Disabled people have the right to live independently as part of the community under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This means that disabled people should have as much choice and control over their lives as others, with equal value and dignity. 

This briefing paper is about whether the UK Government is fulfilling the right to independent living in England and gives evidence about the barriers that disabled people face. It covers:

• housing and institutions
• access to support services
• equal participation in society

Based on the evidence, we have made recommendations that support disabled people's autonomy and full inclusion in society.