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813 Posts found

Due diligence directive agreement fails to protect persons with disabilities

While we commend the fact that negotiators reached an agreement on the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive,...

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AI Act agreement: partial win on accessibility

The agreement by European Institutions on the so-called “Artificial Intelligence Act” includes a few worthwhile provisions, even though...

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Hungarian court holds authorities responsible for abuses in residential institution

A court in Hungary has found three state authorities responsible for human rights violations against persons with disabilities...

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Statement of EDF Women’s Committee: Calling for the Empowerment and Leadership of Women and Girls with Disabilities in Europe

On International Women’s Day, the EDF Women’s Committee calls on leaders and policymakers across Europe to commit to...

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Winners of EDF Photo Competition 'Breaking Barriers - Stories and voices of women and girls with disabilities’

Women and girls, particularly those with disabilities, are consistently left behind in various aspects of life. This is...

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Agreement reached to extend European Disability Card to third-country nationals

On 4 March, the EU institutions reached an agreement to ensure that third-country nationals who reside legally in...

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Manifesto: Women and girls with disabilities must be recognised as leaders and changemakers

Today, the European Disability Forum (EDF) launched its third manifesto on the rights of women and girls with...

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Malta becomes the 10th EU country to criminalise forced sterilisation of persons with disabilities

We welcome Malta’s change in law that finally criminalises the forced sterilisation of women and girls with disabilities....

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EU funding plan for Ukraine reconstruction: Disability rights (mostly) included

The compromise agreement on setting up the Ukraine Facility Regulation, a new dedicated instrument to support Ukraine’s recovery,...

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New declaration: disability-inclusive recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine

Today, we launched a new Declaration on a disability-inclusive recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, drafted in cooperation with...

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Ukraine: Best practice in deinstitutionalisation for children and young people with disabilities and high support needs

In the early weeks of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, EDF undertook a rapid survey of the situation...

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Spain amends its constitution to promote disability rights

Great news from Spain: Last week, the Spanish of Constitution was amended to align it with the rights...

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Disability Intergroup: 2024 EU elections and re-establishment of the intergroup

On January 31, MEP José Gusmão hosted what could be the concluding bureau meeting of the European Parliament’s...

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Agreement on the European Disability Card: major advance for freedom of movement

Update : an earlier version of the article had wrong information about the deadlines for the Card to...

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New proposals on passenger rights: what is in it for us?

The European Commission presented a legislative package to strengthen the rights of passengers in the EU at the...

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EU shamefully fails to ban forced sterilisation

We are deeply disappointed with the European Institutions' decision not to criminalise forced sterilisation under the agreement reached...

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Belgian Presidency of the Council: high expectations from the disability movement

Following the Spanish Presidency, Belgium took over the torch on 1 January and now chairs all the meetings...

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Evaluation of Spanish Presidency of the Council: renewed focus on disability rights

After holding the Council of the EU’s Presidency for six months, Spain closed its term on 31 December...

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Candidates for the EU Elections must commit to Disability Rights

We call on all candidates to the European Parliament elections to commit to advancing the rights of over...

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Council of the EU weakens human rights obligations on business supply chain rules

Despite the majority of rules being agreed upon in December, Member States are concluding negotiations to weaken the...

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The Riga Academy – shared learning between Latvian and Ukrainian activists

The first edition of the Riga Academy – aimed at sharing experiences and developing skills of disability activists...

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Shame! EU Member States fail to criminalise forced sterilisation and rape  

In 2022, the European Commission presented a proposal for a Directive on combating violence against women and domestic...

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It just became easier to find EU-level data on persons with disabilities 

Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, has just launched a new thematic page on disability and...

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Access to services: The promises and pitfalls of AI for people with disabilities

In an age where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is starting to feel like a buddy we rely on daily, it...

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Parliament’s position paves the way for ambitious European Disability Card

We welcome the European Parliament’s official position on the proposed Directive for a European Disability Card and a...

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Commission Recommendations insufficiently address electoral rights of persons with disabilities

As part of the Defence of Democracy package, the European Commission has published two Recommendations touching upon the...

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European Commission publishes guide on good electoral practices for persons with disabilities

Every citizen deserves the right to vote, campaign, stand as an electoral candidate and hold office effectively, but...

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COP 28: the disability movement calls for inclusion in climate action

The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change took place between...

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The Parliament adopted a resolution on the innovative humanitarian aid strategy 

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on how to build an “innovative humanitarian aid strategy: spotlight on current...

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Learning mobility opportunities for everyone

The European Commission published the proposal for Council Recommendations “Europe on the move’ – Learning mobility opportunities for...

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Interview with MEP Ádám Kósa - "We have come a long way towards the complete accessibility of the European Parliament"

This is the thirteen of a series of interviews with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). In this...

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European Parliament’s Disability Rights Week days 3, 4 and 5

The European Parliament organised its first “Disability Rights Week” to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It...

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European Parliament’s Disability Rights Week days 1 and 2

The European Parliament organised its first “Disability Rights Week” to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities....

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2023 EU Gender Equality Index: Women with disabilities still left behind 

On 24th October, the European Institute on Gender Equality published its 2023 Gender Equality Index.   The Gender Equality...

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European Elections: our delegation shares EDF Manifesto with the ALDE Party

A delegation led by European Disability Forum’s President Yannis Vardakastanis met with the Secretary-General of the ALDE Party,...

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Is your election campaign accessible? Assess with our checklists

Over 100 million persons with disabilities live in Europe. However, most election campaigns still do not consider their...

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OSCE releases recommendations to ensure equal access to political participation

The Organization for Social Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) released a set of recommendations on the rights of persons...

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What's new in the revised Rail Passenger Rights regulation?

In October, the European Disability Forum (EDF) organised an online event to present updates on the revised Rail...

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Report: LGBTI+ persons with disabilities face disproportionate violence, harassment, barriers to healthcare

A new report by ILGA Europe – exploring data from the Fundamental Rights Agency – shows that LGBTI...

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OECD report on Artificial Intelligence and Employment of People with Disabilities

On November 24, 2023, the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) published its report on "Using Artificial...

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European Disability Card: unusually fast agreement on Council of the EU’s position

The Council of the EU agreed its position (“General Approach”) on the European Disability Card and the European...

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Disability-Inclusive Budgets, Programmes, and Policies Worldwide

In November 2023, the European Disability Forum (EDF) and the Global Action on Disability (GLAD) Network organised an...

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Report: The impact of the war in Ukraine on the rights of persons with disabilities

Our member, the “League of Strong”, together with the KRF “Public Alternative” have produced a monitoring report of...

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European Elections: candidates with disabilities must have equal chances

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we call on political parties to select and support candidates with...

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EDF Youth Committee demands for International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023

The European Disability Forum’s Youth Committee shares the demands of youth with disabilities on the occasion of the...

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Passengers with disabilities “grounded” by proposed Passenger Rights Package

The European Commission’s revision of the Passengers’ Rights Regulations published today insufficiently addresses the rights and needs of...

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COP28: persons with disabilities still excluded from climate change solutions

The European Disability Forum will participate in COP28 to highlight shortcomings in climate action strategies regarding the rights...

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A silenced truth: forced sterilisation must be criminalised!

I was crying and asking them please not to put me to sleep. I was saying please let...

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Spanish Presidency of the European Council: Expanding Voting Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The Spanish Presidency of the Council led 20 countries in endorsing the “Declaration of the Spanish Presidency of...

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Spanish Presidency discussed a “Europe closer to citizens with disabilities.”

The Spanish Presidency of the European Council’s High-Level Meeting on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities took place...

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Passenger rights: Equal access to transport is fundamental

A delegation of the European Disability Forum, led by Executive Committee member Nadia Hadad, met the recently appointed...

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The proposed Regulation on Protection of Adults must be amended

We are extremely concerned by the current text of the Proposal for a Regulation for cross-border protection of...

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EU-ASEAN Civil Society Forum - Advancing Human Rights

The European Disability Forum actively participated in the European Union -Association of Southeast Asian Nations Civil Society Organisations...

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Designing devices for all – a perspective from the industry and the disability movement

On 8 June, several industry representatives and disability rights advocates gathered during the European Accessibility Summit to discuss...

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Artificial Intelligence, inclusive education and employment: opportunities and challenges

At the beginning of October 2023, the European Disability Forum (EDF) organised a workshop on "Artificial Intelligence, Inclusive Education...

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International Disability Alliance's Statement on the situation of persons with disabilities in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory

Today, the International Disability Alliance - an alliance of 14 global and regional organisations of persons with disabilities...

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Disability-inclusive development: The EU in the Global Action on Disability Network

The recent Global Action on Disability (GLAD) Network Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Brussels, co-hosted by the European...

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The United Nations plays significant role on advancing disability rights worldwide

On World UN Day, and in the current context, we highlight the basic role that the United Nations...

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"We support those most underrepresented in the disability movement” – how the Disability Rights Fund and the Disability Rights Advocacy Fund centre participation

This is the fifth interview in our “Inclusive Philanthropy: Foundations and Disability Rights” series, where we explore how...

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“We want to (…) embed disability justice in all our work” – the Foundation for a Just Society

This is the fourth interview in our “Inclusive Philanthropy: Foundations and Disability Rights” series, where we explore how...

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Nagorno-Karabakh: Protection and safety of persons with disabilities

We have received concerning reports about the protection and safety of persons with disabilities impacted by the Nagorno-Karabakh...

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Cooperation for a “a strong global disability movement” – how DPOD advocates for inclusive international development

This is the third interview in our “Inclusive Philanthropy: Foundations and Disability Rights” series, where we explore how...

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Cooperation between movements: the ONCE Foundation and disability-inclusive development

This is the third interview in our “Inclusive Philanthropy: Foundations and Disability Rights” series, where we explored how...

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UN report shows very limited progress on disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction

The Global Survey Report on Persons with Disabilities and Disasters was published today by the UN Agency on...

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”Human rights and social justice funding must include disabled people”: how the Ford Foundation promotes disability rights.

This is the second interview in our “Inclusive Philanthropy: Foundations and Disability Rights” series, where we explored how...

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Disability Intergroup: MEPs discuss priorities on disability rights until European Elections

MEP Monica Semedo hosted a meeting of the European Parliament’s Disability Intergroup on 5 October to discuss the...

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European Disability Card: European Parliament’s lead negotiator supports ambitious legislation.

The European Disability Forum met the European Parliament’s lead negotiator for the European Disability Card, MEP Lucia Ďuriš...

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“Granting funding based on organisations’ ideas and needs”: Abilis and Inclusive Philanthropy

This is the first interview in our “Inclusive Philanthropy: Foundations and Disability Rights” series, where we explored how...

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Enabling an accessible digital work environment

Why is it so important to create an inclusive digital work environment for workers with disabilities? Why should...

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What is the Artificial Intelligence Act?

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act is a proposal by the European Commission to regulate AI that is developed...

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European Parliament’s Committees voted on establishing the Ukraine Facility 

The European Parliament’s Committee for Foreign Affairs (AFET) and the Committees on Budgets (BUDG) voted today (5 October)...

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Training an Artificial Intelligence

In our last article, we explored some technologies that are used when we talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI)....

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Understanding the Relationship Between AccessibleEU Centre and Standardisation

Last summer, the European Commission launched the European Accessibility Resource Centre, AccessibleEU, a new service supporting the implementation...

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Translating Life into Numbers: How AI learns about human needs

Imagine a world where technology truly empowers you in everyday situations. Picture yourself sitting in a meeting, and...

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Ukraine Facility: ensuring equal opportunities for persons with disabilities

The European Disability Forum (EDF) has been advocating to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are...

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EDF Photo Competition 2023. 'Breaking Barriers - Stories and voices of women and girls with disabilities’ 

The European Disability Forum (EDF) is announcing its open call to submit entries for its annual photo competition...

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The EU Disability Employment Package – impact for persons with disabilities

We organised a webinar on the 7 September to explain the EU Disability Employment Package (external link). During...

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State of the European Union: improved accessibility but important features missing

This year’s State of the European Union had, for the first time ever, real-time interpretation in international sign...

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European Disability Card will boost free movement for persons with disabilities 

European Commission’s proposal meets most demands of the movement– but countries must enact deeper changes for persons to...

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Envisioning the EU elections: Amplifying the rights of young persons with disabilities

With less than twelve months remaining until the European elections, we talked with the EDF Youth Committee about...

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Understanding Artificial Intelligence – and how it affects the disability community.

Have you ever wondered how artificial intelligence (AI) could impact the lives of people with disabilities? In this...

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Disability rights at the centre of the European Union

On 23 May 2023, over 700 disability rights advocates gathered in the hemicycle of the European Parliament in...

