Addressing disabilities through the life course to support independent living and inclusion

Expected Outcome: This topic aims at supporting activities that are enabling or contributing to one or several expected impacts of destination “Staying healthy in a rapidly changing society”. To that end, proposals under this topic should aim to deliver results that are directed at, tailored towards and contributing to all the following expected outcomes: Persons with disabilities are empowered and can enjoy their rights to live independently, participate in society and be included in the community on an equal basis with others. The scientific community develops innovative solutions with a focus on removing barriers faced by persons with disabilities to live independently and they are provided with community support services where they live in the community. Policymakers, health and care services, social and service providers, disability organisations, funders, the scientific community, and other relevant bodies are informed of the research advances and best practices addressing the health and needs of persons with disabilities to support them living independently and being included in society. Scope: The focus of this topic is human-centred on persons with long-term disabilities [1] -physical, mental, intellectual or sensory- aiming at supporting independent living across the life-course from a health perspective. Persons with disabilities have an equal right to live independently and be included in the community. Independent living requires a differentiated landscape of quality, accessible, person-centred and affordable, community- and family-based services comprising personal assistance, medical and social care and interventions by social workers, thereby facilitating everyday activities and providing choice to persons with disabilities and their families [2] . The objective of this topic is to explore new ways to promote independent living and inclusion in society of persons with disabilities, reducing to the maximum possible the impact of barriers faced in their daily lives, and supporting the transition from institutions to living in the community while addressing all-encompassing aspects of personal support, such as community transformation, service provision, assistive and accessible technologies and environments. Research actions under this topic should address at least three of the following areas: Health related research addressing disabilities that stem from health conditions and health conditions associated to disabilities. Thus, research may look into finding the causes of the disease(s) leading to the disability and/or disease treatment wi…