering Independent Living Skills

Disability Connection Midsouth is not limited to systemic advocacy; the center also offers hands-on support through independent living skills training. This involves helping individuals develop the practical skills needed to live on their own, manage their finances, or advocate for themselves in medical or legal settings. 

The center also focuses on peer support, recognizing the value of shared experiences. People with disabilities who have navigated similar challenges serve as mentors, helping others realize their potential and break through barriers.

A Community of Inclusion

Ultimately, the purpose of Centers for Independent Living like Disability Connection is to ensure that individuals with disabilities are not isolated or excluded from society. This year the Center hopes foster a sense of community, where people can come together, advocate for their rights, and support one another in their journeys toward independence. In Memphis, this mission is particularly urgent, given the city’s infrastructure challenges, ongoing efforts to improve accessibility and residents struggle with transportation. 

By continuing to advocate, educate, and unite the disability community, Disability Connection Midsouth plays a critical role in creating a Memphis where people with disabilities have the freedom to live fully and independently.