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#DisabilityParliament: Disability-inclusive resilience

This panel focused on the challenges of ensuring persons with disabilities are protected and their rights upheld during...

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#DisabilityParliament: Combating inequality, social exclusion and poverty

This panel focused on the problems caused by the lack of social inclusion and equality of persons with...

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#DisabilityParliament: Free movement and full participation in the European Union

The first panel of the 5th European Parliament of Persons with Disabilities discussed the right to enjoy all...

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Romania’s inaccessible public transport is causing loss of life

Trigger warning: death It is with great dismay that the European Disability Forum learned about the death of...

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UN experts criticise draft EU law on protection of adults

In a rare move, two UN experts formally criticised the European Commission’s proposal for a Regulation and Council...

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A more accessible State of the European Union is possible

The European Disability Forum asked the EU Institutions to build on good practices started last year and ensure...

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The revised Regulation on Rail Passenger Rights enters into force – What’s new for persons with disabilities?

On 7 June 2023, the revised Regulation on Rail Passenger Rights entered into force. As a result, the...

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The European Disability Card and passenger rights - What can it entail?

After many years of campaigning by EDF and its members, the European Disability Card is one step closer...

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Interview with MEP Kim Van Sparrentak - “The human rights agenda is under attack worldwide”

This is the eleventh of a series of interviews with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). In this...

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The first step towards an inclusive agenda for relations between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean

On the 7th of June 2023, the European Commission launched a joint communication setting out the European Union’s...

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Spanish Presidency of the Council – new focus on disability rights 

On 1 July, Spain took over the Presidency of the Council of the EU from Sweden who took...

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Supporting care transformation in Ukraine based on disability inclusion approach

During April and May 2023, the Ukrainian Ministry of Social Policy and the Ukrainian Child Rights Network, in...

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The European Parliament ready to negotiate on draft EU Directive addressing Violence Against Women

On Wednesday, 12 July, the European Parliament formally approved their position on the proposed EU Directive on combating...

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UN Disability Committee announces countries for review for 2024

The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities published the countries that will be evaluated in...

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Ukrainians with disabilities living in residential institutions: urgent action needed

A new report developed by the Kharkiv Institute for Social Research highlights the bad living conditions and significant...

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Our participation in the 16th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD

A delegation from the European Disability Forum, led by our Vice-President Gunta Anca participated in the 16th session...

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European Parliament’s Committees voted on law to end violence against women  

Today, Wednesday 28th of June, the European Parliament’s Committee for Women's Rights & Gender Equality and Committee on...

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Update on the European Health Data Space regulation

In September 2020 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new legislative proposal to create a...

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"Accessibility must be present at a high level within political agendas" - AccessibleEU Centre

The European Accessibility Resource Centre, AccessibleEU, is a new service from the European Commission to support the implementation...

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Passenger and anti-discrimination groups call for revising rules on air travel

Today, three organisations representing passengers, persons with disabilities and persons aged 50+ reiterated a previous call from the...

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Artificial Intelligence Act: European Parliament misses chance to ensure accessibility

We are disappointed that the European Parliament’s political group did not table amendments to ensure binding accessibility requirements...

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Companies in the EU will have to report on disability inclusion

Companies operating in the EU will have to report on their practices for the inclusion of persons with...

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European Youth Event: Young people with disabilities advocate for inclusive policies 

A delegation of 20 young persons with disabilities from the EDF Youth Committee and the Ascend Citi Project...

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Our 2023 General Assembly: preparing for 2024 EU elections, responding to humanitarian crises

Around 200 participants gathered on 22 May 2023 in Brussels, Belgium, for our Annual General Assembly. This year’s...

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Disability in the European Semester Spring Package 2023

The European Commission released its Spring Package as part of the 2023 European Semester process. The European Semester...

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Audio-Visual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) - Has it made progress for media accessibility?

Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, audio description, sign language and spoken subtitles are a prerequisite...

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WAI-CooP online meeting on the web directive’s feedback and enforcement mechanism

As part of the Web Accessibility Initiative Communities of Practice (WAI-CooP) project, we organised an online open meeting...

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Reaction to comments of members of French expert committees to assess sterilisation requests

The European Disability Forum expresses its consternation with Dr Ghada Hatem’s and Dr. Rey-Quinio comments regarding the sterilisation...

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Join the European Accessibility Summit 2023 for the Latest Insights on Accessible Technology

The European Accessibility Summit (EAS) 2023 is just around the corner taking place on June 8th in Brussels...

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700 disability advocates call on the EU to ensure “Nothing about them without them”

On 23 May, the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels hosted the “5th European Parliament of Persons...

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The European Parliament – a forum for all persons with disabilities

On 23 May, the European Parliament and the European Disability Forum renewed their longstanding partnership to host the...

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700 disability advocates meet in the European Parliament to ask for an “inclusive future in the EU”

On 23 May, the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Brussels will host the “5th European Parliament of...

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Accessibility overlays don’t guarantee compliance with European legislation

The European Disability Forum (EDF) and International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) have issued a joint statement clarifying...

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Citi Foundation Invests Further $250,000 in Program Supporting Young People with Disabilities in Central Europe

The Second Phase of the Youth Disability Rights Program “Ascend” will be implemented in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic,...

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Call for action: Questionnaire on priorities of women with disabilities in Europe

According to the latest EU data, 25.9% of the total population of women in the European Union are living...

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Discussing the employment situation of persons with disabilities

On 27 April we launched our 7th Human Rights Report, dedicated to the Right to Work. The launch...

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AI Act: European Parliament must ensure accessibility of Artificial Intelligence systems.

Ahead of a key vote in the European Parliament, the European Disability Forum calls on Members of the...

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EDF asks EU Commissioner Vălean to enhance protections of passengers with disabilities

On 3 May 2023, a delegation of the European Disability Forum led by Vice President Gunta Anca met...

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Clarification of comments made during 1 May event on “"Employment of people with disabilities: European perspectives in Ukraine."”

English Version below Роз’яснення коментарів, зроблених під час заходу 1 травня на тему «Працевлаштування людей з інвалідністю: європейські...

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EU Commission Vice-President Jourová commits to promoting accessible elections and political participation of persons with disabilities

Credits: European Union, 2023 On 2 May 2023, a delegation of the European Disability Forum led by President...

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The EESC approves opinion on EU Disability Card

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has (unanimously) approved the Opinion on the EU Disability Card. The...

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Majority of persons with disabilities locked out of quality employment

Over 47% of persons with disabilities in the EU cannot pay their bills The European Disability Forum’s new...

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We mourn the loss of Jolijn Santegoeds, disability activist and voice for people with psychosocial disabilities

It is with deep sorrow and a very heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Jolijn Santegoeds:...

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Stopping EU funds for places that segregate: EDF meets European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira.

Featured Image Credit: Jennifer Jacquemart/European Union, 2023 On 20 April 2023, a delegation of the European Disability Forum...

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The Council of Europe denounces the violation of the rights of persons with disabilities by the French State

This statement is the result of a collective complaint filed by EDF and Inclusion Europe, with the support...

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Equal Rights on Flights: disability movement demands stronger protections.

Denial of boarding and damaged assistive equipment are still common occurrences. The report “End the nightmare: Passengers with...

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MEPs focus on improving accessibility and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in the European Parliament

The members of the Disability Intergroup, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Radka Maxová and MEP Ádám Kósa,...

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EDF Board meeting outcomes: Inclusive AI, #DisabilityParliament, engaging with UN

Our first Board meeting of 2023 took place on the 1 April in Stockholm, Sweden. The meeting followed...

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Ensuring Artificial Intelligence systems respect disability rights

This article provides a summary of the afternoon sessions of the Conference “Disability Rights, Accessibility and Artificial Intelligence”,...

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Steps for an accessible, disability-inclusive future: our conference in Sweden

This article provides a summary of the morning sessions of the Conference “Disability Rights, Accessibility and Artificial Intelligence”,...

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EU’s Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights outlines vision for disability-inclusive employment and training

Featured image - copyright: European Union, 2023 On 28 March 2023, a delegation of the European Disability Forum...

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EU Guidance note on inclusion of persons with disabilities in EU global actions – joint reaction by EDF and IDDC

The European Disability Forum (EDF) and the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) have released a joint statement...

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Immediate needs and an inclusive future: Persons with disabilities in Ukraine need more support

Catherine Naughton, the Executive Director of the European Disability Forum visited Poland and Ukraine from the 1 to...

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CONCORD Equality Day - making EU global action inclusive

On the 21st of March we participated in the first ever “CONCORD Equality Day: Are the EU’s international...

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Visit to DPOD: how to strengthen international cooperation and humanitarian action

On 6, 7, 8 and 9 March 2023, a delegation of EDF international cooperation and humanitarian action team...

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European Parliament pushes for EU-wide minimum income rules that protect persons with disabilities

On the 15 March 2023, the European Parliament approved a report calling on the European Commission to propose...

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Winners of EDF Photo Competition “Shining a light on young persons with disabilities” 

Launched in September 2022, the edition of the EDF Photography Competition “Shining a light on young persons with...

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Report: Social Protection Schemes for Persons with Disabilities across Europe

The European Commission recently released a study into Social Protection for Persons with Disabilities in Europe. This study...

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Joint statement on the forcible transfer, deportation, and adoption of children from Ukraine by Russia

EDF - together with 42 organisations, agencies, and networks - has endorsed a joint statement on the forcible...

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EDF statement for International Women’s Day 2023

Marking 8 March - International Women’s Day - the European Disability Forum (EDF) and its Women’s Committee recall...

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European Disability Movement mourns passing of disability icon Judy Heumann

Photo credit: Senado Federal, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons (remixed with quote)   Change never happens...

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Statement of EDF’s Youth Committee on the passing of the US disability activists, Judy Heumann

Read the statement of EDF’s Youth Committee on the passing of the US disability activists and one of...

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EU Regulation on digitalisation of judicial cooperation must respect disability rights

Persons with disabilities have a lower access to internet and digital tools than the rest of the population....

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Toolkits for cooperation between DPOs and EU delegations in the world

The European Union is the first humanitarian donor in the world. It has allocated an overall budget of...

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One year of war: persons with disabilities in Ukraine

One year ago, on 24 February 2022, Russia escalated its occupation in Eastern Ukraine to a full-scale invasion...

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Joint Statement for European Day for Victims of Crime

On this European Day for Victims of Crime, Victim Support Europe and signatories of this statement stand in...

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Earthquake in Türkiye and Syria: urgent measures required to support persons with disabilities

Joint press release from: Arab Organization of Persons with Disabilities Confederation of Persons with Disabilities in Türkiye International...

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Disability Intergroup: Achievements of 2022

The Disability Intergroup has promoted and advanced the rights of persons with disabilities in Europe for over 40...

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Interview with MEP Anne-Sophie Pelletier – Sign language interpretation for (all) plenary sessions

This is the ninth of a series of interviews with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). In this...

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The European Commission published its recommendation on Disaster Resilience Goals

The European Commission has published on the 9th of February 2023 its recommendation on disaster resilience goals to...

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European Parliament defends political rights of mobile EU citizens with disabilities

The European Parliament introduced new provisions to ensure that EU citizens with disabilities living in another EU country...

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EDF Women's Committee: 2022 achievements and 2023 work programme

The EDF Women’s Committee includes women with disabilities and mothers of persons with disabilities. They shape the policies...

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The Disability Intergroup bureau discusses priorities for 2023

The bureau of the Disability Intergroup came together in Brussels on 2 February to discuss its priorities for...

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High-level event with Moldovan partners to support Ukrainian refugees with disabilities

The European Disability Forum, in collaboration with our partners in Moldova, namely the Moldovan Association of Organisations of...

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Screening on the movie "CODA": opening the dialogue on accessible technologies

On 2 February, in collaboration with MEP Brando Benifei and Apple, we organised at the European Parliament a...

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UN Special Rapporteur on Disability Rights investigated the European Union

The Special Rapporteur on Disability Rights, Gerard Quinn, visited the institutions of the European Union (EU) from 21...

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Ana Peláez elected Chairperson of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women

We are pleased to announce that Ana Peláez Narváez, our Secretary General, was elected as the new Chairperson of...

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A look at the European Commission Web Accessibility Action Plan

A few weeks ago, the European Commission (EC) finally published the much-awaited web accessibility action plan 2022-2025. The...

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Disability Intergroup members call on banning events instrumentalising persons with disabilities

On the 25th of January, Members of the European Parliament Disability Intergroup gathered in front of the European...

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Polish Senator and Disability Rights Defender Marek Plura passed away

It is with great sadness that we have learned that Senator Marek Plura passed away last Saturday, the...

