Final answer:
An independent living program supports an individual with a disability by promoting self-sufficiency and autonomy, in line with the Americans With Disabilities Act, which advocates for reasonable accommodations to empower disabled individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
An independent living program supports an individual with a disability by encouraging self-sufficiency and autonomy. This approach aligns with the broader rights consciousness that emerged from the civil rights movement and led to significant legislative advancements to protect the rights of disabled Americans. Notably, such programs are rooted in the essence of acts like the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, which emphasizes the need for reasonable accommodations to enable people with disabilities to live independently and fully integrate into society.
Independent living programs are designed to address both the societal barriers and the individual needs of people with disabilities. Features like sidewalk ramps and Braille signs are physical manifestations of the accommodations required to support independent living. The focus is not on assisted living or daily medical care, nor on long-term institutional care, but rather on empowerment — fostering an environment where disabled individuals can manage their own lives, make their own decisions, and pursue their goals.