Independent Living Centers were mandated by the United States Congress to come into existence as a local organization that was consumer responsive, owned and operated by people with severe disabilities and providing the core programs of advocacy, peer support, skills training, and information and referral. Some states fund only centers for independent living based on a model of a membership organization to satisfy this requirement of Congress. Many don't but they should. Some people decide to write letters.
Some people decide to request meetings.
Some people decide to conduct a street rally. Each does what they feel to be the best method to achieve the goal of improving their own lives in their community. The result of each contributing to the discussion and each acting on their own beliefs is Empowerment of these same people. With a little luck, it also results in respect of each other's beliefs. A membership organization elects its respected members to policy making seats on the board of directors.