The Access Center, is one of a network of hundreds of Independent Living Centers throughout California and the nation.
Independent living is a relatively new concept, articulated quite well by Adolph Ratzka:
"Independent Living is a philosophy and a movement of people with disabilities who work for self-determination, equal opportunities and self-respect. Independent Living does not mean that we want to do everything by ourselves, do not need anybody, or that we want to live in isolation."
Independent Living means that we demand the same control in our everyday lives that our non-disabled brothers and sisters, neighbors, and friends take for granted. We want to grow up in our families, go to the neighborhood school, use the same bus as our neighbors, work in jobs that are in line with our education and abilities, and start families of our own. Just as everybody else, we need to be in charge of our lives, and think and speak for ourselves
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