The European Network for Independent Living (ENIL) sent on Thursday 4 May its recommendations to the European Commission on its guide for Member States on independent living and inclusion. A flagship initiative of the EU Disability Rights Strategy 2021-2030, the guide will be published by the end of 2023.
“De-institutionalisation”
ENIL’s main concern is to make progress on “de-institutionalisation” (see EUROPE 13030/21). In addition to moving people with disabilities out of closed institutional settings (hospitals, old people’s homes, etc.), it is also about ending “substitute decision-making, including guardianship, and forced [medical] treatment”, it explains. It recommends that EU countries repeal legislation allowing such practices and stop funding any form of “institutionalisation”.
On the contrary, the network would like to see Member States encouraged to provide more resources for local services and support, including personal assistants. This also means, it says, ensuring access to affordable and accessible housing.
Inclusion in all parts of society
ENIL also advocates for: - inclusive and adaptable education systems; - effective legislation to prohibit discrimination in employment, including the denial of reasonable accommodation; - accessible health care.
Finally, in its recommendations, the network insists on the need to reform the procedures for assessing a disability, so that everyone can access it.
See the recommendations: https://aeur.eu/f/6qn (Original version in French by Hélène Seynaeve)