The US recently took a significant step towards fully embracing independence and employment as the primary goal for disabled individuals, making explicit reference in legislation to: ‘opportunities to seek employment and work in competitive and integrated settings, engage in community life, control personal resources and receive service in the community to the same degree as individuals who do not receive support…’

Local commissioners across the UK have an opportunity to look beyond compliance with the Care Act, Children and Families Act, Universal Credit or employment programmes to generate the same ambition for disabled individuals, their families and for systemic change to address complex dependency.

Employment, health and social care strategies are coalescing around the promotion of independence and a person-centred approach to disability and employment.