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EDF is looking for a short-term consultant on legal capacity of persons with disabilities

Would you like to help us draft our 8th Human Rights Report on legal capacity of persons with...

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Sign up for the survey on the EU's Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL) has launched a survey on the...

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EDF feedback to the public consultation on passenger rights

The European Disability Forum (EDF) has provided feedback to the European Commission’s public consultation on passenger rights. We...

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Joint statement on the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, Nagorno-Karabakh

The International Disability Alliance (IDA) and the European Disability Forum (EDF), organizations working to advance the human rights...

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Joint statement: Stop funding institutions in Bulgaria!

On the 16th January 2023, EDF and a number of its allies published a statement against recent reforms...

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Swedish Presidency of the Council: few prospects on disability

Sweden has taken over the Presidency of the Council of the EU for the first half of 2023....

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The EU Year of Skills 2023 – how could it focus on disability? 

2023 is the EU Year of Skills. There is a lot of potential to mainstream disability into the...

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Banning forced sterilisation: European Parliament proposes ban in relevant directive.

We welcome the European Parliament’s draft report on the “proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and...

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European Commission: Detainees with disabilities should have accessibility measures; access to healthcare

Detainees with disabilities continue to face a variety of human rights violations. They range from the non-recognition of...

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An accessible, disability-inclusive Metaverse?

On 6 December, we organised a joint event with Meta on a "Disability-inclusive Metaverse".  Panellists included representatives from...

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International Migrants Day: migrants with disabilities need support!

Asylum seekers and migrants with disabilities are particularly susceptible to intersectional discrimination. In 2019, we prepared a report...

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EUni4All-Network: fostering inclusion in higher education

In December, EDF and Fundación ONCE met in Brussels with experts, European Institutions and university students with disabilities...

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Exclusion from decision-making: our participation in the fourth Regional Arab Forum of Women with disabilities

Executive Committee member, Nadia Hadad, participated in the fourth Regional Arab Forum of Women with disabilities, which took...

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Infographic: Female Genital Mutilation and Disability

Female Genital Mutilation Survivors with disabilities are less likely to have their rights upheld and less likely to...

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Cancer screening: EU recommendations advance accessible cancer screening

On 9 December, the Council of the European Union approved new EU recommendations on Cancer screening. This is...

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Web Accessibility Directive: better feedback mechanism, more expertise needed

On 8 December, the European Commission published its evaluation report covering the first three years of the application...

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European Parliament adopts report on equal rights for persons with disabilities

The European Parliament debated (on 12 December) and adopted on 13 December the report “Towards equal rights for...

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European Commission proposes free, easier access to equality bodies

On 7 December, the European Commission proposed two initiatives to create standards for equality bodies. Equality bodies are...

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Human Rights Day: joint briefing on Roma with disabilities

Studies from 2016 show that at least 15% of Roma people have a disability, amounting to over 1.6...

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The European Disability Forum is recruiting a project officer for the DREE project, starting January 1st, 2023

The European Disability Forum (EDF) is seeking an enthusiastic and committed team member to be responsible for a...

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The EU Semester Process 2023: What it is and what to expect?

The European Semester is an annual process resulting in the European Commission’s publishing of recommendations to the Member...

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EU's global health strategy includes persons with disabilities!

The European Union published its new “EU Global Health Strategy: Better Health for All in a Changing World”...

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Council conclusions on employment and disability: A mixed review

On the 11th of November the Council of the European Union published its draft Council Conclusions on the...

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European Parliament event: A Disability Card recognised in all EU.

On 30 November, the European Parliament Committee on Petitions hosted a workshop on the EU Disability Card. The...

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How to get funding from the EU in international cooperation? A guide for DPOs outside the EU

With an overall budget of €79.5 billion for 2021-2027 to contribute to the eradication of poverty and the advancement...

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European Parliament’s Disability Intergroup calls for a ban on forced sterilisation

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the European Parliament’s Disability Intergroup expresses grave concern about the practice...

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International Day of Persons with Disabilities: The international community must support persons with disabilities in Ukraine

Ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December), we call on the Russian Federation to...

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Google.org funds our work on employment and digital skills

We are happy to announce that EDF was one of the grantees of Google.org’s philanthropic funding to support...

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EU's global health strategy includes persons with disabilities

The European Union published its new “EU Global Health Strategy: Better Health for All in a Changing World”...

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COP27 – What has been done and what can still be done

Persons with disabilities are among the most affected by the effects of climate change. To ensure an inclusive...

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European Parliament requests our views on the pandemic’s impact on persons with disabilities

On 28 November, the European Parliament Special COVID Committee organised a hearing on the socio-economic impact of the...

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WAI-CooP online meeting on digital accessibility expertise

As part of the WAI-CooP project, we organised an online open meeting on 11 October 2022, focusing on...

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Share your views on the EU Disability Card - deadline 9 January

This article was updated to include the new deadline. The Commission launched a call for evidence on the...

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Funding opportunity: Mental Health Award

Deadline: 7 June 2023 Wellcome Trust is accepting nominations for Mental Health Award to support the validation of...

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International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women: End violence against women with disabilities

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, on 25 November, EDF is calling on...

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EU’s Equality Commissioner renews her commitment to disability rights

Today, 24 November, a delegation of the European Disability Forum met with the EU Commissioner for Equality, Helena...

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Moldova condemned for neglecting sexual abuse and forced abortions and sterilisations of women with intellectual disabilities

Trigger warning: rape, forced abortion, forced sterilisation [caption id="attachment_15617" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] CherryX/CC BY-SA 3.0[/caption] The European Court of...

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EDF Board meeting: Ukraine; Cost of Living; EU Accession

The first meeting of our new Board took place on the 18 and 19 November in Dublin, Ireland....

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From signing Conventions to reality: the path towards Disability Equality

UN experts, European disability activists, Irish policymakers and officials came together on 19 November in Dublin (Ireland) to...

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Presenting our Women’s Committee and Youth Committee

It’s our pleasure to announce the new composition of two of our committees: the Women’s Committee and the...

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Companies in the EU to be held more accountable for disability inclusion

The European Parliament approved the final text of the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) on the 10...

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Climate change: persons with disabilities still left behind

The worrying climate-related disasters in recent years have shown the need to act quickly, both in order to...

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European AI Fund enables us to work in Disability-inclusive Artificial Intelligence 

We are among the 14 new organisations that will be supported by the European Artificial Intelligence Fund.  ...

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COP27: Will Climate Action plans be disability-inclusive?

The Climate Crisis affects us all. But more so persons with disabilities. Forced displacement, lack of disability-inclusive procedures...

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Ukraine Response: Meeting of EDF and Ukraine project implementing partners

On the week of 3 to 7 October 2022, we organised a meeting in Brussels with our partners...

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Artificial Intelligence Act needs to protect human rights

Twelve civil society organisations, including the European Disability Forum (EDF), have signed an open letter calling the Czech...

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Gender Equality Week: outsized discrimination against women with disabilities

European Gender Equality Week 2022 runs from 24 to 30 October. During this week, several European Parliament Committees...

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Breast cancer: persons with disabilities receive late diagnosis

Article by Elise Jacquier , Human Rights Trainee October is breast cancer awareness month. It is essential to...

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Ukraine Updates, 20 October

The Committee for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Committee for the Rights of the Child...

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Increasing cost of living: Persons with disabilities hit harder

Prices are higher while disability allowances and salaries diminish or stay the same. Assistive technologies have become more...

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CRPD Committee announces countries for review in 2023

The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee) published the countries that will...

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Passing of German disability activist and Parliament Member Ilja Seifert

We were very sad to hear about the passing, on 10 September, of German disability activist and former...

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EDF-ANEC webinar on accessibility standards for the built environment

On 14 September EDF together with ANEC held a webinar with the aim of understanding the basics of...

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Icelandic Disability Alliance's statement regarding European Court of Human Rights' case "Arnar Helgi Lárusson v. Iceland"

We reproduce below the Icelandic Disability Alliance's statement on the case "Arnar Helgi Lárusson v. Iceland": The Grand...

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"The future will be accessible": Parliament votes on AccessibleEU Centre

On 4 October, the European Parliament discussed and approved MEP Langensiepen's self-initiative report on the AccessibleEU centre. The...

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European Parliament debates AccessibleEU Centre

The European Parliament will hold a plenary debate (and vote) on 4 October about their report on the...

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The Disability Intergroup discusses the war in Ukraine and adopts its workplan for 2022-2024

The Disability Intergroup came together in Strasbourg on 15 September to discuss its work programme for the coming...

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Ukraine Updates, 29 September

Last week we met in Brussels with our donor, CBM International, to share updates on our joint Ukraine...

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Updates from the EDF/CBM Ukraine Project

On 20 and 21 September, we met our donor CBM International to discuss about the progress we have...

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EU's upcoming global health strategy: fully include persons with disabilities!

The European Union is currently revising its strategy on global health. The strategy’s aims are to improve health systems...

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EDF is hiring a consultant for its Ukraine programme to support Moldovan OPDs

In the context of the Ukrainian refugee crisis, EDF is undertaking a programme to support Moldovan Organisations of...

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Better access to the Single European Emergency number 112 

EDF has provided feedback to a European Commission consultation on a draft delegated Regulation to ensure effective access...

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Why is forced sterilisation still legal in the EU?

Forced sterilisation of persons with disabilities is a pervasive abuse and a gross violation of their fundamental rights....

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The Disability Employment Package. Reinforcing the European Labour Market

The Commission announced today the new Disability Employment Package, in the “Conference on Integration of People with Disabilities into the...

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Launch of EU Commission’s campaign Together for Rights: Register to attend

On the 28th of September, from 14:00 to 15:00 CET, the European Commission will launch the campaign Together...

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Disability and Gender Gaps. The difficult situation of women with disabilities in the labour market

The right to equal pay between women and men, for equal work or work of equal value, is...

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Joint statement about the attacks on the Armenian border

The European Disability Forum, with Disability Rights Agenda and Mental Health Europe is following with deep concern the...

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WHO’s new framework puts persons with disabilities at the center of healthcare

We welcome the adoption of the WHO European framework for action to achieve the highest attainable standard of...

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The new General Comment on employment of persons with disabilities

The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities released its new General Comment 8 on the...

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Ukraine Updates, 15 September

On Thursday 8 September, we collaborated with Inclusion Europe to a conference on “Disability-Inclusive Rebuilding in Ukraine”. The...

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A more accessible State of the European Union

The European Disability Forum is very much pleased to see increased accessibility of the State of the European...

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EDF Photo Competition 2022. Shining a light on young persons with disabilities

The 2022 edition of the European Photography Competition "Shining a light on young persons with disabilities" is now...

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Mobile EU Citizens with disabilities deserve equal political rights

This position paper was prepared to contribute to the revision of the two Council Directives: one on mobile...

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The World Health Organization’s must adopt resolution for health of persons with disabilities

We are worried to learn that the political Resolution supporting the WHO European framework for action to achieve...

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We mourn the loss of Rodolfo Cattani, Italian disability champion

We mourn the loss of Rodolfo Cattani with a very heavy heart. Rodolfo was involved with EDF since...

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War in Ukraine: we condemn the Russian attack in Kramatorsk

It is with horror and outrage that we received reports of a Russian attack perpetrated on September 7th that...

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Directive on Violence Against Women must protect women with disabilities

In March 2022, the European Commission published a landmark proposal for a law addressing violence against women. The...

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The EU Care Strategy is promising but lacks binding measures

On 7 September 2022, the European Commission launched its European Care Strategy. The Commission hopes it will “positively...

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Call for tenders: EPUB conversion of EDF Human Rights Report

EDF is looking for a service provider based in the EU for the conversion into EPUB of its...

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World Health Organisation acts on health of persons with disabilities

The World Health Organisation will adopt a framework on health for persons with disabilities on 13 September. Delegates...

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The EU’s State of the Union must be accessible

Such an important debate should not exclude millions of citizens. We are calling on EU institutions to guarantee...

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The Czech Presidency of the Council: impact on disability rights

The Czech Republic has held the Presidency of the EU Council since 1 July 2022. The rotating nature...

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Call for tenders: design and printing of EDF Business Cards

EDF is looking for a service provider based in the EU for the design and printing (in colour...

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Report card: French Presidency of the EU Council

France held the Presidency of the Council of the EU during the first semester of 2022. The Council...

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International Youth Day 2022: the voices of young people with disabilities at EDF

Every 12th of August we celebrate International Youth Day. The objective of this day is to raise awareness...

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Ukraine Weekly Updates

 August 11th, 2022 On July 27th 2022, alongside SUSTENTO - the Latvian Umbrella Body for Disability Organisations, we...

