European Network on Independent Living - ENIL

18/08/2026

FRA’s report on violence against people with disabilities in institutions in the EU is now also available in easy read format.

It summarises the report's many findings.

Over 1.4 million people with disabilities in the EU live in institutions. Many face neglect, abuse, and even violence. about people with disabilities in the EU who live in institutions.

The report explores what can be done to change this.

Get it here: https://link.europa.eu/QTgM8M

16/08/2026

13/08/2026

What would work look like if disabled people were actually given a fair chance?

Not just access to a job, but the support, pay and conditions needed to build a decent life.

Our upcoming webinar will explore what is still keeping disabled people out of the labour market, what is already working, and what governments and the EU can do better.

On the agenda:
🔹 Lived experience of entering the labour market
🔹 ENIL’s new report on improving labour market inclusion
🔹 Employment support and supported employment
🔹 A dialogue with EU decision-makers
🔹 An open discussion with participants

If you’re interested in disability rights, employment, social policy or equality, this is a conversation worth being part of.

📅 1 September 2026
⏰ 15:00–17:00 CEST
💻 Online via Zoom

👉 Register now: https://shorturl.at/KpHkv

11/08/2026

Learn about the meaning of 'disability' throughout history!

👉 Which model do you still see most often in society today?

🎨 Graphic design: .ioti

❗ It is also important to mention that disability models have a deeply political dimension, because they essentially address the question: “How should governments and societies respond to disabled people?”

The Medical Model can align closely with capitalist and industrial ideas of productivity, in which people are expected to fit relatively standardised expectations of how a worker should function. From this perspective, disability is located primarily within the individual, and the response is often to treat, rehabilitate or adapt the disabled person so that they can fit existing social and economic structures. Those who cannot fit these expectations may then be excluded from employment, education or wider social participation.

The Social Model, particularly in its British origins, was influenced by Marxist and materialist ideas. It challenged a society organised around standardised ideas of productivity and instead argued that disability is created by social, environmental and institutional barriers. Rather than expecting disabled people to adapt to society, society should adapt to the diverse needs of its members.

The Human Rights Model, which was greatly influenced by the Social Model, goes a step further by viewing disabled people as rights-holders. It seeks to embed principles such as equality, autonomy, accessibility and participation into law and public policy, so that Independent Living is treated as a right rather than something disabled people have to earn or depend on others to provide.

Remembering that disability is political helps us see that exclusion is not inevitable. It is shaped by decisions, institutions and power, and therefore it can be changed.

10/08/2026

In 2 days, we’re marking International Youth Day with a question that matters far beyond the disability community:

What happens when young people have the same aspirations, but not the same opportunities to achieve them?

Young people want many of the same things: quality education, meaningful work, independence, participation, belonging and the freedom to make their own choices. But for young disabled people, ableism can still stand between those aspirations and reality.

On Wednesday, 12 August at 15:30 CEST, ENIL and the ENIL Youth Network are hosting “We Aspire for Inclusion”, an interactive online event exploring how we can challenge those barriers through activism, youth work, non-formal education and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Why should you join?

Because inclusion is not only a “disability issue”. If you work with young people, teach, organise, advocate, make policy or simply care about creating communities where everyone can participate, ableism is something worth understanding and challenging.

And this won’t be just 90 minutes of listening. Expect breakout discussions, collaborative exercises and practical ideas you can take back to your organisation, community or everyday life. No previous knowledge of disability rights or the UN CRPD is required.

📅 12 August 2026
🕒 15:30–17:00 CEST
💻 Online via Zoom

👉 Register here: https://shorturl.at/lkbtJ

Only 2 days to go. We hope to see you there!

07/08/2026

🎮GAME: Choose one icon in the first image, then go through the photos in order and follow its line.

03/08/2026

22 EU countries are facing infringement action after failing to fully put new equality rules into national law by the deadline!

This month, we explain why that matters for disabled people and share new work on sexual and reproductive rights, Disability Pride, employment and the Freedom Drive 2026.

Read the Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/zhDU3