1. The Right to Independent Living and the Development of User-Led Personal Assistance
Ciara Brennan
University of Iceland
1st Network Meeting
Brussels 25/11/2011

2. Purpose and Objectives
To enhance understanding of the meaning of independent living by engaging with and documenting the experiences of key stakeholders within independent living organisation
To chart the ways in which Independent living organisations in Iceland, Sweden and the UK have influenced national policy and practice in line with Article 19 of the UN Convention
Identify challenges and barriers faced by these organisations and to explore if similar challenges have been experienced or addressed in other countries
Build on existing knowledge within and between IL organisations in Iceland, Sweden and the UK
Rannsóknasetur í fötlunarfræðum

3. Research Questions What is the meaning of independent living?
What are the challenges and barriers facing independent living organisations and have they been addressed?
What practical steps can be taken by IL organisations to bring practice more in line with Article 19?

4. Methodology
Case studies will focus on independent living organisations in Iceland, Sweden and the UK
Desk research- policy and legislation across Europe
Qualitative methods: interviews, focus groups, participant observations
Collaborative research
Maximise the involvement of independent living organisations
“Nothing about us without us“
Cross-country comparisons

5. Independent Living Organisations
European Network on Independent living (ENIL)
ENIL is a European-wide independent living organisation which focuses on the implementation of the UNCRPD and the advancement of independent living across Europe (ENIL, 2011).
JAG

6. Anticipated Issues and Research Barriers
Language barriers
Understandings of independent living
Fieldwork across Europe
Accessibility (diverse population)
Ethics