More information about the Zero Project Awards 2027, the Call for Nomination, the other topics, and the selection process can be found here:
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Independent Living is one of three #ZeroCall27 topics, alongside Political Participation and Assistive Technology
Independent living refers to the right to — and real support for — choosing where, how, and with whom to live, participating in the community on an equal basis with others, and not being forced into institutions or a fixed living arrangement. The Zero Project is seeking projects, measures, and services that ensure this level of self-determination.
Independent living, when applied to inclusive arts, means creating an environment where artists with disabilities have full autonomy, access, and equal participation in the arts - both as creators and as audience members.
Organizations and initiatives in the Arts and Culture sector are invited to nominate their innovative practices and policies for the Zero Project Arts Awards.
Deinstitutionalization is the shift from segregated institutions to community-based support that respects choice, autonomy, and inclusion. Under Article 19 CRPD, it means ending institutional care as the default and ensuring people can live where and with whom they choose, with needed support. The Zero Project is seeking nominations that lead this process in a successful and sustainable manner.
Early Childhood Intervention encompasses various support measures concerning children with disabilities from a very young age to the start of formal education. These measures may focus on children's development, well-being, as well as participation in family and community life. The Zero Project is seeking nominations that demonstrate family- and child-centred practices, or policies providing inclusive early support across health, education, and social services.
Supported decision-making means helping a person understand choices and express will and preferences, while the person remains the decision-maker. Under the CRPD, it replaces guardianship with support that respects legal capacity, autonomy, and equal recognition before the law. The Zero Project is seeking nominations that recognize these rights in every aspect of life, while offering support to help them understand, choose, and communicate their decisions.
Moving out of sheltered employment means leaving segregated work settings for open, inclusive employment with equal rights, pay, and support. Under the CRPD, it requires removing barriers, ending segregation, and ensuring access to work in the community on an equal basis. The Zero Project is seeking solutions that provide employment for persons with disabilities in an inclusive manner, allowing individuals to find meaningful and fairly compensated work.
Personal Assistance enables persons with disabilities to live independently by choosing and directing their own support, ensuring full participation at home and in the community. Grounded in the principles of choice, control, and dignity, it empowers individuals to act as employers of their assistants and to shape services around their own needs and aspirations. The Zero Project is seeking projects, measures, and services that ensure this level of self-determination.
Self-employment and microfinance are key pathways to financial independence, enabling persons with disabilities to generate their own income and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities. They support greater autonomy and inclusion by creating flexible, self-directed forms of work aligned with individual choices and aspirations. The Zero Project is seeking nominations that focus on individual pathways to independent living, particularly for those transitioning from institutional or restrictive settings.
Supported living means person-centred help that lets persons with disabilities choose where and with whom to live, while receiving needed support to stay included in the community. According to Article 19 of the CRPD, it must promote autonomy, prevent isolation, and avoid institutional-style control. The Zero Project is seeking nominations across the full range of support measures.
Fill out the official form (Microsoft Form) to submit your innovative solution for #ZeroCall27.
Please note: The form cannot be saved mid-way and must be submitted in English. Find resources to prepare your nomination here.
The Zero Project seeks intersectional solutions that address diverse needs, focusing on women with disabilities and incorporating inputs from various races, religions, sexual orientations, refugees, persons with severe disabilities, albinos, and those with rare diseases. The aim is to foster inclusive innovations that promote equality and representation for all.
If in doubt, do not hesitate to nominate!
If your solution doesn’t match the examples on this page but is innovative, has proven impact, and is based on a replicable model, your nomination may still be eligible.
If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to the Zero Project Team with your question: