Supporting Life Choices for People with Disabilities

The European Commission supports France in transforming services for people with disabilities. With EU funding, it aims to strengthen professional practices, mobility solutions, and digital tools to promote autonomy and self-determination. The project benefits the General Directorate for Social Cohesion (DGCS) of the Ministry of Health, Families, Autonomy and Persons with Disabilities, ensuring that inclusive reforms are aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030.

Context

France is engaged in a long-term transformation of its healthcare and social welfare services to move from institutional care toward inclusive, person-centered support for people with disabilities. Despite progress, challenges remain in professional practices, fragmented mobility solutions, and underused digital tools. The project aligns with EU priorities, such as the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021–2030, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It addresses barriers to inclusion and autonomy, ensuring that people with disabilities can fully participate in society.

Support delivered

The project, funded by the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) managed by the European Commission, is implemented by Expertise France on behalf of the European Commission. Over 24 months, it engages national and local stakeholders, including national institutions dealing with disability policies and representatives of people with disabilities. Activities include international comparative studies, diagnostic assessments, and co-created reform roadmaps on professional practices, mobility, and digital tools. These are developed through consultations, workshops, and study visits in France and abroad.

Dedicated working groups are in charge of developing the roadmaps, comprising stakeholders from various sectors, ensuring that the outputs are tailored to the specific needs of persons with disabilities in France.

Expected results

The project will deliver three reform roadmaps to

strengthen professional practices,
improve mobility, and
enhance digital tools supporting self-determination.

Expected benefits include better pathways of support, more inclusive transport, and accessible digital solutions. The project contributes to increased autonomy, equality, and participation of people with disabilities, supporting France’s commitments under the UN Convention and EU Strategy. Outcomes will also serve as a model for other Member States seeking to implement inclusive reforms to support the self-determination of people with disabilities.