ABSTRACT
This chapter explains a brief history of the extent to which people with disabilities have been systematically denied their right to live in the community on an equal basis with people without disabilities in many countries of the world. It discusses what is meant by the 'right to live in the community', by exploring the concepts of home and community, according to various academic disciplines. The chapter explores the extent to which the right to live in the community was recognized under international law prior to the adoption of the CRPD, followed by a summary of the drafting process that led to the final version of Article 19. It reviews what States Parties must now do to fully implement Article 19, including an overview of the problems with existing housing models for people with disabilities, and recommendations related to the development of the supported housing model, which furthers the goals of Article 19 and the general principles of the CRPD.
