In this study, first, a brief description of Independent Living (IL) movement in Japan, founding of Independent Living Centers (ILCs), and forming the Japan Council on Independent Living Centers (JIL) were presented. Second, the research results on characteristics of the consumers at 31 centers out of 81 are presented. California Gains Scale (Hiehle, 1982) was employed to measure the impact of ILPs on the participants of 31 centers. Qualitative study based on semistructured interviews were also conducted on 17 voluntary participants who used ILC services in Tokyo metropolitan area and the results are presented. Participating in ILPs, and utilizing their services, the consumers of 31 centers reported that they had developed skills of hiring and using own attendants. The results of the qualitative study revealed that the ILCs were a driving force for homebound individuals with disabilities to start in- dependent living.