Encouraging Independence: Exploring the Independent Living Movement & its key principles. In this webinar, we will explore the independent living movement started by and for people with disabilities. This philosophy is a way of looking at society and disability. It is a worldwide movement of disabled people working for equal opportunities, self-determination, and self-respect. Understanding this philosophy and its core principles is important so you can help your child to embrace them. Incorporating these principles early on is a great way to encourage independence, autonomy, and community. Dr. Ficchi and Dr. Saiaare both disabled women who have worked in this movement for years and have a passion for helping disabled individuals and their families to embrace independent living principles and what they stand for.

Part 1: Explores Dignity of Risk and Informed Choice
Part 2:Explores Consumer Control, Community Integration and Advocacy.

Bio: Dr. Gabrielle Ficchia licensed professional counselor as well as a certified rehabilitation counselor. Gabrielle has 10 years of teaching and counseling experience. She currently works as the CEO & Therapist at her therapy practice, New Perspectives LLC. Working to bring mental health services to the disability community & their families. She also works as an adjunct professor in both counseling & disability studies. She has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Teaching courses in both rehabilitation and counselor education. Her specialty and research areas focus on disability adjustment, independent living, resilience, and disability identity. She also works as a consultant and advocates for families on disability issues to help raise awareness around bettering the lives of disabled individuals in our community. Her passion is to advocate for equality and justice for the disability community. Dr. Saiais an Assistant Professor at San Diego State University within the Department of Administration, Rehabilitation, and Postsecondary Education. She is a disabled activist with a deep commitment to social justice, inclusion, and equity for all. Her professional work history has involved advocating for a progressive understanding of disability within the applied fields.In 2019, she graduated from the University of Arizona with her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. Her dissertation focused on the role of disability cultural centers in higher education, one of the only studies on this topic.