Position statement on Independent Living
November 2026
Social Work Scotland believes that in the context of learning disabilities independent living should be understood as a matter of rights, choice, control and participation, rather than being defined by any particular accommodation model or level of support.
Independent living does not mean living without support. For many people with learning disabilities, autistic people and those with complex care and support needs, independence is achieved through access to the right support, provided in a way that enables them to exercise choice, maintain relationships, participate in their communities and live lives that are meaningful to them.
We recognise that people will have different aspirations, preferences and support requirements. Independent living may therefore be experienced in a variety of settings, including individual tenancies, shared living arrangements, supported accommodation, core-and-cluster models and residential services. No single model should be considered the default or preferred option for everyone.
The defining feature of independent living is not where a person lives, but whether they have genuine opportunities to make decisions about their lives, exercise their rights, sustain relationships, participate in their communities and receive support that is personalised to their needs, focusing on enablement and aspirations.
We are concerned that narrow interpretations of independent living can unintentionally exclude people with the most complex support needs, particularly where these interpretations focus on accommodation type rather than outcomes and lived experience. A rights-based approach must recognise that some individuals require intensive, highly specialised and adaptable support in order to enjoy the same opportunities for autonomy, inclusion and citizenship as others.
We therefore support an understanding of independent living that:
- Places choice, control and human rights at its centre.
- Recognises that independence is different for every person.
- Values outcomes above accommodation models.
- Acknowledges that support can be enabling rather than restrictive.
- Promotes community presence, participation and belonging.
- Ensures that people with the most complex needs are not excluded from definitions, policy development or funding arrangements.
We believe that success should be measured not by how little support a person receives, but by how effectively support enables them to live the life they choose.
Neil Gibson
Adult Social Work Policy and Practice Lead
Social Work Scotland
