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Guides


Independent Living


Select from the following quick links:

New Horizons Un-Limited Publications

Guide to Transitioning to Independent Living
February 28, 2001

This guide was prepared by our NHU staff to assist those interested in transitioning from a nursing home or family home to an independent living environment. It will further provide an outline of necessary steps to begin the transitioning process, identifying your needs and your resources. This guide suggests items to consider before the transition to independent living takes place.

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Links to Publications by Others

Community For All: Resources for Supporting Community Living

This tool kit, the product of a collaboration between seven leading disability organizations, provides information that can be used by self-advocates, their families and professionals to ensure that people with disabilities are afforded their right to live as independently as possible in their community. More specifically, this tool kit provides:

  • General information to strengthen real community inclusion.
  • Background information for advocates involved in campaigns to close institutions.
  • General information on community services, and resources on community integration.
  • Material to counter arguments commonly used by pro-institution advocates.
  • Sample position papers, letters to the editor, op-ed pieces, and other materials that can be adapted for your own use.
  • Ideas for organizing and advocacy.
  • Information about policy and governmental action, and strategies that states can use in closing institutions.

    To download this guide, visit the link provided above.

    Disability Survival Manual: For Persons Adapting to Disability by Persons Living with Disability

    This manual, written by the folks at the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living, is designed and written by those who have disabilities. They have "been there." Although each person's disability is unique, there are some common elements between your experience and that of the 54 million others in the country with a disability. This manual tells it like it is. After you read it, they hope you will come away from it with two things: 1) life with a disability is not the end of the world- it's just a new beginning, and 2) knowing where to go, and taking charge of getting there, will make life full, exciting, and rewarding. While there are numerous Arizona specific resources listed throughout, this manual is a great starting point for residents of other states as well. This manual is available in alternate formats. For more information, call (800) 280-2245 (V/TTY) or e-mail azbridge@abil.org.

    Taking Action: A Step by Step, Self-Help Guide to Becoming a Self-Advocate & Making a Difference

    This guide, a publication of the United Spinal Association, serves as an excellent resource for any individual with a disability interested in developing their self-advocacy skills. The guide offers fives steps of self-advocacy, the do's and don'ts of self advocacy, a discussion of applicable laws and accessibility issues, a listing a helpful websites, a sampling of advocacy letters, and much more.

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