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Disability organisations adopt a declaration on Ukraine’s inclusive reconstruction

On 27 July 2022, disability organisations supporting relief efforts in Ukraine adopted the “Riga Declaration”, which calls for...

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Commission’s services name room after disability advocate Sophie Beaumont

The European Commission’s services for Neighbourhood and Enlargement named their main meeting room in honour of former EDF...

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Disability-Inclusive Cash Feasibility Assessment Report

The National Assembly of People with Disabilities in Ukraine (NAPD) in collaboration with CBM Global Disability Inclusion and...

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Ukraine Weekly Updates

July 28th, 2022 With CBM, we joined SUSTENTO - the Latvian Umbrella Body for Disability Organisation in Riga,...

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EDD 2022 - European Development Days: making the event accessible to all

Organised by the European Commission, the European Development Days (EDD) bring the development community together each year to...

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AccessibleEU centre: a first step towards an EU agency on accessibility

The Disability Intergroup Bureau welcomes the adoption of the report “AccessibleEU Centre in support of accessibility policies in...

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EDF informs Member States about employment of persons with disabilities

The Council of the European Union held a meeting of its Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs...

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Russian attack in Vinnytsia: stop the war in Ukraine

It is with horror and outrage that we learned about the Russian attack in Vinnytsia yesterday, that killed...

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Ukraine Weekly Updates

July 14th, 2022 EDF has signed the joint statement promoted by Civil Society Europe that urges the European...

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EU Guidance on independent living and inclusion in the community 

Within the Disability Strategy published by the European Commission in March 2021, it is included a flagship initiative...

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EDF is hiring a consultant for its International Cooperation team

Consultancy: Guidance for national DPOs and EU delegations The European Disability Forum (EDF) is seeking a consultant to...

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The European Parliament votes for an impactful AccessibleEU centre

The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee of the European Parliament voted on a report outlining the Parliament’s...

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New disability experts, Ukraine: highlights of the UN conference on disability 

We were present at the leading UN conference on disability rights, the COSP. The conference took place from...

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24 Member States are running late with the European Accessibility Act

On 28 June 2022, the European Accessibility Act had to be transposed into national law according to the...

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How to build capacity on accessibility legislation

One of the most awaited initiatives of the new EU Disability Rights Strategy is the launch of a...

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EU historic agreement on minimum wage covers workers with disabilities 

EU negotiators have agreed on rules to set adequate minimum wages on 6 June 2022. The rules will...

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Elections, Ukraine, Women’s Rights, Becoming Green: our General Assembly 2022

Around 200 participants gathered in Athens, Greece on the 25th and 26th June for our General Assembly 2022. ...

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Our members update on crisis response during Ukraine war

We and our members held a discussion about the situation in Ukraine during our General Assembly. We presented...

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Meet our new Executive Committee and Board

Our members elected new governing bodies during the General Assembly on the 25th and 26th of June. We...

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EU transport policies and persons with disabilities – what is new in 2022?

Transport is one of the shared competences of the European Union, which means it has the right to...

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Accessible Tourism: European Commission calls for commitment

Earlier this year, the Commission published the Transition Pathway for Tourism.  The transition pathway is a plan jointly...

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The Disability Intergroup discusses priorities with the global disability movement

On the 15th of June 2022, a delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) met with us...

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Funds for economic recovery must promote digital accessibility

On 21 June 2022, we co-organised an event on how COVID-19 recovery funds can promote a more inclusive...

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Monitoring human rights violations during the war in Ukraine

Over 143.600 persons with disabilities are displaced because of the war in Ukraine. Persons with disabilities have been...

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Disability advocate re-elected to the UN Committee on Women’s Rights

We are pleased to announce that Ana Peláez Narváez, our Vice President, was re-elected as a member of...

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European Accessibility Summit 2022: From Policy into Practice

The European Accessibility Summit held its second edition in a hybrid event with the participation of speakers from...

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War in Ukraine: over 143.000 persons with disabilities displaced

Ukrainians with disabilities have been disproportionately affected by the war caused by the Russian aggression in Ukraine. Therefore,...

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COSP side-event. The role of regional integration organisations in implementing UNCRPD

Organised together with the European Commission, "The role of regional integration organisations in implementing the UN Convention on...

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The Zero Project Call for Nominations 2023 - #ZeroCall23

The Zero Project Call for Nominations 2023 (#ZeroCall23) calls on inclusive, innovative, and scalable solutions from around the...

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Goodbye to Gábor Gombos – A world-renowned disability rights activist

It is a great sadness that we learned about the passing of Professor Gábor Gombos, a world-renowned human...

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The Digital Services Act will create second-class internet users.

MEPs must vote against a compromise that neglects citizens with disabilities. The European Disability Forum asks MEPs to...

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Access City Award 2023 applications are open!

Encourage your city to apply! Do you know a city that deserves to be recognised for making itself...

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EDF is hiring a short-term consultant for its Ukraine program

Short term consultancy In the context of our response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis, EDF is undertaking a...

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Joint statement welcoming the suspension of the adoption of the draft Additional Protocol to the Oviedo Convention

Read the joint statement signed by Autism Europe, European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD),...

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Ukraine, elections, plans for 2023: our May Board Meeting

Our second Board meeting of 2022 took place online on 27 May. This article highlights the main outcomes: ...

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EU Semester Country-Specific Recommendations 2022: What do they say about disability?

Last Monday the 23rd of May, the European Commission released its Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs) as part of the...

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Disability Intergroup: a retrospective of the 2021 intergroup achievements on disability rights

Since its creation in 1980, the Disability Intergroup has had an instrumental role in advocating for and advancing...

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EU Justice Scoreboard now includes access by persons with disabilities

The EU Justice Scoreboard presents an annual overview of indicators on the efficiency, quality and independence of justice...

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Accessible and non-discriminatory Artificial Intelligence

Today marks the Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). GAAD is an awareness day focusing on digital access and...

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Political participation of persons with disabilities: what you need to know ahead of the 2024 European Elections

Did you miss the launch event of the European Disability Forum’s 6th Human Rights Report on the EU...

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Anniversary of the Istanbul Convention

Today marks the anniversary of opening for signature of the Istanbul Convention. The Istanbul Convention is an international...

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Digital Services Act fails to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities. EDF calls the EU to rectify this political agreement

On behalf of 100 million persons with disabilities in the EU, the European Disability Forum (EDF) expresses its...

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EDF is recruiting an Accessibility Policy Officer 

EDF is recruiting an Accessibility Policy Officer to start work full-time, in Brussels starting in August or September...

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Civil society and EDF reacts to European Parliament's Artificial Intelligence Act draft Report

Today, 04 May 2022, a number of civil society organisations, including EDF, Access Now, Algorithm Watch, Bits of...

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The EU Parliament proposes a new electoral law ensuring the political rights of persons with disabilities

Today the plenary of the European Parliament adopted a resolution including a proposal for a new EU Electoral...

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The European Disability Forum is recruiting a Project Officer, support to UN Special Rapporteur on the right of persons with disabilities

The European Disability Forum (EDF) is recruiting a Project Officer for a maternity leave replacement (starting from August...

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The European Disability Forum is recruiting a Project Admin and Reporting Officer

EDF is recruiting an Admin and Reporting Officer, starting as soon as possible to work on our Ukraine...

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Situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies

Statement from European Disability Forum (EDF) during meeting of Joint Committee on Disability Matters, Houses of the Oireachtas,...

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War in Ukraine, second half of the legislative term, and work programme 2022-2024: the Disability Intergroup updates its priorities

The Bureau of the Disability Intergroup met on April 20th to set its upcoming priorities and discuss the...

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Council must agree to accessible digital services for persons with disabilities

As European policymakers are about to finalise negotiations on the Digital Services Act (DSA), we reinstate our call...

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UN Disability Rights Committee adopts list of questions for the EU review

The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in charge of monitoring implementation of the Convention...

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UNCRPD Press Release. Ukraine: 2.7 million people with disabilities at risk, UN committee warns

GENEVA (14 April 2022) PRESS RELEASE BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES. Ukrainian version on...

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The European Disability Forum is recruiting a Communications and Knowledge Management Officer

The European Disability Forum (EDF) is recruiting a Communications and Knowledge Management Officer, starting as soon as possible...

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EDF joins Disability Ethical? AI Alliance against AI-based recruitment discrimination

EDF has joined the Disability Ethical? AI community to raise awareness about risks of discrimination against persons with...

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EDF launches its online Accessibility Database focused on transport

The European Union and national legislation have been developed over the years to fight cases of discrimination in...

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EDF and NADP meet Commissioner Dalli to discuss EU actions to support persons with disabilities and their families in the Ukraine war

On March 25, the European Disability Forum (EDF) and the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine...

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Achieving a truly representative, fair, and inclusive European standardisation system

EDF has submitted feedback on the public consultation for the European Commission’s proposal to amend Regulation (EU) 1025/2012 on...

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Joint contribution to Commissioner Dalli meeting with civil society on support to Ukrainians

The European Disability Forum, Inclusion Europe, and the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities have...

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Ukraine Crisis: A Collaboration for an Inclusive Humanitarian Response 

The following is a joint statement by CBM and the European Disability Forum (EDF).  In the strongest possible...

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EDF position paper on disability rights in civil judicial cooperation

EDF adopted a position paper on disability rights in civil judicial cooperation. This document was prepared to contribute...

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The European Disability Forum is recruiting a Humanitarian Advocacy Officer

EDF is recruiting a Humanitarian Advocacy Officer, starting as soon as possible.  The European Disability Forum (EDF) is...

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Website launched with Frequently Asked Questions on the EU Web Directive

Today the European Disability Forum  and our partners in the Web Accessibility Initiative Communities of Practice (WAI-CooP) project...

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EU Parliament lives up to the political rights of persons with disabilities in European elections

Today the European Parliament Constitutional Affairs Committee adopted a resolution including a proposal for a new EU Electoral...

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EDF and NADP request a meeting with Commissioner Dalli to discuss EU actions to support children and adults with disabilities in the Ukraine war

The European Disability Forum (EDF) and the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NADP) have sent a letter...

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President of the European Parliament committed to work on improving the rights of Europeans with disabilities

On the 16th of March 2022, the European Disability Forum (EDF) President Yannis Vardakastanis met with the President of...

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EDF launches a campaign to end forced sterilisation of persons with disabilities in Europe. Sign the petition!

The European Disability Forum (EDF) has launched a campaign to ask the European Parliament, the Council and European...

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Information for Ukrainians arriving in the European Union

This information is available in Ukrainian at the bottom of the page. This information is to be shared...

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Joint Statement on the Social Climate Fund

23.03.2022 The Social Climate Fund (SCF or Fund), which the European Commission (EC) proposed as part of its...

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Outcomes of EDF's board meeting - 10 and 11 March 2022

The first 2022 Board meeting of the European Disability Forum took place on the 10th and 11th of...

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Appeal from the National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine 

The National Assembly of People with Disabilities of Ukraine (NADP) on behalf of more than 100 organizations in...

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Protection and safety of persons with disabilities in Ukraine

24 February 2022: Open letter to the Head of the European Institutions, European, Russian and Ukrainian Heads of State...

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Asserting our rights once more on March 8th

Women’s Committee statement - European Disability Forum To mark 8th March, International Women’s Day, we, women and girls with...

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Stop all forms of gender-based violence: A manifesto for an inclusive and comprehensive EU gender-based violence policy for all

Together we call on the European Union to adopt a forward-thinking and truly inclusive approach to gender-based violence...

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Artificial intelligence and the rights of persons with disabilities: Report of the UN Special Rapporteur

The UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities Gerard Quinn has published a thematic report...

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Online platforms must be accessible for all: EDF and CFHE call on the Council of the EU to support the European Parliament’s position

15.03.2022 EDF and Conseil Français des personnes Handicapées pour les affaires Européennes et internationales (CFHE) have sent a...

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CRPD Committee session and EU review

The 26th session of the UN Disability Committee (CRPD Committee) is starting today on Monday 7th of March...

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Sif Holst, CRPD Candidate. Getting the conversation started

Sif Holst Vice-Chair of Disabled People’s Organisation Denmark (DPOD), Member of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC),...

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Hybrid participation in the EP: joint letter from MEPs to ensure the right to everyone to take part in parliamentary activities

On the 16th of February 2022, 9 Members of the European Parliament (EP) Disability Intergroup have sent a...

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Quality label for volunteering activities under the European Solidarity Corps Programme

Article written the European Solidarity Corps   Are you an organisation willing to host and/or send volunteers in the...

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EDF reports for the review of the EU by the UN Disability Rights Committee

In March 2022, the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will start the second review...

