IL Canada and the Independent Living movement are involved in research activities on a wide range of issues affecting persons with various disabilities. In this work, our goal is to promote the idea that people with disabilities should be actively involved in creating knowledge about their own lives. We have supported and continue to support a variety of academic and community-based research initiatives. Some of this important work is available in this section of our website.

In Canada
In the U.S.
Around the World

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Independent Living in Canada

Books, Articles and Reports:

Hutchison, P., Arai, S., Pedlar, A., & Lord, J.. (2005), Role of Consumer Driven Disability Organizations in the Non-profit Sector.

“Non-profit organizations have played an important role in mobilizing constituencies for change and influencing social policy in Canada. Among these organizations, disability organizations have been actively involved in changes related to the rights, equity, access, and inclusion of people with disabilities.” To read more…
  

Hutchison, P. (1996) Impact of Independent Living Resource Centres in Canada . Ottawa : Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres.

This book explores the impact Independent Living Resource Centres have had in Canadian society including their impact on individuals and the community.

 

Valentine, Fraser. (1994) The Canadian Independent Living Movement, an historical Overview. Ottawa : Canadian Association of Independent Living Centres.

This book provides an in-depth examination of the development of the Independent Living movement in Canada and the political climate which facilitated its growth.

"Research as an Empowerment Process for the IL Movement". (1992). Abilties Magazine. Fall/Winter edition. 

This article explores the concept of research in a disability context and introduces the idea of participatory research, an approach which enables people with disabiltieis to take responsibilty throughout the research process.

On-Line Resources:

Driedger, Diane, & D'Aubin, A. So You Want to Start an Independent Living centre? A Winnipeg case study. Independent Living Institute . Available At:
http://www.independentliving.org/docs5/driedger-wpg1.html

This article explores the IL movement in general, but more specifically provides a case study on establishing an IL Centre and provides details on the Winnipeg Centres' evolution.

Martinez, Kathy. (2003) Independent Living in the U.S. & Canada . Available At: http://www.independentliving.org/docs6/martinez2003.html

This article provides an in-depth exploration of the history of Independent Living in Canada and the U.S.

Walters, Traci. Approaching A New Stage of Empowerment: the Independent Living Movement in Canada and Its Historical Roots. Abilities Magazine . Available At:
http://www.enablelink.org/abilities/archive.html?article=954

This article explores important milestones in the development of Independent Living in Canada , and talks about the importance of federal support for the Independent Living movement.

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Independent Living in the U.S.

On-Line Resources:

Pfeiffer, David. (2003) The Origins of Independent Living. Ragged Edge On-Line . Available At: http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/0703/0703ft4.html

This article briefly explores the history of the Independent Living movement in the United States.

Brown, Steve. (2000) Freedom of Movement: IL history and Philosophy. Available At: http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/training_manuals/freedom.txt

This PDF book provides an in-depth (80 page) examination of the Independent Living philosophy and the movement in the United States.

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Independent Living Around the World

On-Line Resources:

Barnes, Colin. (2003) Independent Living, Politics and Implications. Available At: http://www.independentliving.org/docs6/barnes2003.html

This article explores how the Independent Living philosophy has been radical in its reshaping of disability. It argues that as a political force, the Independent Living philosophy has the potential to influence other struggles for equality.

Evans, John. (2003) The Independent Living Movement in the UK . Available At: http://www.independentliving.org/docs6/evans2003.html

This article is an in-depth and historical exploration of the development of the Independent Living movement in the UK .

Hasler , Frances . (2003) Philosophy of Independent Living. Available At:
http://www.independentliving.org/docs6/evans2003.html

This article summarizes the Independent Living philosophy and explores the positive impact it may have on people's lives.

Ratzka, Adolf. (2003) Independent Living in Sweden . Available At:
http://www.independentliving.org/docs6/ratzka200302b.html

This article explores the history of Independent Living in Sweden and its impact on persons with disabilities there.

Zarb, Gerry. (2003) The Economics of Independent Living. Available At:
http://www.independentliving.org/docs6/zarb2003.html

This article explores the economic benefits of the Independent Living philosophy, including a cost benefit analysis.