Independence means that if there is going to be a staircase into the building then there also needs to be a ramp so I can go into the building independently. We suggested adopting an openness to the independent living philosophies that exist in different countries, thus avoiding a single interpretation of the independent living issues. What independent living means for one country that is developed against what independent living means for a country that is under developed, is very different. For example, in El Salvador, independent living can mean trying to get out of bed by using a wheelchair or crutches. Where in the United States, maybe independent living means finding employment.
Different countries present different realities.
There are differences within the countries' rural and urban regions and among the region's disabled communities. We disabled people understand what Independent Living is, but it is difficult to explain in our cultures. Some people felt that they didn't have a role, but others felt that non-disabled people have a role as students following the ideas and supporters of its goals. Everyone agreed that non-disabled people should not have a leadership role. There was a very lively discussion about the question of people without disabilities in the Independent Living movement.