The radical life of the father of independent living

The Radical Life of Ed Roberts

Ed Roberts, known as the father of the independent living movement, was paralyzed by polio in his early teens. Attending university in the 1960s was a revolutionary and complicated process for him.

Roberts faced many structural hurdles, but began pushing to win disabled people the resources to live in their communities, rather than in restrictive institutions. His activism led to the development of independent living centers, which assist with:

These centers guarantee personal freedom and agency to people who would once have been forced into dehumanizing circumstances.

His activism was a key factor in the development of independent living centers.

Author's summary: Ed Roberts' life and activism paved the way for the independent living movement.

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Mother Jones Mother Jones — 2025-10-14

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