Good practices for increased autonomy of persons with disabilities, including physical, mental, intellectual and sensory disabilities

The grant opportunity HORIZON-CL2 focuses on enhancing the autonomy of individuals with disabilities through research and innovation within the framework of Horizon Europe. The eligible applicant types include research institutions, universities, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and public-private partnerships engaged in disability-related innovation. The funding mechanism is a lump-sum grant, providing upfront financial resources without the need for detailed financial reporting. A consortium of multiple organizations is required for this grant, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration involving social sciences and humanities experts. The scope of beneficiaries extends to entities from EU member states, European Economic Area (EEA) countries, and other Horizon Europe-associated nations. The primary sectors targeted by the grant include health, social inclusion, education, and assistive technology development, especially addressing various types of disabilities. No specific countries are listed, emphasizing the grant's applicability to the EU and EEA region. The expected project stage varies and may involve research, applied practices, or validation of innovative solutions. The indicative budget for the grant is approximately €10.20 million, with an expected contribution of around €3.4 million per project. The application process is a single-stage call with a specific deadline, and funding is provided as a lump sum. There is no explicit co-funding requirement noted, suggesting that the grant may cover most or all project costs. Projects under this grant are expected to achieve several outcomes, including developing innovative policies for the autonomy of individuals with disabilities, improving their inclusion in various societal aspects, and integrating accessible technologies. Emphasis is placed on collaboration with civil society and addressing barriers to enhance autonomy and decision-making capabilities. The outcomes align with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In summary, HORIZON-CL2 is a funding opportunity designed to foster research and innovation leading to practical solutions for improving the lives of persons with disabilities, promoting inclusion across multiple domains, and leveraging technology to address their needs effectively.

This is a summary of EU funding opportunities related to culture, creativity, and inclusive society, specifically focusing on the autonomy of persons with disabilities. The opportunities are part of the Horizon Europe program, with calls opening on May 15, 2025, and closing on September 16, 2025. The funding is provided as a lump sum grant. The overarching goal is to develop innovative, evidence-based policies and practices that promote the full inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life. This includes addressing the use of accessible and assistive technologies, such as digital technologies and AI, to improve accessibility and communication. Projects should aim to identify specific measures and tools for education, employment, and independent living. Projects are expected to contribute to at least three of the following outcomes: Develop innovative, evidence-based policy approaches to promote the autonomy of persons with disabilities, regardless of age or the origin of their disability. Develop practices that facilitate the full inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in various areas of life, including education, family life, employment, living arrangements, leisure, arts, culture, and sport, ensuring equality. Address the seamless integration of accessible and assistive technology, including digital technologies and AI, within communities and related services and infrastructure. Identify specific measures and tools for different life areas, such as education, recruitment, hiring, return to work, and independent living. Identify and compare the effectiveness of different policies and measures designed to enhance the autonomy and quality of life for persons with disabilities, as well as the well-being of their families, using a person-centered approach that considers individual needs and ensures the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Identify relevant stakeholders (public actors, civil society organizations, private sector, social economy actors) and explore their roles and interactions to assess the integration of various social, support, and essential services necessary to promote autonomy and community inclusion, such as transport and housing. The scope of the projects should align with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, emphasizing individual autonomy and independence. Projects should address barriers and solutions to increase inclusiveness, decision-making, and autonomy, considering the integrated support provided by families. Inclusive and accessible housing solutions should also be explored. Projects should map, analyze, and test promising support practices in inclusive education, training, active labor market measures, and employment, focusing on user-centered approaches and communication between different services. The impact of inclusive education versus special needs education on the self-esteem and autonomy of persons with disabilities should be considered. The role of special training and lifelong learning adapted to various disabilities should also be explored. Projects should explore and test new ways to increase the autonomy of persons with disabilities, aiming to reduce inequalities and promote their full inclusion in society. This includes addressing loneliness, emotional well-being, and inactivity, as well as the higher risk of abuse, neglect, and aggression, particularly when disability intersects with other vulnerabilities. Mental health issues, such as burnout, suffered by family carers should also be considered. Civil society engagement and dialogue are essential components of proposals. Synergies with projects funded under HORIZON-HLTH-2025-01-STAYHLTH-01 are encouraged, and projects should leverage data and services available through European Research Infrastructures and Data Spaces, ensuring data is FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable). The call provides a detailed budget overview for various topics under the Culture, Creativity, and Inclusive Society theme. These topics are categorized under Democracy, Heritage, and Transformation. Each topic specifies the type of action (HORIZON-CSA or HORIZON-RIA), the total budget in EUR, the stage (single-stage), the opening and deadline dates, the expected contribution range, and the indicative number of grants. For Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), the page limit for Part B of the application is 50 pages, and a detailed budget table must be submitted. Eligible costs will be in the form of a lump sum. Applicants are encouraged to use the partner search function on the Funding & Tenders Portal to find collaborators. They should also consult the Online Manual, Horizon Europe Programme Guide, and FAQs for guidance on proposal submission, evaluation, and grant management. National Contact Points (NCPs) and the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) are available to provide support and advice. In summary, this funding opportunity aims to foster research and innovation that leads to practical and policy-driven solutions for enhancing the autonomy and inclusion of persons with disabilities across various aspects of life, leveraging technology, and promoting collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Eligible Applicant Types:The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, based on the nature of Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), eligible applicants typically include universities, research institutes, SMEs, large enterprises, non-profit organizations, and other legal entities carrying out research or innovation activities. The call is open for submission, which indicates a wide range of potential applicants.

