Minnesota Celebrates Ed Roberts Day on January 23
Treatment of people with disabilities has advanced remarkably in the past half century. A society of inclusion and equal access is important for all people.
The Independent Living philosophy for people with disabilities is to achieve the same civil rights and control over choices in their own lives as people without disabilities… the ability to “Live my life as I choose.”
Ed Roberts, often called the father of the Independent Living movement, was a pioneer in the disabilities rights movement in the 1960’s.
He was the first student with severe disabilities to attend the University of California, Berkeley as well as the head of the Berkeley Center for Independent Living (CIL), the first independent living service and advocacy program run by and for people with disabilities.
Today, Centers for Independent Living exist in every state in our nation, supporting people to lead self-directed lives in community.
Take a moment to celebrate Ed Robert’s Day and stop by your local CIL at 109 South 5th Street in Marshall during an open house from 9am – 1pm, January 23.
If you have questions about Independent Living Services in Southwest Minnesota please call the Southwestern Center for Independent Living at 507-532-2221 or visit www.swcil.com.