Researching through an Independent Living Lens

One of the most difficult barriers when researching disability issues is finding resources that allow us to research through an Independent Living Lens. Simply put, this means the ability to find disability-led, non-medicalized, and empowering sources of information. The following list of on-line resources can serve as a helpful starting point in researching Independent Living, or disability issues through the Independent Living lens.

Abilities Magazine:

http://www.abilities.ca/
This site, the on-line version of Abilities magazine (EnableLink) offers a searchable database that provides access to many articles about Independent Living. Although the magazine itself is not about IL, as IL Canada is a regular contributor, users can search the archives for many of CAILC (now IL Canada) past IL articles, and explore the Canadian context of Independent Living.

The Independent Living Institute:

http://www.independentliving.org/
This site offers users independent living resources, a virtual library, and information about on-going projects. The site is international in scope, and is a great starting place to learn all about the Independent Living philosophy and the changes it is facilitating throughout the world.

The Independent Living Research Utilization at TIRR:

http://www.ilru.org/
This site allows users to search an extensive on-line database about Independent Living. Users can take part in an on-line discussion group, access on-line training opportunities through the ILRU network, or connect to a number of on-line documents. This is a great resource for connecting to the IL philosophy and interacting with others who are working to promote it.

Independent Living Links:

http://www.jik.com/ilcs.html
This site links users to a number of different sites about Independent Living, including links to articles, general information on Independent Living, and Centre web sites. Although mostly American links, it offers a good source of information about IL and IL links.

Disability World Web-Zine:

http://www.disabilityworld.org/
Users can search this on-line magazine's archives for articles about a number of different disability related issues, including many articles about Independent Living. In fact, this site features a separate section on Independent Living, with a special emphasis on IL around the world: http://www.disabilityworld.org/#il

Ragged Edge Magazine On-line:

http://www.ragged-edge-mag.com/
This on-line magazine allows users to access a searchable database with a number of articles about Independent Living. Although American in scope, there are articles on a number of issues of great interest to Canadians with disabilities, including: accessibility, images of disability in popular culture, and advocacy.

Global Applied Disability Research and Information Network on Employment and Training (GLADNET):

http://www.gladnet.org/
This massive on-line database allows users to search for on-line articles about a number of different disability issues including: accessibility, advocacy, policy, and rights. Although not about Independent Living, this is a good place to find research resources.