In 2025, the European Disability Forum (EDF) strengthened its role as a leading voice on artificial intelligence and disability rights. Throughout the year, we worked to show how AI systems affect the daily lives and rights of persons with disabilities. We raised awareness among policymakers, shared clear information with members, and promoted the meaningful involvement of persons with disabilities in all decisions on new technologies.
A strong start in the European Parliament
During the European Parliament’s Disability Rights Week, EDF’s AI Policy Officer, Kave Noori, spoke at the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and disability rights. It was his first time speaking in the European Parliament, and he highlighted urgent issues that affect persons with disabilities.
Members of the European Parliament who attended showed clear interest. Kave Noori explained that some governments use AI to screen persons with disabilities who request support. These systems can increase surveillance and force people to justify every detail of their needs simply to receive basic assistance. This practice can undermine dignity. He illustrated this with reports in which social workers timed how long a person used the bathroom to decide how many minutes of daily support they should receive.
After the presentation, three Members of the European Parliament asked questions and showed strong interest in the topic. This hearing marked an important start to the year’s work on artificial intelligence and disability rights, and it highlighted the value of bringing lived realities and clear messages into political discussions.
Our contribution at the UN Conference of States Parties to the CRPD
EDF continued its advocacy at the UN Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New York in June 2025. One of the main themes of this year’s Conference was artificial intelligence, and our team played an active role there.
First, we engaged in the Civil Society Forum, happening a day before the COSP, at the UN headquarter. Alejandro Moledo, our Deputy Director and Head of Policy, moderated a panel on AI. This was an opportunity to engage with all participants on AI, technology, digitalisation and the rights of persons with disabilities.
Then EDF took part in the full three‑day conference, led by our President, Yannis Vardakastanis. We co-organised a side event with the European Commission to discuss artificial intelligence in the European Union and highlight why persons with disabilities must be meaningfully involved in the design and use of new systems.
During this event, our colleagues presented our latest work. Alejandro Moledo, our Head of Policy, spoke about the need for strong human rights protection in digital systems. This included new infographics for persons with disabilities, and for policymakers and developers. These infographics explain the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence in a clear and accessible way.
Marine Uldry, our Senior Policy Coordinator, supported the work on the ground and shared our materials with many interested participants.
Other activities during the year
Alongside these two main events, we also took part in many other activities on artificial intelligence and disability rights. These activities helped us share knowledge, strengthen cooperation, and support our members. EDF took part in:
- consultations with the European Commission on the Artificial Intelligence Act, including discussions on how to protect persons with disabilities
- consultations with national authorities who asked for advice on inclusive artificial intelligence
- webinars for our members, where we explained the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence
- webinars for civil society groups that wanted to understand how new systems affect the rights of persons with disabilities
- expert group meetings with researchers, developers, and policy specialists to discuss human rights in artificial intelligence
- a conference organised by Equinet, the network of European equality bodies, on artificial intelligence and disability
- meetings with European disability organisations to support their national work on artificial intelligence
- discussions with independent experts and academics who contribute to the wider debate on accessible and inclusive technology
These activities helped many organisations, policymakers, and advocates understand why artificial intelligence is a disability rights issue. They also helped us build stronger cooperation across Europe.
A growing voice in the debate
Each meeting, webinar, and consultation helped build trust with new partners and increased the visibility of our work. EDF is increasingly recognised as a reliable voice on artificial intelligence and disability rights, with more organisations and policymakers seeking our guidance.
This progress reflects strong teamwork, clear communication, and the support of our members, as well as our project funded by the European AI and Society Fund.
EDF will continue to support members, raise awareness, and defend disability rights, ensuring that new technologies respect and promote human rights.