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Positive participation of European leaders in first European Regional Disability Summit on international cooperation

For the first time, European leaders came together for the high level European Regional Disability Summit on international...

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EDF endorses Ana Peláez's nomination for re-election to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)

Ana Peláez Narváez, currently Vice-Chair of the CEDAW Committee, Executive Vice-President at CERMI Women’s Foundation and Vice President...

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EDF is looking for a short-term consultant on civil judicial cooperation

Would you like to help us know more about persons with disabilities and civil judicial cooperation? Deadline for...

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Sign up for the survey on the EU’s Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment and Social Affairs has launched a survey to measure knowledge of the ten-year Strategy for...

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The Disability Intergroup requests to participate in the EU Parliament High-Level Group on Gender Equality and Diversity

MEP Radka Maxová and MEP Katrin Langensiepen co-signed a joint letter inviting the European Parliament (EP) bureau to...

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How can you be involved in the European Year of Youth?

During the first meeting of this year of the Stakeholders group on the European Year of Youth (EYY)...

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EDF is looking for a short-term consultant on employment issues

Would you like to help us draft our 7th Human Rights Report on employment for persons with disabilities? Deadline...

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Citi Foundation invests $250,000 in European Disability Forum’s Program supporting the empowerment of persons with disabilities in Central Europe

The new program “Strengthening the Disability Movement in CE” will be implemented in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania...

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i2i webinar February 2022: learning from experience. Data-driven advocacy for inclusive employment and social protection

After the moderator, Misti, gave a brief introduction of the i2i programme, she went ahead to introduce the...

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The European Union will update rules on the development of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T)

At the end of 2021 the European Commission published a proposal for revising the Union guidelines for the...

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The European Parliament agreed on safer and accessible online platforms for persons with disabilities

On 24th of January the European Parliament voted in its plenary on the Digital Services Act (DSA), which...

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2021 achievement of EDF Women's Committee

EDF Women’s Committee is composed of 10 members coming from all over Europe and representing different groups of...

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New European Bauhaus Prize 2022

On 18 January 2022, the European Commission launched the second edition of the New European Bauhaus Prizes 2022....

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The new President of the European Parliament, an ally of persons with disabilities

EDF welcomes the election of Roberta Metsola as President of the European Parliament. President Metsola became the first...

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Get your government to commit ahead of the Global Disability Summit 2022

Global Disability Summit and political commitments The second Global Disability Summit will take place virtually on 15 -...

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Webinar on Horizon Europe Funding Program

One of the main priorities for EDF in coming years is to strengthen our movement by building the...

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2022 Agenda of United Nations Treaty Bodies

The United Nations human rights Treaty Bodies are committees of independent experts that monitor implementation of the core international...

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The European Disability Forum is recruiting a Project Officer

The European Disability Forum (EDF) is recruiting a full-time Project Officer for our project: Strengthening the Disability Movement in...

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Yannis Vardakastanis elected president of the International Disability Alliance (IDA)

Yannis Vardakastanis, President of the European Disability Forum and ESAMEA was unanimously elected at the helm of the...

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Next year dedicated to young persons, what about young persons with disabilities?

In her State of the Union address to the Parliament on 15 September 2021, the President of the...

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European Parliament and EU governments agree on extending Roaming rules

The EU’s roam like at home scheme will be extended until 2032, after the Council and European Parliament...

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EDF welcomes the European Commission’s draft standardisation request in support of the European Accessibility Act

EDF welcomes the formal notification by the European Commission to the European standardisation organisations and European stakeholder organisations...

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EDF welcomes regional roadmap to resilience

The disaster risk reduction (DRR) plan for Europe and Central Asia leading to 2030 comprehensively commits to disability...

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Members of the European Parliament vote to ensure accessible online platforms for persons with disabilities

European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee adopted its position on the Digital Services Act (DSA), which includes requirements...

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Resources for disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR)

EDF has published resource documents on disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR) in Europe and Central Asia. This will...

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Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): disability rights are human rights

Today, we celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)...

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Human Rights Day: equality for all

Every December 10, we observe Human Rights Day. This day commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of...

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European Parliament reflects on how to better implement the Employment Equality Directive

On the 1st of December 2021, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) of the European Parliament...

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Testimonials on access to health

 On the 2nd of December, EDF published testimonials on access to healthcare and the right to health of...

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The Future of Europe for persons with Disabilities

Every year, on December 3rd, we celebrate the European Day of Persons with Disabilities and reflect on the...

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Message from the Youth Committee for the European Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021 (#EDPD2021)

On the occasion of the European Day of Persons with Disabilities 2021 (#EDPD2021) EDF Youth Committee would like...

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European Parliament agrees to continue work on the Minimum Wage Directive

On Thursday the 25th of November the European Parliament voted on whether or not to enter into negotiations...

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Civil society and EDF call on the EU to put fundamental rights first in the ArtificiaI Intelligence Act

Today, 30 November 2021, 115 civil society organisations, including EDF and European Digital Rights (EDRi) launched a collective...

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MEPs require major digital companies to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities

European Parliament’s Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee adopted its position on the Digital Markets Act (DMA), including requiring major...

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EDF Statement: No more violence against women with disabilities!

EMPOWERED, VISIBLE AND DIVERSE WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES ASSERT OUR RIGHT TO A LIFE FREE FROM VIOLENCE! 25th November...

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EDF joins World Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!

There are 60 million women and girls with disabilities in Europe, representing 60% of the overall population of...

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EDF and Oracle award scholarship to student with disability for designing research accessibility tool

Peter O’Donnell, a student at the University College Dublin pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, has been...

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Resources and knowledge to the AccessibleEU centre

One of the flagship initiatives of the new EU Disability Rights Strategy is the creation in 2022 of...

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Gender Equality Index 2021: what does it say on disability?

The European Institute on Gender Equality published its 2021 Gender Equality Index on 28th of October 2021. The EU...

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i2i webinar: "Disability-inclusive employment in a new digital, COVID-changed landscape"

This session was hosted by Salma Mahbub, who started off by introducing Smriti Dhingra to set the scene...

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Outcomes of the last 2021 European Disability Forum online Board Meeting

On the 18th of November 2021, the Board of the European Disability Forum met online for its last meeting of the year....

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Disability-inclusive DRR: Learning from the Italian example

Side event at the European Forum for DRR, 2021 The countdown is nearly over. The European Forum for...

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EU law must ensure trustworthy and accessible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for persons with disabilities!

We call on the EU co-legislators to ensure trustworthy and accessible AI systems and practices that respect the...

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Get your government involved in the Global Disability Summit

Context EDF launches today its toolkit for Disabled People's Organisations (DPOs) on how to get their governments involved...

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Summary of EDF's first reaction to the European Disability Rights Strategy: Document and infographic

The EU Disability Rights Strategy 2021-2030 was launched on the 3rd of March of 2021. Our summary of our first reaction...

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The European Parliament discussed if the new Disability Strategy responds to the recommendations from the CRPD committee

On the 9th of November 2021, the European Parliament Committee on Petitions organized the annual workshop on the...

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Joint open letter on the European Union’s Urban Mobility Framework

EDF joined UITP and 11 other associations calling on the European Commission to adopt an Urban Mobility Framework...

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EDF response to the European Commission consultation on the Web Accessibility Directive

EDF has worked on the Web Accessibility Directive for over a decade, from the pre-legislative stage through to...

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How to get involved ahead of the High Level European Regional Disability Summit on International Cooperation?

By An-Sofie Leenknecht, Human Rights Coordinator Context The Government of Norway, IDA and the Atlas Alliance will co-host...

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UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) - Towards a green and inclusive future

The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) is taking place in Glasgow from 31 October...

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#WithdrawOviedo: joint letter from MEPs to the Council of Europe against the adoption of the additional protocol

On the 25th of October, 10 Members of the European Parliament Disability Intergroup and the Coalition for Mental...

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Remembering Kapka Panayotova - Independent living leader

It is with great sorrow that we learned of the death of Kapka Panayotova. As a Board member...

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Winner of 6th Accessible Airport Award Announced!

We are happy to announce the 6th winner of the EDF – ACI-Europe Accessible Airport Award! This year’s...

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Why does climate justice matter for persons with disabilities?

This article was first published on Carbon Brief in October 2021. People with disabilities have long been recognised...

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Your views needed for the Regional Disability Summit on international cooperation

The Government of Norway, International Disability Alliance (IDA) and the Atlas Alliance will co-host the second Global Disability...

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The future of mental health. If not now, when?

Op-ed by Liuska Sanna, Head of Operations of Mental Health Europe The COVID-19 pandemic has cast a spotlight...

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It is time to change the way we deal with mental healthcare. #WithdrawOviedo

EDF and many partners have been advocating for many years against the adoption of the draft additional protocol...

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Join the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus to celebrate the World Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Day 2021

Today October 25 2021, our member the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF) will celebrate the...

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Peer supported advocacy has the potential to enhance the lives of children and young people during inpatient mental health treatment 

Opinion piece by Aoife Price, DARE research fellow and Katie Hussey From mid-2012, a private psychiatric facility in...

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Summary report of the Discussion on the Future of the Disability Card on 16 September 2021

EDF started first campaigning for the introduction of a European Disability Card (then known as “European Mobility Card”)...

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European Parliament resolution on the protection of persons with disabilities through petitions: lessons learnt

On 7th October 2021, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the protection of persons with disabilities based...

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EDF-Apple event on inclusive education: “The benefits of accessible technology for students with disabilities”

On 12 October 2021, the European Disability Forum (EDF) organised an online event, with the support of Apple,...

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SDGs: watch a new video every week!

The Belgium Disability Forum (BDF) translated and now sharing the videos on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the...

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EDF proposals for a new EU Electoral Law

The European Disability Forum welcomes the European Parliament legislative initiative to reform the European Union (EU) electoral law...

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International Day for DRR - Inclusion is key to resilience

European Disability Forum (EDF) recognises International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) 2021, by highlighting the need for...

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The Disability Intergroup will meet again in November

The bureau of the Disability Intergroup met on September 30th to take stock on the progress as for...

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Have your say! Workshop for European DPOs in preparation of the Global Disability Summit

The Government of Norway, the International Disability Alliance (IDA), and the Atlas Alliance will co-host the 2nd Global...

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International Day of Older Persons 2021: Championing human rights with older people

Persons with disabilities are very diverse. EDF fights for the rights of all persons with disabilities, including of...

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Turning vision into action

EDF co-hosted the 71st WHO’s side event on the highest attainable standard of health for persons with disabilities...

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The new Urban Mobility Framework. How we can make public transport more accessible for persons with disabilities

The EU has already adopted a set of rules and laws for better accessibility of transport, including most...

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How to travel in a safe, secure and inclusive way?

By An-Sofie Leenknecht, Human Rights Coordinator At EDF this summer, we participated in a travel safety and security...

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Europe must come together to change urban mobility. Joint Stakeholder statement on the EU’s Urban Mobility Framework

The European Disability Forum (EDF) has co-signed the UITP new joint statement on the upcoming Urban Mobility Framework....

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Is the European Union supporting deinstitutionalisation outside its borders? – We’d like to hear from you!

The European Network on Independent Living - ENIL has been commissioned by the European Disability Forum (EDF) to...

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What we want from the Accessibility Act standards

This week, we sent our official position on the European Commission’s draft standardisation request for the European Accessibility...

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World Patient Safety Day 2021: Patients with disabilities seeking cross border healthcare continue to face difficulties

Access to health is a fundamental human right of persons with disabilities. It is recognised and protected under the...

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Letter to EU Commissioner for Health: EDF requests a meeting on inclusion of persons with disabilities in EU health policy

Today, the European Disability Forum (EDF) sent an open letter addressed to Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health...

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Take away of the 25th session of the UN Disability Committee

On Tuesday 14th of September, the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities closed its 25th session. During...

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EDF and IDA welcome decision of the European Court of Human Rights on the Oviedo Convention and call States to Withdraw Oviedo

The European Disability Forum (EDF) and the International Disability Alliance (IDA) welcome the decision of the European Court...

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The State of the Union must be accessible to all citizens

The European Parliament Disability Intergroup deeply regrets that today’s State of the European Union address was not accessible...

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2021 Photo Competition: "Assistive Technology"

We are looking for photos showing assistive technologies for persons with disabilities (in various areas of life: images...

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The platform of the Conference on the Future of Europe must fix its accessibility problems

Yesterday EDF sent a letter to the Executive Board of the Conference on the Future of Europe about...

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The European Disability Forum is recruiting a temporary Communications Officer, full-time or part-time, to start as soon as possible

The European Disability Forum is recruiting a temporary Communications Officer, full time or part-time, to start as soon...

