Exploring Stakeholders' Perspectives on Independent Living for Individuals with Disabilities in Taiwan

Background and Purpose:

Since the Independent Living Movement in the 1960s the conditions for “independent living” have become important indicators of materializing human rights of individuals with disabilities worldwide. Laws and regulations regarding support for independent living of people with disabilities were also enacted in Taiwan in 2011. In this early stage of implementing independence-related services, there is a need to explore the meanings and visions of “independent living” from different perspectives in this specific cultural context, as well as to understand the status quo in order to provide feedback to inform an independence-oriented system design and service provision.

Methods:

This focus group study involved 28 participants, including 9 individuals with disabilities, 6 family members, and 24 representatives from the service agencies, disability community groups, or the administrative system of a county in the middle-southern part of Taiwan (there were 11 participants with a dual identity). In four focus groups, the participants discussed the following topics: (a) the meaning of “independent living” from the participants’ perspectives, (b) challenges encountered when pursuing independent living, (c) support and services needed during the process, and (d) community resources helpful for independent living. Audio recordings were verbatim transcribed. The researcher employed the NVivo Pro 11 software and performed conventional content analysis using the discussion questions as the analytical structure.   

Results:

The analysis showed that research participants highlighted the variability of disabilities and the uniqueness of each individual. Yet, the results identified two essential factors in the way that the participants defined “independent living.” The first factor referred to the literal sense of “getting out of the house” and joining in the community life. The second factor pointed to the impact of independent living, namely the enhanced confidence and self-esteem for individuals with disabilities. Regarding challenges to independent living, participants spoke about social stigma and an unfriendly neighborhood environment as threats to realizing independent living, while family members’ attitudes toward independent living oftentimes determined the possibility of a trial. In regards to necessary support for independent living, participants suggested improve existing services crucial to independence, such as accessible space and facilities, transportation service, and employment service; lessen the application requirements for personal assistance services; as well as adopt self-sufficiency model ideas proposed by the disability groups. Finally, participants emphasized that disability community groups and peer groups were important resources for encouraging independent living, while community education programs could help build a friendly environment for independent living.

Conclusions and Implications:

Echoing the spirit of Independent Living Movement, the research findings highlighted the “autonomy” aspect of independent living in this collective culture, and reinforced the importance of “independent living as a human right.” Not only does the service system need to increase the availability and accessibility of personal assistance services, but it needs to integrate other independence-related services in order to build a comprehensive service system to facilitate independent living. Finally, to combat the stigma associated with disabilities, advocacy campaigns are needed to educate the public about disabilities and independent living.