Today we publish in the Diari de Girona the results of the Inclusion Indicators 2025, released in February by the European federation Inclusion Europe, of which Som – Fundació is a member.
This tool analyses to what extent people with intellectual disabilities and their families can exercise their rights in 33 European countries. The study evaluates seven essential areas: the right to decide, independent living, housing and supports, education, employment, health and representation. The conclusions place Spain in the top 5 most inclusive countries, with an overall score of 6.7 out of 10. This is good news which, however, coexists with significant territorial inequalities and with realities that still limit the full participation of many people.
Lights and shadows of inclusion
One of the critical points is independent living. The data show that many adults with intellectual disabilities continue to live in the family home due to the lack of real alternatives. When this support fails, admission to institutions is still —too often— the usual outcome. All this shows that community-based resources remain insufficient, especially in rural areas.
By contrast, the Spanish State stands out positively in the right to decide. Law 8/2021 transformed the exercise of legal capacity, establishing that people with disabilities retain the capacity to make decisions, and that only the necessary support should be provided in each case. This model, still not widespread in other European countries, places Spain among the five best-rated states in this area.
The meaning of our work
At Som – Fundació, this perspective is at the core of our mission. We work so that the people we support can decide for themselves, with adapted tools and trained professionals who facilitate real and meaningful decision‑making processes.
A key part of this commitment is our Independent Living projects, which promote community‑based, personalised and flexible alternatives so that each person can live where and how they want, with the supports they need. This approach is fully aligned with the report’s recommendations and with the State Strategy for Deinstitutionalisation.
An oppportunity to move forward
The Inclusion Indicators 2025 show that recognising rights is essential, but insufficient if there are no policies and resources that make them effective. The report helps us identify what works and what still needs to be transformed.
From Som – Fundació, we will continue working so that every person can build a fulfilling life, with autonomy, safety, and the —non‑negotiable— right to choose their own path.