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Partnership of the European Parliament in the #WeThe15 campaign. Letter from MEPs to President of the European Parliament

73 Members of the Parliament have signed a letter sent to the President of the European Parliament David...

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Interview with MEP Sylwia Spurek - "Parliament should ensure that it is more accessible to persons with disabilities"

(Photo by Karolina Harz) This is the second of a series of interviews with Members of the European...

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Powering Inclusion: Artificial Intelligence and Assistive Technology

Globally, over one billion people are currently in need of Assistive Technology (AT). By 2050, this number is...

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Disability policies under the Slovenian Presidency of the Council

As of 1 July 2021, Slovenia holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU for the...

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Goodbye to Soumia Amrani, member of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with disabilities

It is with great sorrow that we learned of the death of Soumia Amrani, a Moroccan disability activist...

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We support the #WeThe15 campaign

Today, a series of sports and human rights organisations launch the #WeThe15 campaign. This campaign aims to be...

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UN disability rights experts renew call against coercion in psychiatry in Europe

The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights...

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International Youth Day: messages from the members of the European Disability Forum Youth Committee

Happy International Youth Day! In a few days we will be publishing an edition of our newsletter the...

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Court of Justice of the European Union stands against disability-based discrimination at work in Estonia

On 15th of July, the Court of Justice of the European Union adopted a decision in favour of...

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Goodbye to Sophie Beaumont, former EDF staff

It is with great sorrow that we learned of the death of Sophie Beaumont, former EDF colleague. Sophie...

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Europe flooding - Disability Inclusion must be a priority in Disaster Risk Reduction

Article by Gordon Rattray Europe is one of the wealthiest parts of the world, yet here we still...

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2021 Accessible Airport Award applications are now open!

We are excited to launch the 6th EDF – ACI-Europe Accessible Airport Award! The past year has been...

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Stop EU funding of new institutions for people with disabilities in Poland, EEG says

On the 15th of July The European Disability Forum (EDF) led the launch of a statement by the...

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A first concrete action by the European Commission: Its Human Rights Toolbox is more inclusive of persons with disabilities!

EDF welcomes the European Commission's updated Human Rights Based Approach Toolbox that was published earlier this week. The...

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New study and UN Statement on the Hague Convention on the protection of adults

On 8th of July, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities and the Special...

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The European Development Days (EDD) 2021 have left persons with disabilities behind

On 15 and 16 June 20 21, European Disability Forum participated in the European Development Days (EDD) 2021....

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External evaluation of our work in international cooperation: influence on the EU has largely increased

We, the European Disability Forum (EDF), have an active role to play to ensure persons with disabilities and...

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Outcomes of our board meeting - 5 July

The Board meeting of the European Disability Forum took place on the 5 July 2021. Below, you can...

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We are looking for a consultant on deinstitutionalisation in EU global actions

Open consultancy position on deinstitutionalisation in EU global actions The European Disability Forum (EDF) is a non-governmental European...

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Portuguese Council Presidency. The results from a disability perspective

The past 6 months, Portugal presided the Council of the EU and took the lead on many important...

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EDF and MHE call on the Committee of Bioethics of the Council of Europe to show real commitment to voluntary care

Together with Mental Health Europe and other partners, we have been calling on the Council of Europe, and...

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Success! Persons with disabilities are included in the EU's new external action budget 2021-2027

The European Disability Forum (EDF) welcomes the final adoption of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) –...

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EDF joins ERGO's open letter to stand and condemn police brutality

Police brutality in Easy to Read [929 KB doc] Police Brutality in Easy to Read [395 KB pdf]...

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Feminists with disabilities cannot take the floor at the Generation Equality Forum

We, the European Disability Forum, the International Disability Alliance, and Women Enabled International are organising a side event...

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How to ensure all people can be reached with vaccination

Inclusive vaccination in Easy to Read [498 KB word] Inclusive vaccination in Easy to Read [190 KB pdf]...

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Our participation at the 14th session of the Conference of State Parties.

Representatives of the European Disability Forum were active in the General Debate and roundtables during the Conference of...

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Our President speech at Inaugural Plenary on the Conference on the Future of Europe

Our President spoke at the inaugural plenary on the Conference on the Future of Europe, as part of...

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We will be present at the Conference on the Future of Europe

We are pleased to share that our President, Ioannis Vardkastanis, was invited to participate in the plenary of...

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Interview with MEP Alex Agius Saliba "I would like to see mutual recognition of disability status between EU Member States"

This is the first of a series of interviews with Members of the European Parliament. In this interview,...

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Access City Award 2022 applications are open!

Encourage your city to apply! Do you know a city that deserves to be recognised for making itself...

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Disability Inclusive Climate Justice Video Launched

Climate Justice in Easy to Read [1,4 MB doc] Climate Justice in Easy to Read [360 KB pdf]...

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Presidency Conclusions on the Disability Rights Strategy: a missed opportunity

Portuguese Council Presidency Conclusions in Easy to Read [600 KB doc] Portuguese Council Presidency Conclusions in Easy to...

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European Accessibility Summit: “Accessibility and the Future of Work: The Role of Digital"

The beginning of June was marked by the summer arriving in Brussels and a two-day European Accessibility Summit,...

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Our activities during the Conference of State Parties to the UNCRPD

The 14th session of the Conference of State Parties to the UN CRPD will take place between the...

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EDF analysis of published recast of Rail Passengers' Rights Regulation

When the European Commission published its proposal for a revised Regulation on Rail Passengers’ Rights in 2016, it...

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EDF is looking for a short-term consultant

Vacancy closed Would you like to help us draft our 6th Human Rights Report on right to vote...

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EDF-IDDC Analysis on European Disability Rights Strategy External Action

Disability Rights Strategy External Action in Easy to Read [549 KB doc] Disability Rights Strategy External Action in...

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Towards Independent and Spontaneous Rail Travel for All

EDF celebrates “European Year of Rail” highlighting importance of accessible rail for inclusive and sustainable future for all...

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Vote for inclusive projects to win the New European Bauhaus Prize!

The European Commission recently published the call for applications for the “New European Bauhaus Prize 2021” and one...

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Facebook-EDF Policy roundtable on the European Accessibility Act

GAAD 2021 – Thursday, 20 May 2021 “Accessibility is not the goal; accessibility is not the right that...

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UN Rights experts call on Council of Europe to stop legislation for coercive mental health measures

On Friday 28th of May, UN human rights experts have renewed our joint call to stop the Council...

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How to Re-integrate Children Living in Institutions Back With Their Families and Into the Community

An estimated 9.42 million children live in institutions globally. 80% of institutionalised children are not orphans. They have...

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EDF and Siteimprove continue to work jointly in 2021 to make the web a better place for all

The European Disability Forum (EDF) and Siteimprove, an award-winning global software-as-a-service company, have renewed their corporate sponsorship agreement....

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EDF’s women's committee representatives run in the European Women's Lobby elections

Pirkko Mahlamäki and Luisa Bosisio Fazzi have presented their candidacy for the European Women's Lobby (EWL) elections for...

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"The future of Europe. Celebrating diversity and inclusion” 2021 Photo Competition: Rules and Authorisation

The European Union has launched the Conference on the Future of Europe. This one-of-a-kind initiative will shape the...

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Agreement on EU Digital Covid Certificate includes accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Agreement’s provisions on accessibility need to become a reality We welcome the EU institutions’ agreement on the EU...

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Conference on the Future of Europe must include persons with disabilities

We call for an accessible conference that includes us.We want to propose our ideas for the future of...

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EU needs to make accessibility standards affordable

In a letter to Commissioner Breton, the European Disability Forum requested that accessibility standards are made available for...

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Final Agreement on the New Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps

Yesterday, the European Parliament adopted the new regulations for the Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps Programmes of...

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The European Court of Human Rights supports removal of the right to vote of people with intellectual disabilities in Spain

Three months after a case against Denmark, the European Court of Human Rights in a judgment adopted on...

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International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia: LGBTI+ persons with disabilities during the pandemic

Since the pandemic outbreak, the organisations ILGA-Europe and Transgender Europe (TGEU) have been reporting that the LGBTI+ community...

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EDF position paper on violence against women and girls with disabilities

Today, Monday 10th of May, is the last day to participate in a consultation of the European Commission...

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The European Disability Card and the Disability Rights Strategy. What‘s next?

The new Disability Rights Strategy 2021-2030 was published by the European Commission in March 2021, after several years...

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Fill in the survey on women's participation in the disability and women’s movement

The purpose of this survey is to gather information on the participation of women with disabilities/disabled women in...

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Mobility Programmes for Young People should become more inclusive

The Implementation guidelines for the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Inclusion and Diversity Strategy has been published by...

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Disability Assessment and Independent Living. We want to know your story

Today, 5th of May is European Independent Living Day. We want to know your experiences of living independently and...

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The new Rail Passengers‘ Rights Regulation. What are the improvements for persons with disabilities?

On Thursday, 29 April 2021, the European Parliament adopted the revised Rail Passengers’ Rights Regulation (1371/2007) on its...

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The EU Parliament wants the COVID-19 vaccination and test certificate to be accessible to persons with disabilities

 Today the European Parliament has debated and adopted its position concerning the regulation laying down the characteristics and...

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High-level exchange – Disability inclusion in EU external action

On 26 March 2021, the European Disability Forum (EDF) and International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC) organised a...

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Roberta Lulli

Roberta is part of the Policy Team implementing Social Policy Projects such as Athena - Accessibility and Design...

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The EU must combat disability hate speech and hate crime

Similar to other discriminated persons in the EU, persons with disabilities are at higher risk of being victims...

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Human Rights Report 2021: Impact of COVID19 on persons with disabilities

The fifth edition of the European Disability Forum’s Human Rights Report presents the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic...

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International Romani Day: what about Roma with disabilities?

While there is no accurate data on the number of Roma with disabilities, a 2016 study estimates that...

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EDF expresses its deep condolences for the decease of Herbert Pichler, President of the Austrian Disability Council

President of the Austrian Disability Council Herbert Pichler passed away last April, 3 in a car accident. EDF...

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The Disability Intergroups holds a discussion to set in motion the European Disability Rights Strategy 2021-2030

On 30th March 2021, the Disability Intergroup hosted the webinar: “Setting in Motion the European Disability Rights Strategy”....

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10th Anniversary of the Istanbul Convention

Today, 6 of April 2021, marks the 10th Anniversary of Signing the Istanbul Convention. The Istanbul Convention is...

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Deadline extended! European Disability Forum and Oracle e-Accessibility Scholarship 2021

Deadline: 30 April 2021 The European Disability Forum (EDF) and Oracle have launched the fifth edition of its...

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EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child and the European Child Guarantee

On 24th of March, the European Union adopted a new EU policy framework to ensure the protection of...

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International Transgender Day of Visibility: COVID-19 and transgender persons with disabilities

On International Transgender Day of Visibility EDF raises awareness of many challenges and human rights violation, transgender persons,...

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Persons with disabilities not included in EU’s discussions on “vulnerable adults”

Today, 30th of March 2021, a High-Level Conference on "Protecting Vulnerable Adults across Europe – the way forward"...

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Joint statement on political participation for the Commission on the Status of Women

Organisations of women with disabilities around the world are demanding their place and space in all aspects of...

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Join the #WithdrawOviedo campaign to end coercion in psychiatry

Today, EDF and Mental Health Europe launch an advocacy toolkit and joint campaign against the draft additional protocol...

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Our webpage on the UN Women’s Rights Convention and Committee is live!

For several years, EDF has been working with members to ensure the engagement of women and girls with...

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Day Against Racial Discrimination: Impact of COVID-19 on racialised people with disabilities

On this International Day Against Racial Discrimination, the European Disability Forum recognises the specific forms and abuses racialised...

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EDF is looking for a research consultant for evaluation of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare

Vacancy closed The European Disability Forum (EDF) is a non-governmental European umbrella organisation set up to represent organisations...

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Access denied? EU must ensure accessible digital services for persons with disabilities!

We strongly call on the European co-legislators to ensure accessibility of digital platforms and services, so that European...

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Commission on the Status of Women: how to engage?

The sixty-fifth session of the Commission on the Status of Women starts today until the 26th of March...

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Disability Intergroup event: Setting in motion the European Disability Rights Strategy. March 30th 2021

It is a unique moment in the European Union. For the first time, having ratified the EU and...

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European DPOs in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

EDF Board Meeting - Tuesday, 2nd March 2021 On 2 March 2021, as part of its annual Board...

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Inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in the new EU Disability Rights Strategy

Almost a year after the adoption of a Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025, the European Commission published its EU...

