Hybrid event: Right to live independently and be included

The aim of the event is to promote the implementation of the CRPD, especially in the selected areas where there are particular common challenges. Experiences and examples will be presented from the Nordic and Baltic countries, and from the European level. Topics to be discussed include services and other preconditions that enable independent living – such as de-institutionalization by developing services for the local community and supported decision-making.

Preliminary program 12 February:

Moderator: Anna Caldén, SAMS – Samarbetsförbundet kring funktionshinder rf, Finland

Opening of the event

12.00 Mika Salminen, Director general, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
12.10 Sirpa Rautio, Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights 

Independent living

12.30 Guidance on independent living and inclusion in the community of persons with disabilities in the context of EU funding, Olga Martínez de Briones, European Commission 

12.50–14.20 Practices from Nordic and Baltic countries 
•    Promoting independent living in Sweden, Karin Flyckt, Socialstyrelsen, Sweden 
•    Promoting independent living in Iceland, Anna Klara Georgsdóttir, Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour of Iceland
•    Experience with Piloting a Component-Based Service Model in Estonia, Elen Preimann, Ministry of Social Affairs of Estonia
•    Independent living in Norway, Anna Bjørshol, Bufdir
•    End of institutions? Reflections on the current state of deinstitutionalization in Finland, Sonja Miettinen, Finnish Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Questions and comments

14.20–14.40 Break

Supported Decision-making

14.40 EDF Human Rights Report 2024 – Legal capacity: Personal choice and control, Marine Uldry, Human Rights Policy Coordinator, European Disability Forum 

15.00 Practices from Nordic and Baltic countries
•    Latvia’s experience on developing the supported decision making service, legislation and system, Dace Kampenusa, Ministry of Welfare of the Republic of Latvia 
•    Lithuania’s experience on developing supported decision-making, Rasa Genienė, Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania
•    Supported decision making in Act on Disability Services in Finland, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
Principles for supporting decision-making based on Finnish experiences, Pia Mölsä, Inclusion Finland (KVTL)
•    Draft law on supported decision-making in Norway, Martine Eliasson & Aage Gjesdal, Uloba 

Questions and comments

Conclusions 
16.15–16.30 Sanna Ahola and Mikko Joronen, Finnish Human Rights Centre

If you are attending on-site, you are also welcome to join the on-site workshops 13th of February 2025 at 9 am-12 pm (UTC+2) at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare in Helsinki, Finland. Workshop themes are supported decision making, re-institutionalization and independent living.

Please note that all times are in Finnish time (UTC+2).

When registering, tell us whether you want to join online or on-site. The number of on-site participants is limited.

Contacts:
Chief specialist Päivi Nurmi-Koikkalainen, THL
paivi.nurmi-koikkalainen@thl.fi