ANED country report on the implementation of policies supporting independent living for disabled people

Abstract

[EN]The report states that recent legal reforms in Spain, including Acts 39/2006 and 51/2003, have improved support for disabled people, especially in promoting autonomy. However, there is a lack of structured national policies aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006). Independent living remains limited, with segregated residential models still prioritized and large regional disparities in service provision across Spain’s Autonomous Communities. Eligibility criteria emphasize physical dependency rather than support needs, limiting access to personal assistance and inclusive services. Financial and legal barriers persist, and less than 1% of those with high dependency receive personal assistance. Research and evaluation on independent living remain scarce and should be strengthened.