Many people with disabilities across Europe are still being placed in long-term institutional care and are thus denied any opportunity to exercise their rights and live their lives on equal footing with other European citizens. Much more work remains to be done in order to ensure that policy and decision-makers of all European countries take action to replace institutions for people with disabilities with person-centered community-based services

ECCL was founded by Autism Europe, the Center for Policy Studies of the Central European University, the European Disability Forum, the European Network of Independent Living, Inclusion Europe, Mental Health Europe and the Open Society Mental Health Initiative.

Since its establishment in 2005, ECCL has grown into a network of member organisations and individual members in more than twenty European countries. ECCL’s members share a vision of community living for all people with disabilities and promote ECCL’s mission and positions in their countries. They have the opportunity to participate in ECCL’s lobbying and advocacy activities, campaigns, seminars, exchange information and more.

Membership in ECCL is open to all organisations, individuals and institutions committed to the promotion of community-based alternatives for people with disabilities. To advance ECCL’s efforts in your country or Europe-wide, join ECCL today!

To join ECCL and learn more about its activities:

Please visit www.community-living.info