This study examined the meaning of the independent living of the disabled and its development in Korea, and examined the issue of Personal Assistance Services (PASs) acting as the basic and key factor of independence living carried out nationwide and sought for the direction of development by analyzing the direction of the governmental policies and the cases in the fields. The results of it are as follows
First, institutionalization should be carried out in all fields of disability comprehensively. Also in the disabled independent living movements and the operations of the centers, it has been settled down as a fundamental principle, and if institutionalization as a universal right rather than a temporary measure is considered carefully, from the beginning, comprehensive principles of the entire fields of disability should be established which should be reflected. Second, demands by the types and characteristics of disability should be dealt with. Third, the standard of income should be based on individual income rather than family income. Fourth, it is important to have the principles that PASs should give right as total hours through vouchers etc. to the disabled individuals who need the services according to certain criteria, and that the government should take the ultimate responsibility. Fifth, the training courses of Personal Attendants (PAs) and their fundamental rights as laborers should be secured. Sixth, with the increase of use of PASs, the government should suggest concrete plans for appropriate treatments of PAs and to improve the provision of the services, and service providing institutions should carry out the function of arbitration properly. Seventh, since the quality of PASs directly depends on the quality of PAs and the level of support, regular education from the service institutions by which practices rather than theories are strengthened and concrete situations can be dealt with. Eighth, models should be developed suiting situations in Korea.
Key words : Personal Assistance Services, Independent Living