Support follows the person
The notice links freedom to choose where and with whom to live with accessible housing and services, including personal assistance. It calls for planned transitions from institutions, individual support and participation by disabled people. Its approach also covers EU-funded international projects within the relevant funding instruments’ scope. [2]
Organisations want a role in implementation
ENIL welcomed recommendations supporting personal budgets, peer support and centres for independent living. It called for organisations of disabled people to help train officials managing projects and for the guidance to inform monitoring and complaints about misuse of funds. The network also warned that smaller residential settings can retain institutional practices. [3]
Future funding rules remain at issue
In a response by social policy coordinator Haydn Hammersley, the European Disability Forum urged that the notice’s principles become conditions for future funding. The Commission document itself creates no additional legal obligations. The dispute therefore concerned how existing rights and the new recommendations would influence project selection and oversight. [2]