• Doing what I like
• Not having to fit in with other people
• Having friends around to the house
• Staying out as late as I want
• Going to a night club
• Companionship
• Eating Chinese food
• Living in my own place
• Doing as little or as much as I want to do
• Having someone support me if I need it
• Controlling my own life
• Owning a pet
• Going dancing
• Having my own space
• Choosing when I see people
• Choosing who I see

Ayrshire Independent Living Network is a support organisation for disabled people run by disabled people, more commonly described as a “user led organisation”. Ayrshire Independent Living Network strives to be a fully inclusive organisation. As an organisation AiLN focuses on common issues that unite disabled people rather than the stigmatising labels, which society often uses to divide and exclude.

AiLN believe disability to be socially constructed and created by the failure of people, organisations and social systems to anticipate and/or respond appropriately to the everyday needs of people who have impairments, whether a physically disability, sensory impairment, a learning difficulty or mental health problems.

All the work AiLN does centres on educating people that the problems are found in the social disadvantage, discrimination and social exclusion, which disabled people have to overcome.

AiLN aims to improve the lives of its members through support, information and training. AiLN are committed to building awareness to create an environment where disabled people have choices, and can enjoy an inclusive and rich life, free from exclusion and deprivation.

Ayrshire Independent Living Network is based at Independent Living Services, Pavilion 9, Ayrshire Central Hospital, Irvine, Ayrshire, KA12 8SS. We provide information, support and Payroll services, open five days per week, 9:30a.m. - 4:30p.m.