Optimism positive attitude that expects good things to happen in the future. It enables individuals
to see opportunities where others might see only obstacles or failures. When faced with
challenges or setbacks, optimistic individuals tend to approach the situation with a growth
mindset, looking for ways to learn from the experience and use it as a stepping stone to move
forward. This positive outlook can also help individuals to stay motivated and persistent, even
when facing difficult circumstances or long-term goals.
Hope and confidence are also important components of the quote, as they work together with
optimism to create a powerful mindset. Hope provides the motivation and inspiration to keep
striving towards a goal, even when progress is slow or obstacles arise. Confidence provides the
belief in oneself and one's abilities, which is necessary for taking action and making progress
towards a goal.
10 Principles of Independent Living
1. 1. Civil Rights – equal rights and opportunities for all; no segregation by disability type or
stereotype. Civil Rights: People with disabilities in the Philippines have the right to vote,
work, and participate in their communities just like anyone else. The Magna Carta for
Persons with Disabilities (Republic Act 7277) ensures that their civil and political rights are
protected.
2. Consumerism – a person ("consumer" or "customer") using or buying a service or product
decides what is best for him/herself. People with disabilities in the Philippines have the right to
choose the services and support they receive. The Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) provides financial assistance to eligible persons with disabilities to help
them pay for their daily needs, including personal assistants or caregivers.
3. De-institutionalization – no person should be institutionalized (formally by a building, program,
or family) on the basis of a disability. People with disabilities should not be forced to live in
institutions or segregated settings. Instead, they should have the opportunity to live in their
communities with appropriate support services. An example of this principle is the closure of large
institutional settings for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the
development of community-based services and supports.
4. De-medicalization – individuals with disabilities are not "sick," as prescribed by the assumption
of the medical model and so not require help from certified medical professionals for daily living.
Disabilities should not be seen as medical conditions to be cured or treated, but rather as a natural
part of human diversity. An example of this principle is the adoption of the social model of
disability, which views disability as a result of social and environmental barriers rather than an
individual's impairment.
5. Self-help – people learn and grow from discussing their needs, concerns, and issues with
people who have had similar experiences; "professionals" are not the source of the help provided.
People with disabilities should be empowered to help themselves and each other. This principle
emphasizes the importance of peer support and self-advocacy, where individuals with disabilities
support each other and advocate for their own needs.
6. Advocacy – systemic, systematic, long-term, and community-wide change activities are needed
to ensure that people with disabilities benefit from all the society has to offer. People with
disabilities should have a voice in the policies and decisions that affect their lives. This principle
encourages people with disabilities to speak up and advocate for their rights and needs at all
levels of society.
7. Barrier-removal – in order for civil rights, consumerism, deinstitutionalization, demedicalization, and self-help to occur, architectural, communication and attitudinal barriers must
be removed. Society should remove physical and social barriers that prevent people with
disabilities from fully participating in their communities. An example of this principle is the
installation of wheelchair ramps and accessible bathrooms in public buildings and the creation of
accessible websites and technology.
8. Consumer control – the organizations best suited to support and assist individuals with
disabilities are governed, managed, staffed, and operated by individuals with disabilities. People
with disabilities should have control over the services and supports they receive, including the
ability to choose their own providers and direct their own care. An example of this principle is the
use of individualized budgets, where people with disabilities receive funding to purchase the
services and supports they need.
9. Peer role models – leadership for independent living and disability rights is vested in individuals
with disabilities (not parents, service providers or other representatives). People with disabilities
should have access to role models and mentors who have similar experiences and can provide
guidance and support. This principle highlights the importance of peer support and the use of
peer mentors and advocates.
10. Cross-disability – activities designed to achieve the first five principles must be crossdisability in approach, meaning that the work to be done must be carried out by people with
different types of disabilities for the benefit of all persons with disabilities. People with disabilities
should work together across different disability groups to promote common goals and values.
This principle emphasizes the importance of solidarity and collective action among people with
disabilities, regardless of the specific type of disability they have.
Independent Living Skills include:
• Safety – basic emergency preparedness, household, medical, physical safety, etc.
• Home living – cooking, cleaning, laundry, using the phone, shopping, etc.
• Health management and person care – healthy eating, scheduling appointments, hygiene, etc.
• Social – friendships, taking care of pets, appropriate public interactions, sexual behavior, etc.
• Community access – locating and using community services, recreational activities, etc.
• Transportation – understands transportation options, obtains required transportation related
items like driver’s license, bus pass, insurance, etc.
• Money management – banking, budgeting, paying taxes, rent, leasing, basic contract
knowledge, etc.
• Law and Policies – voting, basic laws, understanding rights, etc.
• Self-Advocacy – realistic view of self, setting and achieving goals, communicates wants and
needs, handles conflict situations appropriately, etc.