The representative organisation of persons with disabilities in Europe
Logo : European disability Forum

News/Press

 


 
Brussels, 28 November 2008 – European Disability Forum (EDF) and the European Commission traditionally organise their annual conference for 3 December – the European Day of People with disabilities on 1 and 2 December at Charlemagne Conference Centre, Room Alcide de Gasperi, Rue de la Loi 170 in Brussels.

This year topic of the conference is “Acting locally for a society for all”. The conference will start at 10h15 a.m. with the opening speeches of the European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Mr. Vladimir Spidla, the EDF President Mr. Yannis Vardakastanis and the State Secretary for Solidarity at the French Ministry of Labour, Social Relations, Family and Solidarity Mrs. Valerie Letard.

Journalists are invited to ask their questions to Mr. Spidla, Mr. Varadakastanis and Mrs. Letard at the Press Conference which will take place at 11h30 a.m. at the press corner on the ground floor.

European disability movement leaders, representatives of local and regional authorities and of the EU institutions will meet to discuss the cooperation between all the stakeholders and the participation of disabled people in the decision making process at national and regional level in the light of this year’s entering into force of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The Convention is expected to be ratified by the European Communities together with the Protocol to it in the coming months and its fast ratification and implementation by the EU member states is essential for ensuring the full social inclusion of disabled people. The UN Convention is also the official topic of International Day of Disabled People 2008, announced by the UN.

For more information, please contact: Irina Papancheva, EDF Communication and Press Officer; Tel: (+32 2) 282 46 04; Mobile phone: (+ 32 ) 485 64 39 93; E-mail: communication@edf-feph.org
 
The European Disability Forum (EDF) is the European umbrella organisation representing the interests of 50 million disabled citizens in Europe. EDF membership includesnational umbrella organisations of disabled peoplefrom all EU/EEA countries, as well asEuropean NGOs representing the different types of disabilities, organisations and individuals committed to disability issues. The mission of the European Disability Forum is toensure disabled people full access to fundamental and human rights through their active involvement in policy development and implementation in Europe.
 
« BACK