"What's new about independent living?"

The major purpose of this article is to examine important differences between independent living and traditional rehabilitation models of service provision, including comprehensive medical rehabilitation programs, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, and group homes designed to deinstitutionalize developmentally disabled individuals. The article is introduced by an overview of types of independent living programs in this country and their evolution. Goals, methods of service delivery, and program management techniques in independent living programs are contrasted with those of traditional models. Finally, trends that may develop as independent living becomes a standardized service entitlement are addressed, and the potential usefulness of some independent living concepts and methods in traditional rehabilitation programs are suggested.