Each member of our committees must sign this manifesto for independent life.
The Manifesto of Independent Living in Europe
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1. Right to Independent and Inclusive Living:
We call for a revision of the legislation of the member countries that specifies the means necessary for the implementation of Independent Living, so that it becomes a reality for its citizens. We call for enhanced cooperation between member countries, which can in fact guarantee the free movement of persons with disabilities without compromising their autonomy. We call on governments to review their policy on autonomy, focusing on a dynamic transition from residential care to home life, which can foster an inclusive life in society. This policy change involves giving people with disabilities the human and financial support they need to achieve Independent Living.
2. Create a directorate dedicated to disability policy:
We call on the political groups and the members of the European Parliament to take note of our demands and to begin substantive work with us. Their support for the Independent Living movement would give more weight to our voice.
3. Ensure the correct terms are used as defined by the Independent Living Movement:
We ask that official texts and statements dealing with Independent Living respect the terminology and definitions adopted . Among these key definitions is respect for the person’s life choice.
Working with member countries will provide a better understanding of the foundations of our movement and what we are demanding.
4. To ensure that support for people at home is financed by the structural and investment funds:
We ask that personalized support for people with disabilities become a right.
5. Stop funding new facilities for persons with disabilities, regardless of size:
We ask that member countries apply the rules of the Structural and Investment Funds which should favour the transition from an institutionalization policy to a life policy within the community. To implement these principles, it is necessary to work with people with disabilities themselves and the organizations that represent them, support self-representation initiatives, Establish support services that meet the aspirations of individuals and take into account their rights.
6. Develop funding for local or national non-governmental organizations led by persons with disabilities:
We believe that organizations led by people with disabilities are better able to provide the necessary support to those affected, support inclusive practices and work to improve the lives of those affected. This recognition should make it possible to sustain the existence of these organizations and allow their development.​
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7. Reverse budget reduction policies to fund services and benefits for persons with disabilities:
Decide to immediately stop any budget cuts that deprive people with disabilities of their rights and reduce their benefits. Member countries are responsible for allocating services to individuals, so they need to be aware of the importance of their support needs. In these times of budget cuts, people with disabilities should not be the first targets.
The European Union must influence member countries to take decisions and measures that preserve the rights of people with disabilities and free them from budget cuts.
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8. Ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to common law services:
We call for an assessment of all the barriers that make common law services inaccessible, and make it more efficient to marginalize people with disabilities and exclude them from community life. We ask that the necessary funds and resources be allocated to remove these barriers.
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9. Strengthening the protection of persons with disabilities against any discriminatory practice within the European Union:
We call on member countries to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. Knowing their rights better, people will be better able to defend themselves against discrimination. We also call on the European Union to condemn discriminatory practices initiated by any power or person of influence, and to remind them of their obligations, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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10. Implement inclusive education for all children and youth with disabilities:
We call for an educational approach that takes into account the potential of students, without neglecting their specific needs. We also ask that all students be able to attend the same schools regardless of their origin or their particular situation.
