New Horizons Independent Center

Independent Living began first with a center at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1972. The unstoppable Independent Living movement has since grown rapidly as demonstrated by the nearly 500 centers now operating nationwide. This Independent Living success story is mainly attributable to the unique and practical philosophy which sets Independent Living Centers apart from other approaches to helping people with disAbilities: Independent Living Centers are run by and for people with disAbilities.

"The creation of centers for independent living is based on the "philosophy of independent living, which includes consumer control, peer support, self-help, self-determination, equal access and individual and system advocacy, to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence and productivity of individuals with disAbilities, and the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disAbilities in the mainstream of American society." from Chapter 1 of the Title VII of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, as Amended.

"Independent Living is a philosophy and a movement of people with disAbilities who work for self-determination, equal opportunities and self-respect." Adoloph Ratzka.

"The independent living philosophy is a response to the existing community barriers, low expectations, stigma, prejudice, discrimination and other social and political restrictions, which tend to limit persons with all types of disAbilities from fully participating in their communities. The Philosophy is also a response to a patronizing social service system that values academic credentials more than personal experience as a knowledge base for disAbility issues. American law and policies have historically kept persons with disAbilities in a restrictive living environment and encouraged segregated social, political, economic, educational, transit and communications barriers with massive amount of funding. integrating citizens with disAbilities has not been and is not yet an American priority. Independent living doesn't mean doing everything by yourself. It means having a choice/decision in what, how, when and who affects your life as a person with a disAbility." Ken Edwards

One person with a DisAbility assisting another to find innovative, fair and cost-effective solutions, that's what independent living is all about.