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Mapping Disability Inclusiveness

Tuesday, 2nd March 2021 On the 2nd March 2021, as part of its annual Board meetings, the European...

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Online session of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Committee

On 8th of March, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities opened its 24th...

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The European Parliament calls for a more ambitious implementation of the Employment Equality Directive in light of the UN CRPD

During this week’s Plenary, MEP Katrin Langensiepen presented a report taking stock of the implementation of Directive 2000/78/EC...

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Outcomes of the European Disability Forum online Board meeting 

The Board meeting of EDF took place on the 8th of March online.  The Board Meeting was preceded...

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The European Disability Forum is recruiting a Funding and Grants officer

Job position closed The European Disability Forum (EDF) is a non-governmental European umbrella organisation set up to represent...

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Women leadership in the disability movement

On International Women´s Day 2021, EDF have discussed with some of our partners about the challenges that women...

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Women with disabilities: a feminist statement. We are women too!

On this 8th March, just like every year, we raise our voices to condemn the multiple and intersectional...

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International Women's Day 2021

COVID-19 and women’s leadership: what does it mean to women with disabilities? The International Women’s Day 2021 finds...

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EDF calls for the immediate release of staff from the Office for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Belarus

Director of the Office for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Sergey Drozdovsky and its lawyer Oleg Grablevsky...

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The Disability Intergroup is ready to strengthen the EU Disability Rights Strategy

The European Parliament Disability Intergroup welcomes the publication of the European Disability Rights Strategypresented by the European Commission...

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What is the "New European Bauhaus" and what can it deliver for persons with disabilities?

The European Commission has published a new initiative: the "New European Bauhaus". For those who are confused about...

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A new journey for disability rights. The European Disability Forum welcomes the new Disability Rights Strategy 2021-2030

Today is a landmark date for the European disability movement. The European Commission has published the Strategy for...

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EDF statement at interactive dialogue with special rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities 

At the occasion of the 46th session of the Human Rights Council and interactive dialogue with the United...

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UN experts urge European Court of Human Rights to rethink vote ban for those with cognitive disabilities

Geneva (1 March 2021) Press release  The UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities joined...

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Calendar of country review by the CRPD Committee

The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee) published a tentative calendar of the...

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Council conclusions on a human-rights-based post-COVID-19 recovery.  EU recognises the negative impact of the pandemic on persons with disabilities

The Council of the European Union - EU institution representing the Member States’ governments - has approved conclusions...

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No victim forgotten! European Day for Victims of Crime

It is estimated that every year 75 million people across Europe continue to fall victims of crime. Persons...

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IDDC - EDF joint statement on disability-inclusive programming of EU funding for external action

The European Union (EU) and EU Member States, as State Parties to the UN Convention on the Rights...

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Taking stock of the Disability Intergroup work in 2019 and 2020

Since the re-establishment of the European Parliament Disability Intergroup in December 2019, its bureau and members have worked...

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Belgium eliminates the disability love tax

Summary: Belgium got rid of the disability love tax. The love tax is when the government gives people...

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The European Court of Human Rights fails to protect the right to vote of persons with disabilities

The European Disability Forum, Disabled People's Organisations Denmark and the International Disability Alliance advocate for fully inclusive and...

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EDF calls for an end to persecution of Belarusian disability rights defenders

EDF is deeply alarmed at the continued incommunicado detention of prominent Belarusian human rights defenders Sergey Drozdovsky and...

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EDF calls the EU Parliament to investigate the impact of COVID-19 in residential institutions and prioritise deinstitutionalisation

By: Kayleigh Thompson At last Thursday’s  EU Parliament public hearing on the impact of COVID-19 on people living...

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The Parliament’s Disability Intergroup and EDF agree disability rights priorities for 2021

As every year the Bureau of the Disability Intergroup of the European Parliament met on 29th of January...

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What’s in the Brexit deal?

After years of discussions and disagreements, Brexit became legally real and it is now the EU 27 instead...

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EDF analysis of the EU's Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy

The EU’s Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy was published on 9 December 2020 as part of one of...

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27th of January, International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Every 27th of January, the world pays tribute to the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and...

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10th year anniversary of the CRPD in the EU and 10 reasons why we still need the Convention

Ten years on from the coming into force of the CRPD at the EU we explore what kind...

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New year, new Presidency. Will the Portuguese deliver on the Pillar of Social Rights?

Portugal has just taken over the rotating presidency of Council of the European Union, following the German Presidency....

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EDF meets with the president of the European Parliament ahead of the 10th Anniversary of the entry into force of the CRPD in the European Union

Yesterday, 13th of January, the President of the European Parliament David Sassoli met with EDF President Yannis Vardakastanis...

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Red lines for the use of Artificial Intelligence

We have joined EDRi (European Digital Rights network) and number of social partners in an open letter to...

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Young persons with disabilities in times of COVID-19. Survey conducted by our Youth Committee

The Youth Committee is a Specific Target Committee of the European Disability Forum (EDF). It is composed of...

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A missed opportunity: How Europe can better protect migrants with disabilities and mental health problems

New Pact on Migration and Asylum is a missed opportunity for people with disabilities and mental health problems....

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Older persons with disabilities in Europe

Persons with disabilities are a very heterogeneous group. EDF fights for the rights of all persons with disabilities,...

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An urgent call to revise the European electoral law of 1976

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted by unanimity, and without any abstention, an opinion about the...

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The European Disability Forum is recruiting a part time staff member- VIVID-T digital accessibility trainer for a 1-year project

We are recruiting a part-time staff member- VIVID-T Digital Accessibility Trainer for a 1-year project Please note that...

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EU to promote disability rights globally

EDF welcomes the inclusion of the rights of persons with disabilities in the EUs newly launched Action Plan...

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Open letter to EU commissioner for health - Kyriakides: Persons with disabilities and the right to health in the European Union

Brussels, December 10th, 2020 Dear Commissioner, The European Disability Forum is an umbrella organisation of persons with disabilities...

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EU policies on children must protect the rights of children with disabilities

The European Union is currently working on two important policies for children’s rights: the EU strategy on children...

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Grave concerns about potential human rights violations by the Council of Europe

Last week, as part of our advocacy against the draft additional protocol to the Oviedo Convention, EDF sent...

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Un punct de cotitură pentru drepturilor persoanelor cu dizabilități în Europa

3 decembrie 2020 De Ziua Internațională a Persoanelor cu Dizabilități, Intergrupul pentru persoanele cu dizabilități din Parlamentul European...

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bod zlomu v oblasti práv osob se zdravotním postižením v Evropě

Při příležitosti Mezinárodního dne osob se zdravotním postižením vzdáváme v meziskupině Evropského parlamentu pro práva osob se zdravotním...

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Una svolta per i diritti delle persone con disabilità in Europa

3 dicembre 2020 Nella giornata internazionale delle persone con disabilità, l'Intergruppo disabilità del Parlamento europeo vuole rendere un...

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Um ponto de viragem para os direitos das pessoas com deficiência na Europa

3 de Dezembro 2020 No Dia Internacional das Pessoas com Deficiência, o Intergrupo de Pessoas com Deficiência do...

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Un punto de inflexión para los derechos de las personas con discapacidad en Europa

3 de diciembre de 2020 En el Día Internacional de las Personas con Discapacidad, el Intergrupo sobre Discapacidad...

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Ein wendepunkt für behindertenrechte in Europa

Erklärung der Interparlamentarischen Arbeitsgruppe Behinderung - 3. Dezember 2020 Am Internationalen Tag der Menschen mit Behinderungen möchte die...

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Un tournant pour les droits des personnes handicapées en Europe

3 décembre 2020 À l'occasion de la Journée internationale des personnes handicapées, l'intergroupe "Handicap" du Parlement européen souhaite...

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A turning point for Disability Rights in Europe

On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the European Parliament Disability Intergroup wants to pay a deserved...

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Jönköping wins the 2021 Access City Award

On 1 December, within the European Day of Persons with Disabilities, the winner of the 11th edition of...

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Winners of the 2020 photo competition "Inaccessible places”

This year, we were looking for photos showing inaccessible places for persons with disabilities in various areas of...

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First European accessibility standard on built environment approved

The European Standardization Organizations CEN and CENELEC approved the first European standard on the accessibility and usability of...

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Meet the candidates. Election of 9 members of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The 13th session of the Conference of the States parties to the Convention on the rights of persons...

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World Health Organisation’s regional leadership engages to reinforce inclusion of persons with disabilities in the COVID-19 response

On Monday, November 23rd, the EDF President, Yannis Vardakastanis, met with Dr. Hans Kluge, Regional Representative for WHO...

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Istanbul Convention. A tool to combat gender based violence

The Convention The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violencebetter know...

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No more violence against women with disabilities!

European Disability Forum statement on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women....

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Winner of Accessible Airport Award 2020 announced

As part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by ACI Europe and the European Disability Forum (EDF) in...

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Rolling out accessibility. Technology as a great ally for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life

The whole of Europe is currently experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 infection, even stronger than in March....

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COVID-19 and disability: urgent actions needed to ensure human rights and an inclusive recovery plan during the pandemic

On Friday 30th October, the event “COVID-19 and Disability” took place together with Lebenshilfe, a German organisation of...

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i2i inclusive employment programme launches disability and COVID-19 influencer pack

A new advocacy resource for anyone wanting to influence decisions affecting the lives of people with disabilities in...

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COVID-19 and Disability: Urgent actions needed to ensure human rights and an inclusive recovery plan during the pandemic

On Friday 30th October, the event “COVID-19 and Disability” took place together with Lebenshilfe, a German organisation of persons...

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Why has the European Union not included people with disabilities as a priority in the vaccination of COVID19? Read our open letter

The Commission’s President Ursula Von der Leyen, in her State of the Union speech stated: ‘Europe needs to...

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EU Rail Passengers’ Rights: this political deal isn’t the breakthrough we had hoped for

When the review of the rail passengers’ rights was launched, we had high hopes. After all, with the...

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Let’s aim for an ambitious European Disability Rights Agenda 2021-30

Last Friday the EC published its roadmap on the post-2020 European Disability Strategy, to be adopted in the 1st quarter 2021....

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Success for the first VIVID-T conference on inclusive volunteering and humanitarian action

On the 21st October 2020, the consortium members of the EU-funded VIVID-T project launched its first conference on inclusive volunteering and...

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EDF calls for the immediate release of all Belarusian human rights defenders

EDF fully supports this call from Belarusian and international human rights Organisation for the immediate release of Oleg...

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We call on the EU to protect the rights of migrants and asylum seekers with disabilities

The European Disability Forum is concerned that existing policies on asylum and migration, including the newly adopted Asylum...

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Are public sector Websites accessible? Survey in English, French and Spanish

We recently uploaded the video of the online event co-organised by EDF and the European Commission on 23 September, the deadline...

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EU Rail Passenger Rights negotiations: What is in the political agreement?

Representatives of Member States and the European Parliament reached a political agreement on 1st October. The text of...

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New EDF guide on the UN Committee on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW Committee)

Ever wondered how the CEDAW Committee works, and why you should engaged? How can you contribute to the...

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Announcement – EDF and Oracle award a scholarship to researcher with disability

Thursday, 24 September. Renata Deszo-Dinnyes, doctoral student at Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design in Budapest is the winner...

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Press Release – All EU public-sector websites must be accessible today

As of today, all European public-sector bodies are legally obliged to have websites that are accessible for all...

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The European Democracy Action Plan Should Ensure the Right to Vote of Persons with Disabilities

EDF responded the public consultation launched by the European Commission on the upcoming European Democracy Action Plan. In our...

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Time to act for the European Accessibility Act

The European Accessibility Act (EAA) sets new European Union (EU) wide minimum accessibility requirements for a range of products...

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What does the digitalisation of justice mean for persons with disabilities?

The European Commission is organising a consultation on the digitalisation of justice (deadline 10th of September). The objective of the initiative...

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Open Letter to EU decision-makers on funding human rights and equality for all

To: President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli Members of the European Parliament President of the European Council,...

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People with disabilities in Belarus must have their human rights respected

The European Disability Forum calls on all EU institutions and international organisations to act swiftly to ensure the...

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Interview with ENIL volunteer Nina Portolan

My name is Nina Portolan, I am 23 years old and I am from Serbia I am a...

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International Youth Day: Messages from the members of the European Disability Forum Youth Committee

Happy International Youth Day! In a few days we will be publishing an edition of our newsletter the...

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The EU must protect the rights of refugees and migrants with disabilities

The New Pact on Migration and Asylum aims to create a comprehensive, sustainable and crisis-proof framework for managing asylum and...

