MCIL has instituted a framework called the Seven Life Sustaining Dimensions of Advancing Independent Living for Families, Children and Individuals with Disabilities and Older Adults. These seven life sustaining dimensions are universal to all families, children and individuals and yet the MCIL Model is specific for the disability communities and older adult communities, locally, nationally and globally. These seven life sustaining dimensions are also consistent with the required core services of a Center for Independent Living, which are the following: Information and referral, IL skills training, Peer counseling, Individual & systems advocacy, and services that facilitate transition from nursing homes and other institutions to the community, provide assistance to those at risk of entering institutions, and facilitate transition of youth to postsecondary life.
Tor Dahl, Chairman Emeritus of the World Confederation of the Productivity Sciences was a dear friend and colleague. Tor personally worked with over 40 countries and over 400 companies in advancing productivity. Tor's global work discovered that the nations with the highest presence of three vitally important society values, policies and presence of freedom, safety and fairness, also have the highest income per capita rates in the world. Investing in what people need to stabilize their lives to live independent living is good for an economy,
His work for us translates into the following framework leads us to discover the following:
- 7 Life Sustaining Dimensions stabilize Families, Children and Individuals with Disabilities
- This increases social and community connectedness
- Increase freedom, safety, fairness and connectedness advance vibrant communities
- Vibrant communities increase economic sustainability.
We look forward to our work together to advance independent living for all families, children and individuals with disabilities leading to greater vibrant communities, which in turn leads to greater economic sustainability.
Sincerely,
Jesse Bethke Gomez, MMA
Executive Director
Metropolitan Center for Independent Living
MCIL 7 Life Sustaining Dimensions Model for Independent Living (PDF)
