Blog post by: Konstantina Leventi, Head of Policy at the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD)
As the Independent Living day approaches, the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) wishes to highlight the need for a strategic shift from institutional care to community-based support systems that foster independent living and inclusion for persons with disabilities.
This shift places a significant emphasis on empowering individuals. It involves building support systems that promote autonomy and active participation of persons with disabilities in community life. Central to this approach is the role of social services, which are envisioned to evolve into active facilitators of inclusion and independence.
The European Commission’s forthcoming guidance to Member States promises to improve independent living conditions and community inclusion for persons with disabilities. However, as we celebrate these developments, we must also acknowledge the ongoing challenges. Despite the progress, many persons with disabilities still live in institutional settings, isolated from community life and lacking control over their personal decisions. This underlines the urgent need for holistic approaches that consider all aspects of life — from employment and education to social engagement.
As we reflect on this, it becomes evident that to support independence and inclusion, it is fundamental to improve social services. We need to support social services to move towards better quality, empowering and person-centred forms of support. This includes tackling challenges related to the underdevelopment of person-centred and community-based services including personal assistance, outdated infrastructure, underfunding, and staff shortages coupled with poor working conditions. By addressing these and other challenges, we can ensure that support services can create environments where persons with disabilities can effectively participate in society, contribute to their communities, and pursue their aspirations.
The upcoming reforms and EU guidance represent more than policy changes; they signal a cultural shift towards inclusivity and respect for the dignity of every individual. It is a reminder that at the heart of these discussions are real people, whose lives are shaped by our actions and decisions. Therefore, it’s crucial for all stakeholders to come together — persons with disabilities themselves, families, service providers and policymakers — to ensure that the transition to community-based support is not only a change in location but a transformation in the quality of life of the people.