DECIDE – Disability and Self-determination
Entity which complete it
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Why is it a good practice of the Person-Centered Model?
Research-action project led from the academic and social field, which documents the impact of the first pilot projects of independent living in Portugal. It is based on direct testimonies, lived experiences and participatory analyses to show which supports work and how they affect the self-determination of people with disabilities.
Person-centered approach: People with disabilities themselves participate in the definition of the model, the evaluation instruments and the analysis of results, which guarantees an approach based on rights and real experience.
Integrated Assessment (Person, Family, Housing) and Life History
DECIDE, launched in 2016, explores the living conditions and everyday experiences of people with disabilities in Portugal by collecting life stories, analysing support environments and examining how housing, family context and institutional settings affect autonomy. Rather than assessing individuals clinically, the project investigates how personal histories, social surroundings and different forms of support shape opportunities for self-determination. This creates a broad, contextual understanding of disability, seen through the lens of lived reality rather than medical categories.
Personalised Care and Support Plan for the Life Project
As a research project, DECIDE does not provide individual care plans. Instead, it examines how various living arrangements — institutional care, community-based living and independent-living initiatives — either promote or restrict autonomy. By comparing these models, DECIDE offers insights into what types of support enable people to pursue their own life projects. Its findings help define the conditions under which personalised, rights-based support structures can be created, guiding future policies oriented toward independent living.
Support groups
Throughout the project, participants, activists and professionals take part in group discussions and shared reflection sessions. These spaces allow people with disabilities to express their experiences, articulate challenges and contribute their perspectives. Although not formal support groups, these collective moments act as platforms for peer exchange, empowerment and the strengthening of community voices. They help build a shared understanding of what independent living should look like in practice.
Case Management and Resource Coordinator
DECIDE does not provide case management to individuals, as its role is analytical rather than service-based. Its contribution lies in mapping existing support systems, identifying gaps and evaluating how resources are distributed across different living contexts. In doing so, the project functions as a strategic coordinator at the policy level by generating knowledge that public authorities, organisations and service providers can use to improve disability support structures and develop models that respect autonomy and choice.
Highlined results
Generation of solid data that support the promotion of more effective and person-centered public policies, as well as providing validated measurement tools for new programs.
Inspiring ideas for other enviorments. It can works! 😉
The project illustrates how rigorous social research can catalyse change in disability policy. Its participatory approach — grounded in the voices of disabled people — offers a method that other regions can adopt when rethinking their support systems. By analysing real-life conditions rather than abstract norms, DECIDE provides a framework that can inspire countries seeking to strengthen independent-living policies. It shows that understanding barriers, aspirations and lived experiences is essential for designing systems that truly promote autonomy and inclusion.
Other observations
Academic and social sector