Combine that with a cadre of zealous individuals with disabilities determined to change the world, and the CIL movement is a formidable force to carve out new approaches. The CIL movement is truly gaining momentum, credibility, experience, and strength to promote programs, legislation, and services consistent with the philosophy that dates back to that first CIL in Berkeley. Dignity, empowerment, self help, consumerism, and integration, were all part of that first CIL's philosophy. However, in this period of tight local, state, and federal budgets the CILs must now allocate some of their zeal and energy to helping fight the big causes. Those with opposing philosophies and agendas have been around much longer than us.
Self preservation is an issue, including the preservation of some of our hard earned rights.
Our battle did not end with the passage of ADA, there remain numerous issues we can, and must, energize around.