Local Area Coordination: a human rights based approach to disability support
An article, published in Disability and Society, asserts that Local Area Coordination (LAC) aligns with current policy priorities on human rights. Focusing on the strengths and skills of people and building meaningful relationships, the approach challenges the traditional models that position disabled people as problems to be managed within service systems. Instead, LAC recognises disabled individuals as active citizens whose experiences, aspirations, and capabilities must shape the structures and cultures around them.
In line with the UNCRPD, LAC promotes key rights including the right to live independently and be included in the community, the right to participate fully in cultural, social, and political life, and the right to self-determination and autonomy.
Authors, Eddie Bartnik, Ralph Broad, Nick Sinclair and Sandhya Duggal, say now is the time for action to expand and strengthen LAC. They call policy makers, community leaders, service providers and academics to work with them to further expand the reach of LAC in new regions through our international and national leadership networks and to invest in further research to enhance the evidence base and explore innovative applications.
Community Catalysts hosts the Local Area Coordination Network and leads on embedding the approach across England and Wales.
Contact Nick Sinclair if you’re interested to talk about Local Area Coordination in your area.
