EGL Definition

Enabling Good Lives Definition

Leaders in the disability community developed the Enabling Good Lives (EGL) approach with the intent of shifting power and authority from government to disabled people and their families. EGL is a social movement in response to the oppression of disabled people.

The EGL approach is a foundation and framework to guide positive change for disabled people, families, communities and governance structures. The vision and eight principles are based on respect towards disabled people and their families culminating in trusting disabled people and their families to be decision-makers in their own lives. 

The EGL approach encourages developing independent pan-disabled leadership forums who become regional champions of the EGL approach. The EGL National Leadership Group (NEGL), as the kaitiaki of the EGL approach, includes leaders who offer a Māori, Pasefika, disabled peoples and family view. 

The EGL approach holds the importance of the:

1. EGL principles as a way to guide relationship building in the community and across government
2. recognition and actioning of Te Tiriti in all processes and developments
3. provision of an independent ally being available to assist disabled people and families with choice and control
4. honoring of disabled people and families with control over Personal Budgets 
5. trusting disabled people and families to flexibly manage their lives and funds
6. use of the EGL principles as a foundation for all policy, processes, practices and decision-making
7. development of regional and national leadership by disabled people and families that is recognised and resourced
8. investment in disabled people, families and communities to enable positive change 
9. inclusion of disabled people as rights-holders in their communities