The Journey to Independence: A Road Map

Chris Buhl, 24, of Sioux Falls, S.D., has traveled the road to independence. Photos by Brett Jorgensen

Few ideals are more prized by humanity than independence. Fought over, celebrated, immortalized, independence, proclaimed one philosopher, is united to the ideas of dignity and virtue.

People with neuromuscular diseases, being limited in their physical abilities, know that independence is both a state of being and a state of mind. It requires creativity, courage and persistence to achieve.

In these articles, Quest attempts to provide a partial roadmap for those undertaking the journey to their own states of independence.

A Checklist for the Journey outlines the components that aid in independence, and gives suggestions on how to achieve them.

In Bringing Home the Possibilities, several independent living options are described.

Parent-Caregivers: Learning to Let Go looks at independence for young adults from a parent's point of view.

The Night I Became Independent explores one young woman's discovery of the essence of being an independent person.

And Independence Resources provides tools for those busy constructing their own independent lives.