What is the central purpose of the independent living movement?

The central purpose of the independent living movement focuses on empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve greater autonomy and integration within their communities. This movement emphasizes the importance of enabling disabled persons to live independently, make their own choices, and participate fully in society, rather than being segregated or institutionalized in government facilities.

By promoting the idea that disabled individuals should have access to resources and support that allow them to thrive within their communities, the independent living movement plays a crucial role in advocating for accessibility, inclusion, and advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities. This approach aims not only to enhance the quality of life for these individuals but also to challenge societal barriers and change perceptions about disability.

The other options, while they may reflect related concepts, do not encapsulate the primary goal of the independent living movement. For example, decreasing welfare dependency could be a secondary outcome, but it is not the focus of empowering individuals. Integration into government facilities runs counter to the movement’s ethos of independence. Lastly, while assisting high school students after graduation is important, it is a specific demographic focus rather than the overarching aim of the independent living movement as a whole.