Align the UK disability system with the EGL approach

The Enabling Good Lives (EGL) approach, successfully piloted in New Zealand, provides a model for enhancing the quality of life for disabled people by focusing on individualised support, community inclusion and systemic change.

I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact it can have on the lives of people with disabilities. One of the most striking changes was how the EGL approach empowered people to take control of their own lives, making choices about their support and services that truly reflected their personal needs and aspirations. 

I believe adopting the EGL approach in the UK could replicate these successes and lead to a brighter, more equitable future for disabled individuals nationwide.

I recommend:

•  Aligning the UK disability system with the EGL approach from New Zealand. This would allow a more cohesive, person-centred system in the UK that empowers people with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives based on their own aspirations and support their wellbeing.

• Learning from EGL in New Zealand by addressing potential obstacles for a smoother, more efficient rollout to be better prepared with scaling initiatives across diverse regions in the UK with detailed planning and adaptable strategies.

• Launch a pilot programme in a specific area of the UK to allow for a testing ground to refine the approach within the UK context, offering insights and adjustments before a broader rollout, including the disabled community every step of the way. By starting with a targeted pilot programme led by disabled people, challenges can be identified and addressed, ensuring a more effective rollout nationwide.

By embracing the EGL principles, these organisations can provide more personalised, holistic and integrated services that truly support the wellbeing of people with disabilities.