People living with disabilities have access to many resources offered by community organizations in Boise, Idaho. The Boise Adaptive Recreation Program provides recreational activities such as fitness classes, adapted bike rides, hiking trips and social clubs that offer friendship opportunities through games, art projects and dinner events. Additionally, SILC resources are available for those living with disabilities. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is another resource available nationwide for those struggling with emotional problems or suicidal thoughts.
This network provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day. The Centers for Independent Living (CILs) are managed by those living with disabilities themselves. This organization offers support through promotion and information on achieving independence from peers who have been excluded from participation before now. The philosophy behind independent living emphasizes consumer control by recognizing that those living with disabilities are experts on their own needs and deserve equal opportunities to decide how they live their lives.
The process of deinstitutionalization began in the 1960s which allowed those living with significant disabilities to live independently for the first time ever. This led to protests from Independent Living activists which resulted in regulations prohibiting discrimination against those living with disabilities when it comes to programs funded by federal government.
Disability Rights Idaho
(DRI) is another private non-profit organization designated as Idaho’s Protection & Defense System. This organization works towards promoting support within the disability community while also enforcing civil rights laws.CILs are unique because they operate according to a strict consumer control philosophy where those living with all types of disabilities govern and staff it themselves. Unfortunately this point of view is not widely accepted yet as many still spend their entire lives in nursing homes or are denied treatment at hospitals due to medical models still being ingrained into society.
