International efforts in independent living

Several nations currently share a major concern for provision of services to severely disabled persons. The focus of this concern has been upon those services which promote maximum integration and independence of severely disabled individuals in the community. Recent efforts in this direction by governments, private citizens, and handicapped-consumer organizations in Sweden, The Netherlands, Denmark, England, Canada, and Australia are discussed. Developments in housing and environmental modification, transportation, and self-help training are reviewed for their potential interest to advocates and practitioners of rehabilitation for independent living.