Our first Board Meeting of the year took place online on 20 March.
During the Board, we welcomed 3 new members:
- The Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe: a membership-based, interdisciplinary association dedicated to advancing knowledge, policy, and practice in the field of Assistive Technology.
- The Disability and Inclusion Fan Network: a European network established to create a more inclusive and accessible environment for football supporters with disabilities.
- Stichting JongPIT: a Dutch non-profit organisation led by and for young people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. Their aim is to empower young disabled people to participate fully in society and to influence policies that affect their lives at local, national and European level.
The Board also discussed the upcoming Annual General Assembly:
- It was decided that the Assembly will still take place in person in Cyprus.
- The secretariat was tasked with implementing online participation and voting for those who do not wish to travel due to the current situation.
- It was decided that the German Disability Council will introduce an official resolution to analyse current EDF Statutes to ensure they are compliant with the language and definitions used in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- It was agreed that the Annual General Assembly will adopt new terms of reference for our Youth Committee, Women’s Committee and e-mail expert groups.
The Board approved the audited financial accounts, which will now be presented to the General Assembly for its approval. The Board also adopted the 2027 Work plan, which will also now go for discussion and adoption at our General Assembly.
EDF members from Cyprus, Ireland and Lithuania updated the Board on their plans for the current and upcoming EU Presidencies in their countries.
Finally, the Board hosted a presentation and discussion with the 3 European candidates for the elections of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Mushegh Hovsepyan (Armenia), Dovilė Juodkaitė (Lithuania), Marie Rabatel (France). The elections will take place during the Conference of States Parties (COSP) taking place in New York, in June 2026.