We reported recently that the European Network On Independent Living, – a cross – disability rights civil society organisation covering the continent – was hosting a major seminar designed to decide how to work towards ensuring that all disabled people can live independently.
The topic was selected in a survey sent to members in June. Among the speakers at the event in September were activists and advocates of the social model of disability, the deinstitutionalisation movement, and the disability movement.
They used their knowledge and their own experiences from living in different countries with different laws to address the theme of the webinar, with the discussion following a Question and Answer format.
One of the outcomes of the webinar was that no matter how advanced the Independent Living philosophy and systems are in a country, we all need to continue the fight, otherwise our rights will be endangered. They also identified many common challenges, such as institutionalisation (often in the form of group homes), the power exerted by service providers and families, the lack of knowledge and understanding of Independent Living (even among disabled people), the misuse of funds for investments into institutions and the lack of inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems.
Representing the UK was Simone Aspis, who reflected on all of the 12 pillars of independent living and underlined the importance of disabled people having positive wellbeing and a flourishing life that can be achieved using personal assistance. She also expressed great concern about segregation in educational settings in the UK leading to social isolation.
You can read more about the webinar on Independent Living for all here.
