In recent decades Europe has experienced a demographic shift that carries strong anthropological, social and economical implications; we are living longer and fewer children are being born. Longer life expectancy means that societies need a structure to strengthen solidarity between generations on the basis of the inherent dignity of every human being, regardless of age, functionality, your body, or any other factor.

Living longer (including survival from illness and accidents) increases the likelihood of needing support for daily activities. This need is interpreted as a matter of “personal risk” rather than as a common circumstance. It should be seen as a natural part of the human condition and incorporated into the structure of social protection in the same way as the health system, education and pensions have been incorporated. It is more important than ever to see each person as a “unity of dignity” rather than as a “production unit”. The human rights system and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are the best guides for designing strategies and implementing policies in this area.

It is important to develop social tools that are focused on the person rather than on institutions; on the person’s needs, desires and aspirations rather than on professional diagnoses; on community living rather than on residential segregation in institutions.

In this sense, direct economical benefits that are based on individual budgets are models of success that enable self-management of resources as a route to empowerment, emancipation and independent living. Life in the community creates empathy, human enrichment, strengthening of fundamental values and the use of all talents and experiences to create a more cohesive society in order to take on the challenges of the 21st Century and create opportunities for everyone.

The independent living model enables individuals in need of support for daily activities to exercise their human rights; the independent living model combats gender inequalities and improves the working conditions of those who work as professional personal assistants. The self-management of personal assistance is more efficient and effective from an economic point of view than the residential home system.

ENIL invites you, regardless of your age, to participate actively by sharing your experiences with a vibrant organization.