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Here are the fundamental seven needs and how the failings are manifesting themselves, according to Dr Amo Raju:
Information
Accessible information is a cornerstone of independence. Without it, how can any of us make informed decisions about our lives? Yet, I see too often disabled people excluded from vital information because it isn’t available in formats we can use—whether that’s Braille, Easy Read, or sign language. This is a basic need, but it’s often treated as an afterthought. If disabled people can’t access the same information as everyone else, how can we truly exercise choice and control?
Housing
Housing should be a place of safety and independence but for too many disabled people it becomes a prison. There is a chronic shortage of accessible housing, and despite laws that mandate certain standards, enforcement is often weak or non-existent. I’ve spoken to so many people who are forced to live in homes that don’t meet their needs—unable to move freely, unable to live comfortably. A home should be where independence begins, not where it ends.
Transport
Transport is another area where disabled people face constant barriers. Public transport systems remain woefully inadequate. A lack of wheelchair spaces, inaccessible train stations and buses with no audio announcements are just some of the daily challenges encountered. The right to travel freely is fundamental to participation in society yet, for many, it feels like this right is still treated as a privilege.
Personal Assistance
Personal assistance (paid care) is essential for many disabled people to live independently, yet it’s increasingly under threat. Funding cuts and restrictive bureaucratic processes mean that too many people are being left without the support they need. This isn’t about asking for favours, it’s about the basic right to live life on our own terms. Personal assistance is transformative, and I know how devastating it can be for those who are denied this lifeline.
Access to the Environment
Physical accessibility—or rather, the lack of it—is a constant reminder of how society undervalues disabled people. Public spaces, workplaces, schools and even healthcare facilities often remain inaccessible, despite legislation like the Equality Act 2010. And let’s be honest, laws are only as good as their enforcement. Accessibility should not be an afterthought; it should be woven into the fabric of how we design our spaces.
Income
The financial inequalities faced by disabled people are staggering. Higher living costs, lower employment rates, and inadequate benefits leave many of us trapped in poverty. How can anyone live independently if they can’t afford the basics? Employers, too, must step up. We need more inclusive workplaces, better incentives for hiring disabled people, and a benefits system that truly supports independence rather than perpetuating dependency. Even now, as I write this article, yet again, another round of discussions about remodelling disability welfare is on the table.
Peer Support
Finally, I want to highlight the importance of peer support. There is nothing quite as empowering as connecting with others who understand your experiences. It fosters confidence, resilience, and a sense of community. Yet, this vital resource is often underfunded or ignored altogether in policy discussions. Peer support is not just an optional extra, it’s a critical component of independent living that deserves much more recognition and investment.