European Commission Guidance on Independent Living Adopted

European Commission Guidance on Independent Living Adopted

On 20 November 2024, the European Commission adopted its much-awaited Guidance on independent living and inclusion in the community of persons with disabilities in the context of EU funding. It is built on the principles of non-discrimination and equality, enshrined in Articles 10 and 19 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It aligns with the European Pillar of Social Rights and Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The aim is to support Member States in transitioning from institutional to community-based care, by providing practical examples for implementing EU funds in this context, particularly in areas of housing, accessibility, and person-centred service delivery. To achieve this, the Guidance suggests that EU member states develop a strategy for deinstitutionalisation, prepared in consultation with persons with disabilities, time-bound targets and set a dedicated budget and resources. Annexed, it contains a self-assessment tool.

This Guidance has been developed thanks to the inputs of civil society organisations, such as EPR. We are pleased to see an acknowledgement of the vital role played by social services in promoting independent living of persons with disabilities, and commend the focus on choice and a person-centred approach to care.

The Guidance is interlinked with the other Flagship initiatives of the Disability Strategy, which the European Commission has been working on in the past year, with primary amongst them being the Framework on Social Services of Excellence. The understanding is that independent living is a cross-cutting topic and thus, must be mainstreamed in other policy areas.

EPR, through the series of “Pathways to Community Inclusion” meetings with its members, has been discussing how service providers can be enablers in this transition and contribute to the implementation of such an important tool at national level. Stay tuned for upcoming recommendations!