Are you a young disabled activist passionate about Independent Living and personal assistance? Do you want to strengthen your advocacy skills, connect with the European movement, and take an active role in shaping the future of Independent Living?
We invite applications for The Martin Naughton Youth Memorial Stipend – a monetary award supporting the participation of young people (aged 18–35) in the Freedom Drive, organised by European Network on Independent Living (ENIL). The Freedom Drive will take place in Brussels from 29 September to 1 October in Brussels. The programme is available here. The stipend will cover costs related to participation in the Freedom Drive for the stipend laureate and 1 PA (personal assistant): travel, transport from and to the airport, accommodation, meals organised by ENIL. ENIL will make a booking for the accommodation and the transport from and to the airport and will assist with the booking of plane tickets.
This stipend honours the legacy of Martin Naughton, a pioneering Independent Living activist and former ENIL President, by supporting young leaders committed to advancing the Independent Living movement across Europe. Martin passed away in October 2016, which was a great loss for ENIL and for the Independent Living movement as a whole. He founded the Freedom Drive in 2003, with support from the ENIL Board. The Freedom Drive started in Strasbourg, with campaigners vowing to return every two years, until Independent Living was a reality for all disabled people in Europe. Today, the ENIL Freedom Drive is one of our most important lobbying and awareness raising activities.
Selection criteria :
To apply, you must be a young disabled person (18-35 years old), living in a European country that is a member of the Council of Europe. As visa procedures can be lengthy and their outcome uncertain, priority on this occasion will be given to a candidate who does not require a Schengen visa or who already holds one.
You must be active members and supporters of the Independent Living movement, demonstrate local involvement in Independent Living advocacy, show a clear commitment to continuing campaigning after the Freedom Drive, and be willing to publicly represent the movement and share their experiences (e.g., through social media, newsletter articles, or local events). ENIL will provide a letter of invitation stating that all travel expenses are covered by ENIL, for those who require it for visa purposes.
Recipients of the stipend commit to:
- Participating in all formal Freedom Drive events
- Taking an active role during the Freedom Drive (e.g. speaking, supporting actions, engaging in discussions, networking)
- Posting at least two updates on social media during the event
- Producing a follow-up contribution within one month after the Freedom Drive (for example: A short article or reflection for ENIL’s website, a poster, a photo collage, a short video, a creative piece that ENIL can use in its communications)
- Contributing to follow-up activities (e.g. attending a youth meeting or sharing experiences with peers)
How to apply?
Applicants are asked to submit:
- A short motivation letter (max. 500 words) or a video explaining:
- A short description of your involvement in Independent Living advocacy (which organisations, campaigns, projects or actions did you initiate or join), why you want to participate in the Freedom Drive, how you plan to continue campaigning after the event
- A response to the following open question: What does the philosophy of Independent Living mean to you, and how does it guide your activism?
Please send your motivation letter or a video to: freedom.drive@enil.eu before 15 April 2026 at 12h00 (CEST).
Selection Criteria:
Applications will be assessed based on your motivation, demonstrated commitment to the Independent Living movement and active engagement in personal assistance advocacy. We will also consider your motivation to strengthen European cooperation and your possibility to contribute to the movement after the Freedom Drive. Potential candidates will be asked for a 15-minute presentation interview with the jury in April.
The Martin Naughton Youth Memorial Stipend aims not only to support participation, but to invest in the next generation of Independent Living leaders.
We warmly encourage young activists from across Europe to apply.
