As an organization CIL started its work on disability rights since 2005. In the beginning the first initiation to promote the concept of independent living in Nepal was brought by some physically disabled persons in the leadership of Mr. Krishna Gautam (a person with physical disabilities). When Mr. Gautam came back to Nepal after the completion of 12 months long training on 'Duakin Leadership Training" from Japan he took this initiation with the support of some other experienced and energetic disabled youth Since Mr. Gautam has gained a good knowledge on Independent Living Concept during his training period he was quite enthusiastic to promote this concept in Nepal. The main objective behind this effort was to shift the paradigm of disability from charity based to rights based.
In 2005 the political situation Nepal was not favourable to work in right based movement. The whole nation was suffering by the extreme phase of arm conflict and on the other hand there was direct ruling of King. In the leadership of seven party's alliance the people of Nepal were in the preparation of peoples' movement to liberate the country from the cruel claws of autocracy. In this situation CIL also thought to show its solidarity with the physical involvement of persons with disabilities in the movement. In the April of 2006 all Nepalese came on the road for agitation against and CIL also showed its adventurous contribution in the movement on behalf of civil society by involving PWDs in the great peoples' movement.
After the success of peoples' movement this organization was legally registered in the district administration office, Kathmandu in August 2006 along with the changing political scenario.
Meaning of IL
Independent Living is not to make a person “normal” in a physical or mental sense, the movement emphasizes the value of people with disabilities to have access to ordinary life experiences by providing community-based, stakeholder-controlled services, support, resources and skill trainings to enable people with disabilities to live an “ordinary life” in the community.
Center for Independent Living (CIL)
The organization of its kind is a leader in supporting disabled people in their efforts to lead independent lives. As an organization founded by people with disabilities, understand the challenges faced by consumers. This motivates to achieve immediate and long-term solutions – be it assistance with finding housing or a job, equipping a home with assistive technologies, or enhancing independent living skills.
