QoLAB drives inclusive, rights-based support across Europe
Over the past months, QoLAB project partners have worked closely together to co-create and finalise their Action Plans for integrating the Quality of Life Support Model (QoLSM) into everyday service provision.
So far, partners have agreed on a shared vision and an operational framework for embedding quality of life principles across services. This has been supported by participatory co-creation labs, which brought together people receiving support, families, professionals, managers and community actors. These spaces ensured that different perspectives were heard and that the Action Plans reflect real needs and lived experiences.
Each organisation developed its own Action Plan using the PATH (Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope) methodology. These plans include clear goals, timelines, defined responsibilities and key performance indicators, providing a solid and realistic roadmap for change. Throughout the process, there has been a strong emphasis on person-centred and rights-based support, fully aligned with the UNCRPD.
The purpose of the Action Plans goes beyond organisational planning. They aim to support people to live the lives they choose by strengthening autonomy, meaningful relationships and active participation in their communities, through approaches that can be adapted across different contexts. They also help shift services towards more person-centred, rights-based practices by identifying the key conditions needed for successful implementation in diverse cultural, legal and organisational environments.
In addition, the Action Plans promote more inclusive environments by identifying barriers to participation in work, education, culture and community life, and by strengthening the voice of people with disabilities and their families in the planning, delivery and evaluation of support.
The project partnersare now ready to move from planning to action. Implementation, monitoring and evaluation will take place over the coming months. These Action Plans serve as blueprints for sustainable change, supporting greater inclusion, autonomy, participation and well-being for people with disabilities.