Understanding Independent Living

Independent Living means having choice and control over your own life, with the right support to take part fully in the community. Disabled people developed the 12 Pillars of Independent Living to describe what makes this possible. At AoD, these pillars guide our services, campaigns, and long-term strategy for a fairer society.

Text graphic with the words: "Disabled people. 12 Pillars of Independent Living, which we believe everyone needs to live independently.

The 12 Pillars

  • A hand reads Braille on a tactile surface; an illustrated stamp of sign language hands appears in the corner with the number 1 "Appropriate and accessible information".

    Appropriate and accessible information

  • Two men sit at a table with paperwork; one is in a wheelchair. A label reads number 2 "An adequate income".

    An adequate income

  • A man in a black polo shirt stands indoors with a heart shape behind him. A yellow box reads "3 Equal opportunities for employment.

    Appropriate and accessible health and social care provisions

  • A man in a wheelchair waits to board a city bus via a ramp; a sign nearby reads “4 A fully-accessible transport system.”.

    A fully accessible transport system

  • A person using a white cane walks on tactile paving towards a crosswalk. A yellow box reads: "5 Full access to the environment.

    Full access to the environment

  • A woman uses a computer equipped with assistive technology, accompanied by the text: "6 Adequate provision of technical aids and equipment.

    Adequate technical aids and equipment

  • A young girl in a wheelchair uses a lift with the help of two adults. Text: “7 Availability of accessible and adapted housing.”.

    Accessible and adapted housing

  • A man with a guide dog stands beside a screen, while a woman uses sign language. Text reads: "8 Adequate provision of personal assistance.

    Adequate personal assistance

  • Four young people in hiking gear with backpacks stand outdoors in a grassy hilly area. Text overlay reads: "9 Availability of inclusive education and training.

    Inclusive education and training

  • A young man in a wheelchair laughs while sitting next to a woman in a bright room. Text reads: "10 Appropriate and accessible health and social care provisions.

    Equal opportunities for employment

  • A person wearing a cochlear implant sits facing two women, with text reading "11 Availability of independent advocacy and self-advocacy.

    Independent advocacy and self-advocacy

  • Four adults sit around a table having a discussion in a meeting room. A sign reads, "12 Availability of peer counselling.

    Availability of peer counselling

Why They Matter

These pillars recognise that independence is not about doing everything alone, but about having the freedom, support, and access to make your own choices — at home, in education, at work, and in the community.

As part of our long-term strategy, AoD will continue to strive towards delivering the full 12 Pillars of Independent Living, so every Disabled person has genuine choice and control over their lives.

How AoD Uses the 12 Pillars

  • Our advice and information services support equal access to welfare, housing, and rights.
  • Our youth service helps young Disabled people build skills, confidence, and leadership.
  • Our employment programmes focus on equality in training and work.
  • Our campaigns and co-production challenge barriers in housing, transport, and services.
  • Our peer support and community activities put the principle of Disabled people supporting each other into action.

Together with the Social Model of Disability and the UNCRPD, the 12 Pillars of Independent Living shape Action on Disability’s commitment to equality, independence, and inclusion.