Freedom to Choose: Why Independent Living Matters
Written by Sarah Silberberg, Summer Intern, Pathfinder
For many people, home is more than a place to live . It’s where independence, dignity, and community come together. During Disability Pride Month, we celebrate the right of individuals with disabilities to make choices about their own lives, including where and how they live.
That right became deeply personal for LaTonya Reeves, a woman with cerebral palsy from Memphis, Tennessee.
When her grandparents could no longer provide the support she needed, LaTonya was told her only option was to return to a nursing home. Instead of accepting institutional care, she reached out to the Memphis Center for Independent Living—now known as Disability Connection Midsouth. With the help of former Executive Director Deborah Cunningham, LaTonya relocated to Denver, Colorado, where she worked with the Atlantis Center for Independent Living, helping other people with disabilities transition from nursing homes back into their communities. She became the first person to take what became known as the “Underground Railroad,” a coordinated effort to help individuals leave institutional settings in pursuit of independent community living.
LaTonya’s experience inspired the LaTonya Reeves Freedom Act of 2022, introduced by Senator Michael Bennet and Representative Steve Cohen. Although the Act has not yet become law, it seeks to strengthen the rights of people with disabilities by preventing unnecessary barriers to in-home support services. If enacted, it would prohibit insurance companies and government agencies from denying medically necessary in-home care, placing individuals on unnecessary waiting lists, or capping the cost of those services. The legislation would also require people to be informed about available community resources that support independent living.
Many people are familiar with the 1999 Olmstead v. L.C. Supreme Court decision, which affirmed that unnecessary institutionalization is a form of discrimination. However, while the Olmstead decision recognized the importance of community-based living whenever appropriate, it did not establish a guaranteed right to receive in-home support services.
The LaTonya Reeves Freedom Act seeks to build on that foundation by advocating for greater access to the services that allow people to remain in their homes and communities.
Today, coordinated moves like the original “Underground Railroad” are far less common thanks to expanded community supports and independent living services. For individuals interested in transitioning from a nursing home to community living, Disability Connection Midsouth and Tennessee’s network of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) remain valuable starting points.
Resources to Explore
If independent living is a goal for you or someone you support, these Tennessee resources may help:
- CHOICES provides Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) that support individuals in living independently while remaining active in their communities.
- OPTIONS for Community Living offers home- and community-based services for older adults and adults with disabilities through Tennessee’s Area Agencies on Aging and Disability. Services may include:
- Homemaker services
- Personal care
- Home-delivered meals
To learn more about eligibility for waiver programs and long-term supports, contact your local Area Agency on Aging and Disability (AAAD) or visit Pathfinder’s guide to In-Home Assistance Programs.
As we recognize Disability Pride Month, LaTonya Reeves’ story reminds us that independence is more than a personal goal. It is a right worth protecting. Having meaningful choices, access to community supports, and information about available resources helps ensure that individuals with disabilities can pursue the lives they choose.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Start Here.
LaTonya Reeves’ story reminds us that independent living begins with more than determination. It begins with knowing what resources are available.
Whether you’re exploring alternatives to nursing home care, searching for in-home supports, planning for the future, or helping a loved one remain independent, finding the right information can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to navigate it alone.
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder connects individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals with trusted disability, aging, mental health, and community resources across the state.
Pathfinder Can Help You Find:
- In-home support services
- Independent living resources
- Housing and transportation options
- Caregiver supports
- Benefits and financial assistance programs
- Community organizations
- Disability and aging services
- Local programs based on your needs and location
Whether you’re planning ahead or facing a new challenge today, Pathfinder makes it easier to explore your options and connect with organizations that can help.
When you’re unsure where to begin, or when someone turns to you for guidance, start with a trusted place that helps make the search feel more manageable.
Start Your Search Today
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