“From institutions to community living” – FRA publishes three reports
Reports on independent living: “In practice realities are falling short”
“Too often people with disabilities are prevented from having choice and control over their lives. […] These reports serve as a wake-up call to guide policy makers to ensure [the] right [to live independently] is fully implemented across the EU.”
This is what Michael O’Flaherty, director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (in short, FRA) said when introducing three reports on independent living which were launched at the ‘Dignity + Independent living = DI (deinstitutionalisation)’ conference in Tallinn (Estonia).
The reports deal with the following specific subjects:
- Commitments and structures: What is the legal basis for the commitments to deinstitutionalization and the EU’s role? How is the process organised?
- Funding and budgeting: What are the financial means available to move deinstitutionalisation forward and where does the money come from? How can the use of the money be monitored?
- Outcomes for persons with disabilities: What is the experience of persons with disabilities like when it comes to living in the community, compared with non-disabled persons?
Inclusion Europe very much welcomes the publication of these three reports. They show how important deinstitutionalisation is for people with disabilities and clearly point out the failures of the current system.
The EU and its member states must swiftly address these to help people leave institutions and to have support for living independently.
As FRA director Michael O’Flaherty put it: “While the EU and its Member States have committed themselves to enabling people to enjoy their right to live independently, in practice they are falling short.”
