ABSTRACT. Empowerment efforts directed at increasing control over relevantfeatures of the environment were assessed from individuals associated with localindependent living centers (ILCs) from the states of Utah, Louisiana, Washing-ton, and West Virginia. Data were collected over a period of 24 months in threeof the groups and up to 45 months in the other. Copies of each organization'sgroup minutes were collected to identify disability-related issues discussedduring monthly group meetings. Interviews with key group members and ILCstaff were conducted to identify actions taken to address selected issues, andoutcomes of group members' activities. A descriptive summary of the types ofactions and outcomes reported by participating groups is provided. The issuesand challenges of conducting empowerment research with consumer advocacyorganizations are discussed. Empowerment is an ongoing process centered in the local community, involvingcritical reflection and group participation, through which people lacking anequal share of valued resources gain greater access to and control over thoseresources (Cornell Empowerment Group, 1989). The concept has been popular-ized by social movements (such as the civil rights, women's, and independentliving movements) and is frequently regarded as a desirable aim of communityinterventions (Davila, 1992).Despite the popularity of the empowerment construct among social scientists,there is little agreement about the best strategies to actually increase the powerof disenfranchised individuals or how the construct translates into research andREHABILITATION PSYCHOLOGY Vol. 39, No. 3,1994
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