Citizenship and social participation: opportunities created through the disability independent living movement
Carmel Laragy
La Trobe University
Contact Email:   C.Laragylatrobe.edu.au

This paper presents the findings of an exploratory study of independent living programmes for people with a disability in England and Sweden conducted in 2005 and 2006, and the preliminary findings from the evaluation of an Australian pilot project. Interviews covered a wide range of disability categories and included people with a disability, families, researchers, support services, government administrators and personal assistants. Programme designs vary within and between countries and while these differences limit direct comparisons, common attributes can be identified. Not everybody wants the increased responsibility of organizing their own supports and services which is the new alternative to using established disability services. However, for those who do want more flexibility and greater social participation, the opportunities available through independent living arrangements are warmly welcomed. The studies identified that key factors contributing to successful outcomes are adequate resources; information regarding funding and opportunities; availability of support services as required to manage the additional responsibilities; and the availability of staff. Existing disability services can play an important role in supporting independent living but challenging workplace cultural and structural changes are required. Accounts need to be individualised, and more fundamentally, power and control need to be devolved.

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