This text introduces Independent Futures, a 2006 sociological study by Colin Barnes and Geof Mercer that explores the development of user-led disability services in Britain. The authors argue that traditional welfare policies have historically viewed disability as a personal tragedy, leading to professional dominance and social exclusion. By contrast, they champion a social model of disability, which identifies societal and environmental barriers rather than physical impairments as the root cause of inequality. The book details the rise of the Independent Living Movement and the resulting shift toward organizations controlled and run by disabled people themselves. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the political activism, research methodologies, and practical challenges involved in creating services that promote autonomy and citizenship. Ultimately, the sources evaluate how user-led initiatives provide a radical alternative to mainstream social care by fostering inclusion and self-determination.