Strasbourg Freedom Drive 2003

The Strasbourg Freedom Drive, an initiative of the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL), was a Europe-wide event to foster and support the active citizenship of people with disabilities in the European Union, particularly valid in the European Year of Disabled People 2003. From Sept 22-25 people with disabilities from all across Europe, including Ireland, converged on the European Parliament in Strasbourg, bringing with them a number of key demands. One of the main issues to be highlighted was the lack of cohesive personal assistance services throughout Europe. Other critical issues addressed, included the need for more effective representation of disabled people in European Social Exclusion Strategies, as well as action to address the growing number of disabled people being institutionalised and the significant human rights abuses that many people with disabilities experience.

Although CIL tried to support the individuals taking part in the Freedom Drive as much as possible, each participant was still responsible for funding their own trip and that of their PA – an average cost of €700-€900 per person - out of their own pocket.

Freedom Drive Key Demands

The eight key demands presented to the EU Parliament in Strasbourg were:

A European Wide Policy on Personal Assistance
Action to address the growing number of people with disabilities being institutionalised
More effective representation of people with disabilities in European Social Inclusion strategies
The right to gain Personal Assistance services regardless of cost
Promotion of the appropriate implementation of the philosophy of independent living
5% of Overseas Development Aid to be given to community development projects for disabled people in developing countries
Action to highlight and address the significant human rights abuses that many people with disabilities experience
The right to retain personal assistance funding when travelling, regardless of length, or purpose of journey

Strasbourg Freedom Drive Report

CIL Carmichael House have produced a documentary capturing the events of Strasbourg Week 2003. This short documentary captures the essence of the Independent Living wave currently sweeping across Europe. Interviews and coverage of meetings highlight the tremendous power that is currently behind the notion of Independent Living throughout Europe.
This short film is available in both DVD and Video format for a nominal fee and can be obtained by contacting the CIL Carmichael House Office.

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Strasbourg Freedom Drive 2003

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