MAVI – Model of Support for Independent Living
Entity which complete it
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Why is it a good practice of the Person-Centered Model?
Portuguese model of personal assistance financed by European funds, providing home support to people with disabilities to promote their independent living. Tasks are planned in a personalized way with more than 750 active beneficiaries in 2024.
Person-centered approach: Beneficiaries are protagonists in the design of the support they receive, deciding on which activities are prioritized, schedules, reference people and modes of intervention.
Integrated Assessment (Person, Family, Housing) and Life History
The Independent Living Support Model (MAVI), introduced in 2017 and piloted from 2018 onwards, is grounded in a rights-based understanding of disability. Although it does not conduct a clinical or family-centred life-history assessment, it considers each person’s functional needs, living environment and everyday routines as essential elements for defining the level and type of personal assistance required. The model acknowledges that autonomy depends not only on impairment but also on context, housing conditions and the person’s aspirations for self-determination and community participation.
Personalised Care and Support Plan for the Life Project
MAVI creates a personalised assistance plan that supports each individual’s life project. Through Independent Living Support Centres, people define the goals they want to pursue and the areas in which personal assistance will contribute to their autonomy. The plan may include support for daily living, community participation and social engagement. It is regularly reviewed and adapted to the person’s evolving needs, ensuring that the assistance remains aligned with their desired way of living and their long-term aspirations.
Support groups
Although the programme focuses on individual personal assistance, it also recognises the importance of peer support. Beneficiaries can participate in group meetings where they share experiences, learn from one another and discuss how to navigate personal assistance in daily life. These spaces foster empowerment, mutual encouragement and a sense of belonging, strengthening the social dimension of independent living.
Case Management and Resource Coordinator
Independent Living Support Centres operate as coordinators of the entire process. They evaluate requests, recruit and match personal assistants, manage schedules, monitor the quality of support and adjust plans as needed. This structured coordination ensures that personal assistance is not fragmented but guided by a clear framework that protects the rights of the person and guarantees continuity of support.
Highlined results
High level of satisfaction, greater control over daily life, and consolidation of a structured network of personal assistance focused on autonomy and empowerment.
Inspiring ideas for other enviorments. It can works! 😉
MAVI demonstrates that independent living can be transformed into a practical, rights-driven system when personal assistance is organised, flexible and centred on the person. Its combination of individual planning, structured coordination and community participation offers a model that other countries or regions could adapt. The programme shows that autonomy, dignity and social inclusion can be achieved when personal assistance is recognised as an essential support rather than a discretionary service.
Other observations
Portuguese Government