The aim of the project was the national and transnational exchange of knowledge and best practice examples between employees of the organisations, supporters and people with disabilities as experts in their own right. Important topics were inclusion, self-determination and independent living. In particular, the perspectives of people with disabilities, their needs and experiences provided valuable insights and strengthened processes of self-empowerment. At the same time, the project promoted the further development of the organisations towards user-oriented services. The transnational exchange enabled the establishment of a European network on disability and self-determined living, which can develop joint concepts at EU level in the future. The results and identified best practices were collected in a publicly accessible online knowledge platform (Moodle). In addition, a guideline for organising inclusive workshops at eye level was created. All materials are publicly available to give other organisations an example of how joint workshops can be held and how people with disabilities can be included.
Despite the ratification of the UN CRPD in all partner countries, many people with disabilities continue to experience significant restrictions to their self-determination. This is due, among other factors, to high rates of institutionalisation as well as societal and structural barriers. People who live permanently in segregating institutions or within family settings often do not develop the necessary skills to make independent decisions—skills that are essential for fostering self-determination, self-efficacy, and self-confidence. There is a lack of inclusive educational strategies, tools, and processes that enable a self-determined life. Only a few individuals currently make use of deinstitutionalised support systems such as personal assistance. However, to access such services, people with disabilities need preparatory learning environments where they can identify and articulate their needs and goals. At the same time, support staff must be sensitised to these issues. Therefore, innovative, inclusive, and accessible approaches in education, employment, and housing are urgently needed. These approaches must be developed with, for, and by people with disabilities—because they are experts in their own lives.