The first in the series of the 2023 ENIL-ECCL webinars focused on getting the message out about the importance of closing institutions. One of the key arguments for keeping institutions open is that “the society is not ready” for this change. In other words, that we cannot expect all disabled people to live independently in the community. This webinar looked at ways in which we can raise awareness among the general public on the right to independent living and the harm of institutionalisation for the entire society.