Implementing a Service of Independent Living Using a Participatory Approach

This paper presents a case study about the implementation of a service of independent living using a participatory approach. The service promoted living experiences in apartments with innovative activities, characterized by means for the development of personal autonomy addressed to persons with disabilities and older persons. The paper shows the methodology applied, the experimentation process and the lessons learnt from the experience. Realized in the framework of the doctoral thesis titled “Social inclusion of vulnerable groups through participatory and emancipatory approaches. Implementing active citizenship and socially innovative actions in the framework of civil & human rights model of disability”. The implementation of the service has allowed demonstrating the initial research hypothesis according to which “an open participation in the co-creation of a service makes life easier for vulnerable groups”. Gaining more knowledge about how to involve vulnerable groups as co-creators of services. This aspect can support the shift from situations based only on medical approach (passive situation), towards ones based on human rights (active situation). Placing the person with her/his needs, desires, objectives and expectations at the centre of actions and interventions.