Priority 3

Priority 3 – Autonomous and independent living

In order to ensure that persons with disabilities can live autonomously and independently they must be offered the support they need to live according to their abilities, desires and expectations, participating fully in community life and on an equal footing with others. This requires access to personalised services, adequate social protection, accessible housing, decent work and a real opportunity to build their own "life plan".

The G7 nations recognise the urgent need to integrate healthcare, assistance, and social services in a coordinated manner, simplifying bureaucracy and making it easier for persons with disabilities to access the support they need. It is essentially important to break down physical, digital and cultural barriers, and to apply reasonable adjustments that facilitate free choices about where, how and with whom to live.

Assistive technologies and accessible innovation also play a key role, along with the training of specialist professionals and the production of informative content in formats that are accessible to all. To support independence, it is essential to build a solid and inclusive regional network, based on collaboration between public bodies, local services, civil society organisations, and organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), seeing them as true experts in the practical implementation of independent living. Community services, in every area, must be accessible and designed to truly meet the needs of persons with disabilities.