The movement for independent living: an evaluation and critique

In recent times a growing radicalism has been evident amongst certain groups representing people with disabilities. In the United States, one of the most notable groups is the movement for independent living (ILM). Two recent reports by Gerben De Jong have provided an outline of the movement's origins and concerns and an empirical examination of the validity of its theoretical concepts. This paper provides an evaluation of the movement as portrayed in these reports, and a critique of its assumptions and findings. Although discovering much of genuine interest, it is suggested that certain ambiguities in the underlying philosophy of the movement render it less than convincing as a basis for policy and research.