Read the commitment declaration here:

https://risa.si/risa/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/UNITY-Commitment-Declaration-May-2026.pdf

Sign the declaration here:

https://forms.office.com/e/044QWK4srY

Why do we need this commitment?

In Europe, many people with intellectual disabilities
still do not have the same rights as other people.

Inclusion Europe looked at the situation in Europe in 2025.
The results show that many things must still change.

The right to decide
Every person should have the right to make
decisions about their own life.

Some people need support to understand information
and make decisions.
This is called supported decision-making.
Supported decision-making means:

• people get information they can understand,
• people get time to think,
• people get support from people they trust,
• but the final decision belongs to the person.

In 2025, Inclusion Europe found that only 4 countries
fully respect the right to decide
and provide supported decision-making.
This is not enough.
No one should lose the right to decide
because they have a disability.

The right to vote
Voting is a basic democratic right.
Voting means people can choose
who makes decisions for their country, city or community.

But in some countries, people with intellectual disabilities
can still lose the right to vote.
In 2025, Inclusion Europe found that in 13 countries
people can be denied the right to vote
because their legal capacity was removed.
This is not fair.

Everyone should have the right to vote.
Everyone should get accessible information about elections.
Everyone should get support to vote, if they need it.

The right to stand for election
People with intellectual disabilities
should not only vote.
They should also be able to stand for election
and become decision-makers.

But in 2025, Inclusion Europe found that in 14 countries
people with intellectual disabilities
are restricted from standing for election.
This must change.

People with intellectual disabilities
must be part of democracy.

Nothing about us without us.

The right to live in the community
Every person has the right to live in the community.
People should be able to choose:

• where they live,
• who they live with,
• what support they get,
• how they live their life.

But many people with intellectual disabilities
still live in institutions.

In 2025, Inclusion Europe found that at least 1.1 million people
with intellectual disabilities in Europe
live in segregated care institutions
with more than 10 people living together.

Inclusion Europe also found that more than 37.000 people
with intellectual disabilities
are placed in psychiatric hospitals.

These numbers may be even higher,
because some countries do not have full information.

Institutions must close.
People must get support to live in the community.

The right to good support
Many people with intellectual disabilities
do not get the support they need.

Many adults still live with their families
because there is not enough support to live independently.

Families often must provide support alone.
This is not fair for the person.
It is also not fair for families.

People need good community-based support, such as:

• personal assistance,
• support at home,
• accessible housing,
• support to make decisions,
• support to work,
• support to take part in the community.

Support must fit the person.
Support must not be the same for everyone.

The right to work and keep support
Work is important.
Work can help people have money, friends,
purpose and independence.

But many people with intellectual disabilities
do not have a job on the open labour market.

In 2025, Inclusion Europe found that in 29 countries
few or no people with intellectual disabilities
work on the open labour market.

In 21 countries, people with intellectual disabilities
risk losing their disability benefits
when they earn their own salary.
This is wrong.
People should not be punished for working.
Work should make life better, not harder.

The right to inclusive education
Children with intellectual disabilities
should learn together with other children.
They should go to their local school.
They should get the support they need.

But many children with intellectual disabilities
are still sent to special schools.

In 2025, Inclusion Europe found that at least 640.000 children
with intellectual disabilities in Europe
are in special schools.

Over 24.000 children with intellectual disabilities
are not in education.

This must change.
Inclusive education is good for everyone.
It teaches respect, friendship and equality.

The right to relationships

Everyone has the right to have relationships.
This includes:

• friendships,
• love,
• partners,
• marriage,
• private life,
• social life.

People with intellectual disabilities are sometimes treated like children.
Some people think they should not have a partner.
Some people do not get privacy.
Some people do not get support to understand relationships.
This is wrong.

People with intellectual disabilities have the right to love
and to be loved.
They have the right to choose who is important in their life.
They have the right to information about relationships
in a way they can understand.
They have the right to support,
but other people must respect their choices.

The right to have a family
People with intellectual disabilities have the right to family life.
This means they can:

• have a partner,
• get married,
• have children,
• be parents,
• live with their family,
• keep contact with people they love.

Some people with intellectual disabilities are told
they cannot be parents.

Some parents with intellectual disabilities do not get
the support they need.

Sometimes families are separated
because there is not enough support.

This is not fair.
Parents with intellectual disabilities should get support
to care for their children.
Children should not be taken away
only because their parent has a disability.
Families must get support early,
before problems become too big.

People with disabilities have the same right to family life
as everyone else.

The right to culture

Culture is part of life.
Culture means many things, for example:

• music,
• theatre,
• books,
• films,
• museums,
• festivals,
• traditions,
• art,
• dance,
• community events.

People with intellectual disabilities should not only watch culture.
They should also create culture.
They should be artists, actors, writers, dancers, musicians and performers.

Culture must be accessible.

This means:

• easy-to-read information,
• accessible buildings,
• support persons when needed,
• accessible tickets and booking,
• subtitles,
• audio description,
• relaxed performances,
• enough time and clear explanations.

Culture helps people feel included.
Culture helps people express who they are.

Culture belongs to everyone.

The right to sport and free time
Sport and free time are also important.
People with intellectual disabilities have the right to:

• play sport,
• exercise,
• join clubs,
• go to events,
• travel,
• have hobbies,
• spend time with friends,
• rest and enjoy life.

Sport is good for health.
Sport also helps people meet others
and feel part of the community.

But many people with intellectual disabilities
cannot join sports and free-time activities.
This can happen because:

• places are not accessible,
• information is too difficult,
• transport is not available,
• support is missing,
• people are not welcomed,
• activities cost too much money.

This must change.
Sports clubs, cultural organisations and communities
must welcome people with intellectual disabilities.
They must provide support and accessible information.

Everyone has the right to enjoy life.

Why we ask you to sign
We ask organisations and individuals to sign this commitment
because things must change now.

We want a Europe where:

• people with disabilities live in the community,
• people get the support they need,
• people can decide about their own lives,
• people can vote,
• people can stand for election,
• children learn together,
• people can work without losing support,
• families are not left alone,
• self-advocates lead the way.
• people can have friends, partners and relationships,
• people can have a family and get support as parents,
• people can enjoy culture,
• people can create culture,
• people can take part in sport,
• people can enjoy free time and community life,
• people are respected as full human beings.

By signing this commitment,
you say that you support inclusion, equality and voice.

You say that inclusion means the whole life of a person.
Not only school.
Not only work.
Not only services.
Inclusion means living, loving, deciding,
creating, playing, belonging
and being respected.

You say that people with intellectual and other disabilities
must have the same rights as everyone else.

You say that democracy must include everyone.

You say that no one should be left behind.

Sign the declaration here:

https://forms.office.com/e/044QWK4srY