Lessons learned from Nordic Baltic seminar: Right to live independently and be included
Finland holds the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2025. Now you can read and listen to the published materials from the first disability-related event that was held on February 12 and 13 in Helsinki at Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). This seminar between the Nordic and Baltic countries, entitled "Right to Live Independently and Be Included," brought together experts, decision-makers, and advocates.
Material with examples of Supported Decision-Making and Independent Living Practices is now available
The theme of the event centered on Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which emphasizes the right to live independently and be included in the community. The event served as a platform for sharing best practices across the Nordic and Baltic region.
In our online Handbook on Disability Services, we have published an article about insights about the key topic supported decision-making and legal capacity from the Nordic-Baltic Seminar.
You can also read in the THL blog about examples that illustrate the diverse approaches taken by Nordic and Baltic countries to promote independent living and inclusion
The recordings from the first day's presentations can be viewed in our online Handbook on Disability Services. There are English subtitles.
Lessons learned from the Nordic Baltic seminar
The seminar in Helsinki highlighted the collective efforts of Nordic and Baltic nations to promote independent living and inclusion for persons with disabilities. The countries are all sharing a commitment to the principles of the UN CRPD. Independent living is not only about providing services but above all about strengthening self-determination, human dignity, and inclusion — values that resonate universally and inspire ongoing progress.
