미국의 중증장애인 독립생활운동에 관한 고찰

A Study on the Independent Living Movement of the Individuals with Severely Disabilities

본 연구의 목적은 독립생활운동이 잘 정착되어가고 있는 미국의 예를 중심으로 중증장애인 독립생활운동에 관하여 문헌분석방법을 통하여 고찰하는데 있다. 이를 위해 구체적으로 독립생활의 개념과 구성요소를 알아보았고, 독립생활운동의 철학적 기초를 밝히며, 독립생활운동의 내용을 제시하였다.미국의 경우 독립생활센터는 인지적 능력을 가진 장애인들과 스스로 의사결정을 내릴 수 있는 장애인들에 대한 서비스를 강조하였기 때문에, 초기의 독립생활센터에서는 정신지체인을 배제시켜왔으나, 1980년대 중반 이후 많은 독립생활센터들이 정신지체인도 지역사회에서 자립적으로 살아갈 수 있도록 지원하는 역할을 시작하였다.독립생활센터에서 일하는 장애인들은 나름대로의 경험과 전문성을 노출시키며 다른 중증장애인들에게 역할모델을 제공하게 되고, 독립생활센터는 사회생활과 직업재활을 준비하는 인큐베이터의 장소가 됨과 동시에 직업에 대한 지나친 압박을 주지 않는 안전한 보호의 장이 되고 있다. 궁극적으로 독립생활운동은 기존의 제한된 시설 중심의 재활과 복지 프로그램에서 벗어나 장애인 당사자주의, 자조단체의 육성, 장애인의 역량강화 흐름에 부응한다고 볼 수 있다.

The purpose of this study is to examine the Independent Living Movement of the individuals with severely disabilities in the United States where this movement is now taking roots. First, the concept and elements of structure of the independent living movement are specifically examined. Second, the way of independent living movement is discussed. Third, the philosophical foundation of the independent living movement is explained. Fourth, the essence of independent living movement is offered for discussion. Initially, the Center for Independent Living (CIL) in America tended to exclude mentally disabled people because it focused on the services for the disabled with good cognitional ability and for the disabled with decision making ability. However, in the mid-1980, many CILs started supporting this group, helping mentally disabled people to stand on their feet. Mentally retarded people became able to live independently, with support and aid coming from their families, relying on philosophy of positive integration and consumer choice. Disabled people, who work Center for Independent Living can show their own experiences and professional skills and offer a role model to other severely disabled. The Center of Independent Living became an incubator for their preparation to social life and vocational rehabilitation and a refuge where they can get protection from excessive pressure. The conclusion of this study is that the Independent Living Movement is growing into a trend which promotes the upbring of self-reliance among the disabled and reinforces their abilities. The purpose of this study is to examine the Independent Living Movement of the individuals with severely disabilities in the United States where this movement is now taking roots. First, the concept and elements of structure of the independent living movement are specifically examined. Second, the way of independent living movement is discussed. Third, the philosophical foundation of the independent living movement is explained. Fourth, the essence of independent living movement is offered for discussion. Initially, the Center for Independent Living (CIL) in America tended to exclude mentally disabled people because it focused on the services for the disabled with good cognitional ability and for the disabled with decision making ability. However, in the mid-1980, many CILs started supporting this group, helping mentally disabled people to stand on their feet. Mentally retarded people became able to live independently, with support and aid coming from their families, relying on philosophy of positive integration and consumer choice. Disabled people, who work Center for Independent Living can show their own experiences and professional skills and offer a role model to other severely disabled. The Center of Independent Living became an incubator for their preparation to social life and vocational rehabilitation and a refuge where they can get protection from excessive pressure. The conclusion of this study is that the Independent Living Movement is growing into a trend which promotes the upbring of self-reliance among the disabled and reinforces their abilities.