Funding Type:The primary financial mechanism is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant. There are also HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions and HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions.

Consortium Requirement:The text does not explicitly state whether a single applicant or a consortium is required. However, given the scope and expected outcomes, it is highly likely that a consortium of multiple applicants is preferred, if not required, especially for Research and Innovation Actions (RIA). The presence of a partner search function also suggests that consortia are common.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):The geographic eligibility is not explicitly stated, but it can be inferred that the opportunity is primarily targeted towards entities in the EU and associated countries. The text mentions "non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects," suggesting that while EU and associated countries are the primary target, participation from other countries is possible under specific conditions.

Target Sector:The program targets the following sectors: Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society, Health, Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), Education, Digital Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Assistive Technology, Social and Support Services, Housing, Transport, Arts, Culture, Sport, Policy Development, Civil Society Engagement. The main focus is on improving the autonomy and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Mentioned Countries:No specific countries are mentioned, but the opportunity falls under the Horizon Europe program, implying that EU member states and associated countries are the primary geographic focus. The text also mentions "non-EU/non-Associated Countries" suggesting that these countries may be eligible under specific provisions.

Project Stage:The expected maturity of the project for this opportunity is variable, depending on the type of action. Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) typically support activities ranging from research to demonstration, excluding direct commercialization. Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) primarily support networking, coordination, and dissemination activities. Innovation Actions (IA) aim to pilot and demonstrate technologies.

Funding Amount:The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic and type of action. The budget overview provides the following ranges:

HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions:

€2,000,000 (around 2000000)

€3,000,000 (2500000 to 3000000)

€3,500,000 (3000000 to 3500000)

HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions:

€7,000,000 (3000000 to 3500000)

€10,200,000 (around 3400000)

€10,500,000 (3000000 to 3500000)

€12,000,000 (3000000 to 4000000)

€13,500,000 (3500000 to 4500000)

€15,000,000 (3000000 to 5000000)

HORIZON Innovation Actions:

€26,000,000 (2500000 to 4000000)

Application Type:The application type is an open call, with a single-stage submission process.

Nature of Support:Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant.

Application Stages:The application process is single-stage.

Success Rates:The success rates are not explicitly mentioned.

Co-funding Requirement:The text does not explicitly mention a co-funding requirement. However, Horizon Europe grants often fund a percentage of the total project costs, implying that applicants may need to secure additional funding from other sources.

Summary:This Horizon Europe call, part of the Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society program, aims to fund projects that promote the autonomy and inclusion of persons with disabilities. The call includes various topics under Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Innovation Actions (IA) and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), each with specific objectives and funding ranges. Projects should develop innovative policies, practices, and technologies to improve the quality of life, participation, and independence of persons with disabilities, while also addressing the needs of their families. The call encourages collaboration with civil society, synergies with other relevant projects, and the use of European Research Infrastructures and Data Spaces. Eligible applicants include universities, research institutes, SMEs, and non-profit organizations from the EU and associated countries, with potential participation from non-EU countries under specific provisions. The funding is provided as lump sum grants, and the application process involves a single-stage submission with a 50-page limit for the proposal.