We call on all governments to improve our support systems.

A good support system includes:


Governance – laws and policies to design, implement and monitor support systems.

These should be based on human rights and include people with disabilities at all stages of design, implementation and monitoring.


Information and data – to understand the barriers that people with disabilities face and the individual support needs that people have.


Social protection – support from the government, like money or services. This should cover the disability-related extra costs that people with disabilities and their families face.

For example:
• Direct costs like paying for assistive technology or support, or higher health, transport or housing costs.
• Indirect costs like missed earnings that people with disabilities face, due to barriers faced at work, or that families face, because they have to provide support.


Human support – this means support by a person, needed to help with daily living tasks and promote independence.

This can include:
• Support by families, friends or other contacts.
• Support by support services or support workers.

People with disabilities should have choice and control over the support they receive.



Assistive technology – tools or apps that help people with tasks and to be independent. For example, picture cards or apps to help people communicate.



Access to transport.



Housing that is accessible and not too expensive.