People with complex needs must be included

Cinzia Agoni of Belgium’s GAMP argued that inclusion must reach people with complex support needs. Romanian self-advocate Elisabeta Moldovan described leaving institutions and helping others do the same. Their contributions connected service reform with the practical support needed to live in a community. [1][2]

Bercse calls for housing and personal budgets

László Bercse, chair of the European Platform of Self-Advocates, called for ordinary housing, personal budgets and stronger involvement of people leaving institutions. “People with complex support needs must not be left in institutions,” he said. He urged better use of EU funding for support and community participation.

Work and assistance support independent lives

Inclusion Ireland’s Paul Alford described finding paid work, buying a home and hiring support. ENABLE Scotland presented its personal-assistance approach, while workshops discussed decision-making rights and family support. After the conference, Inclusion Europe announced an internal group to develop advocacy-led services in communities. [2]