WID's 131 page report features articles and research on how disability groups are using independent living principles to improve their living conditions in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Also included is the International Independent Living Timeline spanning 1755 to 2003, and a selected international bibliography.

The International Independent Living Timeline began as a project of the 1999 International Summit on Independent Living, organized by Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU). Held in Washington D.C., participants from fifty countries provided information about milestones in the independent living movement. The result is an indispensable research tool that helps track 1) precursors or prerequisites to an independent living movement in various countries, and 2) the influence of external political events and international and regional collaboration. IDEAS project staff have recently updated the timeline, which is printed in this volume.

The entire volume features original papers, as well as reprinted papers from the IDEAS online magazine (www.disabilityworld.org) and other journals. In addition to regional reports, countries featured include Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Mozambique, South Africa and the U.S.

"This entire volume so clearly demonstrates the value of international exchange of experience to advance the status of disabled people worldwide," says Tomas Lagerwall, secretary general of Rehabilitation International. "I have witnessed the many positive effects of this movement, first in Europe and now in the U.S. and am certain we still have much to learn from each other."

A Global Snapshot is a product of the IDEAS for a New Millenium Project, a five year collaboration of WID; Rehabilitation International (RI); Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU); and the Inter-American Institute on Disability (IID). It is funded by the U.S. National Institute for Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

Copies of this report are available in print or alternative formats from publications@wid.org or (510)251-4309. (Shipped in the U.S. is $30.13. Shipped by international surface is $34.96; allow 4-6 weeks. Shipped by international air is $39.25. Sliding scale is available for developing countries.)