Proud, Strong and Visible
European Network on Independent Living
ENIL is a user-led network of disabled people, with members throughout Europe. Our mission is to advocate for Independent Living values, principles and practices: provision of personal assistance and other community supports and services, a barrier-free environment and adequate technical aids, together making full citizenship of disabled people possible.
About our organisation
ENIL is a network based on solidarity and peer support
ENIL is a forum for all disabled people, Independent Living organisations and their non-disabled allies on the issues of Independent Living. ENIL represents the disability movement for human rights and social inclusion, based on solidarity, peer support, deinstitutionalisation, democracy, self-representation, cross-disability and self-determination. Our vision is of Europe where all disabled people are able to exercise choice and control over their lives, on an equal level with others; where they are valued members of the community and can enjoy all of their human rights, as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
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ENIL works to strengthen the empowerment of disabled people, through providing resources for peer support and peer-to-peer training. ENIL enhances the European disability sector by providing an arena for the sharing of disabled people’s experience of services and by providing expertise on independent living. Our Youth Network brings together young people, making their voice heard in the independent living movement.
Recent News
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Norway Makes History
On 9th of December, Norway took a historic step for disability rights and the Independent Living movement. With a clear majority, the Norwegian Parliament …
New Practical Toolkit on Centres for Independent Living
On the occasion of Human Rights Day (10 December), we are proud to announce the publication of a new Toolkit for User‑Led and Intersectional …
Tackling the cost of discrimination
On 3 December 2025, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, ENIL calls on decision-makers on the EU and the national level to step …
Find out about Independent Living in your country
The Independent Living survey was launched in 2020, to find about the state of independent living around Europe. Its results are updated regularly and shared with policy and decision makers at the European level.
Access IL MapUpcoming Events
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13/01/2026 – 13/01/2026
Remembering John Evans OBE – Celebrating Independent LivingOn 13 January 2026, we will be marking one year since the sad loss of our co-founder, former President, Independent Living pioneer, and dear …
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18/12/2025 – 18/12/2025
From My Country to YoursEvery two years, ENIL’s Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) recruits 4 young disabled activists to spend a week with an organisation advocating for independent living …
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PAW – Personal Assistance WatchWhen: the last Thursday each month, from 17:00 – 18:30. Where: Online, Zoom You can join us by registering here. What is PAW? Personal …
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