ENIL

The European Network on Independent Living (ENIL) is a Europe-wide network of people with disabilities with members throughout Europe. ENIL is a forum intended for all people with disabilities, independent living organisations and their non-disabled allies on the issue of independent living. ENIL’s work is guided by the principles of solidarity, peer support, de-institutionalisation, democracy, self-representation, cross disability and self-determination.

ENIL promotes equal opportunities for people with disabilities, fights against discrimination and addresses the under-representation of persons with extensive disabilities in European disability politics, as well as in mainstream society. ENIL’s mission is to:

• Promote the Independent Living philosophy among people with disabilities, the general public, national policy makers, Government administrations, in the United Nations, as well as among regional bodies such as the European Union, the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE);

• Develop the concept, principles and definition of Independent Living. Promote the development of Centres of Independent Living throughout Europe and enhance solidarity and networking among them;

• Carry out training and awareness raising activities at the European level, focusing on the personal assistance, direct payments/personal budgets and peer support/counselling;

• Represent Independent Living Organizations and the Independent Living movement at the European level and in different European bodies and organizations;

• Combat social exclusion and discrimination through disability policies which allow for Independent Living of people with disabilities. Make the Independent Living framework instrumental to end discrimination against people with disabilities in Europe;

• Embrace the social model of disability in acquiring independence and self-determination, and overcome the barriers of the medical and attitudinal models.

• Every year, ENIL undertakes a number of activities to raise awareness of the rights of disabled people in Europe at both the national and European Level. The Freedom Drive is ENIL’s flagship campaign and takes place every two years. The week-long event provides an opportunity for Members of the European Parliament to meet with disabled people from across Europe and to discuss issues that affecting their lives. It also provides an opportunity for disabled people from across Europe to come together and exchange their experiences in an informal way, as well as facilitate further development of the Independent Living Movement.

For further information in relation to ENIL and our activities, please visit our website: www.enil.eu