What is Independent Living Across America?

What is Independent Living? 

Tennessee is the worst state at providing home and community based alternatives to nursing homes. The decision to leave a Tennessee nursing home may be easy – anything else is better – but what about leaving Tennessee for New Mexico, New York or Wisconsin?

Is the Independent Living Philosophy strong in other areas and can the underground railroad move inappropriately institutionalized citizens of Tennessee to these places to get the needed service and supports?

That is a practical side to Independent Living Across America for nursing home residents in Memphis, however, there is more overall usefulness to the journey. How does Memphis compare to other cities in accessibility, compliance with the ADA and implementation of Olmstead?

Obviously, Independent Living across America is not a scientific exploration into these topics, but currently MCIL has no first-hand comparison. As a disclaimer MCIL does not recommend any state. MCIL will work hard to help anyone living in Tennessee who chooses to move out of a nursing home. 

But that is not all…

I also want to explore the concept of Independent Living. Just because I am out in the wilds of America being independent do not get the idea that I will come to an epiphany in Independent Living. Let me be very clear:

The Independent Living movement will be defined by assertive people with disabilities.

I hope that I can answer some of these questions and understand the movement better. Through this web journal I hope to communicate my gained understanding to you.

-tw

Memphis Underground Railroad Terminal in Denver PART ONE: Melvin Douglas

Memphis Underground Railroad Terminal in Denver PART TWO: Willie Robinson

-Tim Wheat