An International Summit Conference on Independent Living

Washington, DC
September 21-25, 1999
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The International History of the Independent Living Movement
by Judy Heumann

There is little in the formal literature of the independent living movement to indicate how dynamic a role international exchange has played in advancing independent living goals worldwide. In fact, from the mid 1970's, disability leaders in Europe, North America, Japan and other countries searched each other out and began exchanging visits, attending one another's conferences, and providing internships that seeded vital relationships that continue today.

I am proud that the United States has remained so central to the growth of the international IL movement and that we were able in September 1999 to bring together more than 125 IL leaders from 50 countries to assess our progress and to identify collaborative goals for the future. At the same time, I recognize that the challenges in front of us--as an international human rights movement--mean that we have to rededicate ourselves to assuring that disabled individuals in developing countries also have opportunity to experience independent living in their communities in the 21st century.

This is a colossal and daunting goal--but one to which we are equal if--day-by-day--we work together creatively and with full respect for each other's culture. We must continue to find avenues to collaborate cross-culturally, internationally, bilaterally, and every other way that will multiply our strengths and build on our experiences.

As we identify more opportunities to study and to learn from each other's research, successes, and failures in implementing independent living services, studies, and services, I invite all of  you to work with me in developing these possibilities on an international scale.

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©2000 ILRU Program. All rights reserved.