When I tell people I live independently, they sometimes say "But you need help doing things. How is that independent living"? My reply to them is "Don't you sometimes need help doing things"? Independent living isn't about help with activities, it is about choice! The freedom to choose how, when and where we get our assistance is at the core of independent living.
Community-based living means that people with disabilities can live, interact and receive attendant care services while remaining in their home. So when Pennsylvania legislators talk about cutting those attendant care services which I depend on in order to work, they are taking away my right to live independently. The funds needed for these programs are not charity. Matter of fact, more funds need to be directed away from nursing facilities and toward much less expensive community-based living programs.
So remember, independent living isn't about circumstance, it is about choice.
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