Independent Living Centers in Rural Communities

1992 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurel Richards ◽  
Quentin Smith
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Rural Life ◽  
Independent Living Centers ◽  
Training And Research ◽  
Subject Areas ◽  
Definition Of

Independent living centers offer a new method of serving people with disabilities which utilizes a consumer approach in program management and service delivery. The two-fold purpose of centers is to assist people with disabilities in establishing lives of independence and to advocate for changes in society. Initially established in urban settings in the early 1970's, the independent living center model spread to many rural communities during the 1980's. The authors provide an overview to independent living centers, including a definition of independent living, identification of the four distinguishing characteristics of centers, and a description of core services. They examine the special demands which rural life places on independent living service provision, including a review of barriers to rural independent living and ways independent living centers are addressing these barriers. The article closes with a list of recommendations of subject areas in which additional training and research programs are needed.

Extending the Independent Living Center Model to Rural Areas: Expanding Services through State and Local Efforts

1992 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Seekins ◽  
Craig Ravesloot ◽  
Bob Maffit
Keyword(s):  
Program Development ◽  
Support Services ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Physical Disabilities ◽  
Federal Funding ◽  
Service Model ◽  
Independent Living Centers ◽  
State And Local

Independent living centers (ILC) provide support services to adults with physical disabilities. Originally created through federal funding, most ILC serve urban areas, leaving a large rural area and its population unreached by independent living ideas or services. Data on the expansion of the ILC service model to rural areas are presented. The need for further program development is discussed.

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