What does it mean to live independently? It’s living like everyone else — having the ability to make decisions that influence one’s life, and being able to pursue activities of one’s own choosing — constrained only in the same ways that one’s nondisabled neighbours are.
Independent living should not be defined as living alone, working in a career that suits one’s skills and interests, or maintaining an active social life. These are all characteristics of living on your own. Self-determination is important to an independent life. It is the ability to choose a path of action and the right to do so. It’s about having the flexibility to fail — and learn from it, just like non-disabled individuals do.
Individuals with specific mental disabilities, for example, may find it difficult to make complex judgments or engage in complex tasks. Independent living is having every chance to be as self-sufficient as possible for these people.
Information
We need to know what we have to pick from in order to make educated decisions. A person must make information available to us in a variety of formats, such as audio, Braille, British Sign Language video, subtitles, big text, symbols, or being told to us.
It is critical for handicapped persons to have access to accessible information; otherwise, we risk being isolated, ignorant, and excluded from society and possibilities. Disabled persons will be more educated and able to make their own decisions if information is made available in accessible ways.
Peer Support
Meeting other handicapped individuals to exchange knowledge and experience after we have the information – this is peer support. Handicapped People’s Organizations, informal gatherings, or any other place where disabled people self-organize are examples of this.
Because mobility impaired individuals face societal hurdles, it’s critical that we can support one another and join as a community of marginalized people to exchange information, expertise, and experience.
Housing
This is a fundamental requirement for everyone. Housing must be accessible to handicapped persons and fit our requirements. This might include things like level access and bigger doors, or a walk-in shower rather than a bath. It’s also critical that housing be available in the areas where we wish to live; all recent developments should have accessible houses in their portfolio.
Accessible housing is critical for handicapped individuals to a) take part in society and b) enjoy an inclusive existence as members of their local community.
Equipment and Adaptations
We can perform things without help with the use of equipment, aids, and modifications. These are just a few examples of what these aids/adaptations may be: Hoist; adaptive computer equipment/software; adjustable height desk; liquid level indicator; hoist; adaptive computer equipment/software
Access to a proper adaptation can sometimes solve the barriers/restrictions that handicapped individuals confront (such as those mentioned above). The benefits of having appropriate modifications in place are many, including increased independence, self-esteem, simple access to both home and work surroundings, and participation in leisure activities, to name a few. Some of these modifications also make it safer for impaired individuals to go about their daily lives.
Personal Assistance
Because equipment is not always the best solution, many handicapped persons hire someone to help them. This gives people control over how and when they get support. It also eliminates the need for informal assistance from family and friends, as well as volunteers.
For example, if a handicapped person wants to go to the movies but their PA feels they should go to the park instead, the PA should accept their employer’s preferences and support them in going to the movies.
Empowered Liveability provides safe and secure housing schemes all over Melbourne and has been providing various services such as Disability Housing Investment and Specialist Disability Accommodation Melbourne. For more information, please contact our 24/7 available service at 1300-974-912 and admin@empoweredliveability.com.au.
