Independent Living Day

ENIL published a guiding Manifesto with 4 key principles to realise Independent Living in Europe:
 
1. Ensure freedom of movement for all. It is unacceptable that disabled people cannot choose where they will live, study or travel within the EU. The right to Free Movement should be backed up by a strong European social framework to make EU rights accessible for all.
 
2. End institutional care. Disabled children and adults are still segregated in large and small institutions across Europe. Independent Living in the community is a right for all disabled people, set out in Article 19 of the CRPD, and further explained in General Comment 5.
 
3. Involve citizens in making EU Funds more transparent and effective. Disabled people are largely excluded from decisions on how EU Funds are used, even when spent on projects meant to improve their lives. This process should be based on co-production, with full involvement of disabled people.
 
4. Mainstream disability rights. Independent living is about more than being able to get out of bed. To live independently means having access to education, employment, public transport, housing, culture, sports, and other areas. Coordination is needed at all levels of government to ensure that disabled people can participate in society as active citizens.
 
Disabled people and allies from all over Europe will mark the 6th Independent Living Day with a variety actions including conferences, protests, publications and videos.