These barriers can result in low expectations regarding the ability of people with disabilities to achieve their goals. Millions of people all over America who experience disabilities have established independent lives. In most cases, the barriers facing them haven't been removed, but these individuals have been successful in overcoming or at least dealing with them. Essentially, it is living just like everyone else-having opportunities to make decisions that affect one's life, the ability to pursue activities of one's own choosing. Independent living should not be defined in terms of living on one's own, being employed in a job fitting one's capabilities and interests, or having an active social life, although these are aspects of living independently.
Independent living has to do with self - determination.
It is having the right and the opportunity to pursue a course of action. And, it is having the freedom to fail -and to learn from one's failures, just as nondisabled people do. There are, of course, individuals who have cognitive disabilities which may affect their ability to make decisions or pursue complex activities. For these individuals, independent living means having every opportunity to be as self sufficient as possible. Independent living isn't easy, and it can be risky.