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The EU must protect the rights of children with disabilities

The EU strategy on children rights for 2021-2024 will provide the framework for EU action to better promote and protect children’s...

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High Level Political Forum 2020: Decade of Action - Disability Rights and SDGs in the Context of Covid-19

The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on sustainable development was held between 7-16 July 2020, and took place online because of...

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Webinar on COVID 19 recovery and the eu budget: influencing the process

On July the 8th, the European Disability Forum held the webinar “COVID-19 recovery and the EU Budget: influencing...

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Ensuring the rights of victims with disabilities

The European Commission published a EU Strategy for victims’ rights for the next five years (2020-2025) in June. EU laws...

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Disability Rights in the EU after 2020: our demands

Our “EU Disability Rights Agenda” campaign shares our demands for the next 10 years. We are launching this...

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European Parliament must investigate situation in residential institutions

Content warning: death, abuse We are asking the European Parliament to investigate the impact of the pandemic in...

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Disability Rights in the EU after 2020: our demands

Our “EU Disability Rights Agenda” campaign shares our demands for the next 10 years. We are launching this...

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Reply from Commissioners Kyriakides and Dalli - COVID 19 and persons with disabilities

Dear Mr Vardakastanis, We thank you for your letter of 6 April 2020 expressing your concerns about the...

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A new call for action to rebuild a future inclusive to all

Today, the European Disability Forum (EDF) was invited to participate in the Global Action on Disability (GLAD) Network High-level Panel...

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Disability Movement and European Parliament agree: next Disability Strategy needs new approach

The European Parliaments resolution adopted yesterday by an overwhelming majority of parliamentarians (653 votes in favour, 6 against, and 29...

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Human Rights and Democracy Network

The European Disability Forum is delighted to now be a member of the Human Rights and Democracy Network (HRDN)....

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European Year of the Rail needs to be about passengers

We and 3 partner organisations published an open letter demanding that the European Year of the Rail focus on the...

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60.000 people demand from the EU: make train travel work for persons with disabilities!

Pre-notification for assistance must go. “I don't always know 2 days in advance I will need to travel....

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We need Artificial Intelligence that does not discriminate

We have submitted our response to the European Commission’s public consultation for its White Paper on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The White paper is...

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Letter to Director of the Joint Research Centre - joint research centre's work on the impact of covid-19 on persons with disabilities

To: Mr Stephen Quest, Director of the Joint Research Centre, European Commission CC: Commissioner Dalli, Commissioner for Equality;...

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Persons with disabilities in prison and COVID-19

This article is from the fourth edition of the Disability Voice 2020 (May 18th) The European disability rights movement has...

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Online Meeting of the Disability Intergroup “Impact of COVID 19 outbreak to persons with disabilities”

On April 30th the Disability Intergroup, with our support as their secretariat organised an online meeting with the participation...

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EDF Recommendations on exit measures for transport services in light of covid-19

Covid-19 and confinement measures have hit persons with disabilities particularly hard. This has occurred mostly due to the...

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LGBTI+ persons with disabilities: Discrimination “makes us feel lost, alone and like we don’t belong to either community”

Title quote by Anis Akhtar from Oppression squared: D/deaf and disabled trans experiences in Europe LGBTI+ persons are persons...

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EDF in exchange with Commissioners on social services: involve us

Our President spoke at a high-level meeting of the Commission COVID-19 and European Social services attended by EU...

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Disability Intergroup meeting online with Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli

On April 30th the Disability Intergroup, with the support of its secretariat the European Disability Forum, organised an online...

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Romania: disability organisations condemn withholding of medical treatment to persons in residential institutions

8 organisations strongly condemned the discriminatory actions that Romanian authorities took in relation to the outbreak of COVID-19...

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Letter to EU Commission Vice-President Schinas - COVID 19 and refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities

To Vice-President Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, with copy to Commissioner Ylva Johansson,...

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Reply from EU commissioner Helena Dalli to our letter on COVID

Dear Mr Vardakastanis, Thank you for your letter of 13 March. This is an unprecedented situation both in...

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Letter to Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights

To: Mr Michael O'Flaherty, Director of the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights, Schwarzenbergplatz 11, A-1040 Vienna, Austria...

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Joint statement: For a Europe that cares for all – during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

For a Europe that cares for all – during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond Democracy - Inclusion -...

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Act now: Ensure equal access and choice of communications services for persons with disabilities

Availability and affordability of accessible communications services has probably never been as crucial. The response to covid19 pandemic...

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Report: EU countries fail to reduce poverty of persons with disabilities

We launched the fourth edition of our Human Rights Report which looks at poverty and social exclusion of persons...

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EU funding for economic recovery must ensure social inclusion

We demand immediate earmarking of funding from the recently adopted European Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative and funding initiatives...

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Letter to EU leaders: COVID 19 economic recovery planning – planning for sustainable inclusive societies

This open letter was addressed to the Presidents of the European Council, Eurogroup, European Parliament, the European Commission,...

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Disability expert Giampiero Griffo nominated to Italian COVID-19 government Taskforce

Article written by Luisa Bosiso Fazzi and edited by EDF secretariat. The Italian presidency of the Council of...

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45 MEPs: Coronavirus Response Investment Initiative must fund support services for persons with disabilities

In a letter addressed to European Commission President Von der Leyen and EU Council President Michel published today,...

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Letter to Commissioner Urpilainen and Lenarčič: COVID-19 – disability inclusive response

To: Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for International Partnerships; Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management Cc: Helena Dalli, EU Commissioner for...

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Letter to Commissioner Hahn: European equality networks COVID 19 and EU funding – request for flexibility in budgetary regulations for 2020 and 2021

To: Commissioner Hahn, EU Commissioner for Budget and Administration Dear Commissioner At the present time, Civil Society at...

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Letter to EU commissioner for health - Stella Kyriakides: COVID 19 and persons with disabilities

Dear Commissioner, The European Disability Forum (EDF) would like to brief you on the situation of 100 million...

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EDF’s 10 recommendations to ensure the rights of victims with disabilities in the EU

To the break barriers faced by victims with disabilities, EDF calls for the adoption of an ambitious and...

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Persons with disabilities stripped of community-based support and protective equipment during COVID 19 crisis

Joint Statement by European Disability Forum, European Network on Independent Living, European Deafblind Union Advice from governments, in...

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Joint Statement by European Disability Forum, European Network on Independent Living, European Deafblind Union

Advice from governments, in light of COVID 19, has been for people to stay at home. For people...

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International Disability Alliance to World Health Organisation: Condemn discrimination in treatment of COVID19 patients

The International Disability Alliance (IDA) urges the World Health Organisation (WHO) to denounce the medical ethical guidelines that...

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Older persons and persons with disabilities need priority access to food shopping

To: Régis Degelcke, President of Eurocommerce Avenue des Nerviens 85, 3rd floor B-1040 Brussels, Belgium   Dear Mr...

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Light for the World - Analysis of the UN Global Humanitarian Response Plan

Our member Light for the World provided us with the following analysis of the UN Global Humanitarian Response Plan from...

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Residential Institutions are becoming hotbeds of infection and abuse. Governments need to act now

  We are very concerned by the situation of persons with disabilities living in institutions. The estimated 1...

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Residential institutions are becoming hotbeds of infection and abuse – governments need to act now

We are very concerned by the situation of persons with disabilities living in institutions. The estimated 1 million...

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Institutionalisation, welfare and COVID-19

by EDF Board Member Giampiero Griffo Originally published in Italian - L’istituzionalizzazione delle persone con disabilità e l’emergenza che...

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Members of the European Parliament: urgent call relating to the situation of persons with disabilities amidst the coronavirus pandemic

To: Ms. Ursula von der Leyen President of the European Commission Ms. Helena Dalli Commissioner for Equality Mr....

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Letter to EU leaders: COVID 19 economic recovery planning – planning for sustainable inclusive societies

This open letter was addressed to the Presidents of the European Council, Eurogroup, European Parliament, the European Commission,...

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Statement by Italian organisations - The Massacre of the Innocents

This is a translated version of the statement “la strage degli innocent” signed by several Italian organisations  ...

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Emergency in Croatia - Challenges for deafblind people

On Sunday 22 March there was an earthquake in Zagreb which caused heavy damage to the city. All...

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Opinion piece by Luisa Fazzi - Disability in the time of the Coronavirus: Can I take my dog outside … oops my child with disabilities?

Article by Luisa Bosiso Fazzi, EDF Board Member and of the Italian Disability Forum. Original version in italian on...

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Updated statement: Guaranteeing the rights of women and girls with disabilities – Disability inclusive response

We updated our "Open letter to leaders at the EU and in EU countries: COVID-19 – Disability inclusive...

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Updated statement: Ethical Medical Guidelines in COVID-19 – Disability inclusive response

We are extremely worried with reports stating that, in some countries, medical guidelines for the COVID 19 pandemic...

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Updated statement: Open letter to leaders at the EU and in EU countries: COVID-19 – Disability inclusive response

As the situation continues to develop, we at EDF are adding more measures to our open letter to...

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Open letter: COVID 19 - Medical guidelines should not discriminate against persons with disabilities

24 March 2020 We are extremely worried with reports stating that, in some countries, medical guidelines for the...

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Open letter: COVID 19 - medical guidelines should not discriminate against persons with disabilities

We are extremely worried with reports stating that, in some countries, medical guidelines for the COVID 19 pandemic...

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Accessible Online Participation Checklist

Here is a suggested checklist for organizers running on accessible online meetings. It was put together by our...

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Message from Ana Peláez Narváez: Women with disabilities and COVID-19

Dear sisters with disabilities in Europe and dear women from the European disability movement, The crisis caused by...

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Members of the European Parliament: Urgent call relating to the situation of persons with disabilities amidst the coronavirus pandemic

To: Ms. Ursula von der Leyen President of the European Commission Ms. Helena Dalli Commissioner for Equality Mr....

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COVID-19 Resources

Below you will find a list of resources in relation to COVID-19. You should also read: our demands...

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Race, migratory status and disability

The following is an excerpt of our European Human Rights Report - issue 3 Black and Minority Ethnic persons with...

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Goodbye Alan Faure

It is with great sorrow that we learned of the passing of Alain Faure, former EDF Executive Committee...

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COVID 19: activities of our members

These are some activities that our members are actively working on as a response to the COVID pandemic....

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Letter to Commissioner Dalli: COVID-19 – disability inclusive response

Brussels, 13th March 2020 To Helena Dalli, Commissioner for Equality Copy to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Executive...

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Open letter to leaders at the EU and in EU countries: COVID19 – disability inclusive response

In the light of the current pandemic and its disproportionate impact on persons with disabilities, the European Disability...

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Open letter to leaders at the EU and in EU countries: COVID-19 – Disability inclusive response

In the light of the current pandemic and its disproportionate impact on persons with disabilities, the European Disability...

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The inclusion of persons with disabilities in the new EU-Africa strategy proposal – we need more!

On the 9th March 2020, the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy...

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Sign the petition: Train travel for all

Wemove and the European Disability Forum launched the petition “Train Travel for all”. The petition calls on MEP Liberadzski,...

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EU Gender Equality Strategy: include women with disabilities “from the bedroom to the boardroom”

On International Women’s Day, we call on EU Institutions to ensure the rights of women and girls with...

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Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen discusses disability inclusion in EU international cooperation

On Thursday 5th March, representatives of the European Disability Forum (EDF), the International Disability and Development Consortium (IDDC), Abilis Foundation and Bridging the...

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EU countries must nominate candidates to the UN Committee on the rights of persons with disabilities

We are deeply concerned that neither the European Union (EU) nor EU countries have nominated candidates to the...

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Joint letter calling for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the next EU action plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024

To: Ms Helga Maria Schmid, Secretary-General European External Action Service (EEAS) CC Lotte Knudsen Managing Director, Human Rights,...

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Highlight: EDF event advocating for inclusive international cooperation by the EU

During the last week of February 2020, we warmly welcomed the Executive members of the International Disability Alliance...

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Don’t compromise the right of persons with disabilities to train travel

3 March 2020 Dear colleague MEP Mr Boguslaw Liberadzki, We are writing to you in your quality as...

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Don't compromise the right of persons with disabilities' right to train travel

Dear colleague MEP Mr Boguslaw Liberadzki, We are writing to you in your quality as rapporteur of the...

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Meeting with the European Commission to advance disability inclusion in international development

On 28 February 2020, members of the Executive Committee of the International Disability Alliance (IDA) as well as the European...

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Making public procurement disability-Inclusive: learning space by Bridging the Gap

On the 27th February, EDF attended an event organised by the EU project Bridging the Gap. The event...

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UN Committee on the Rights of Women will elect new members

In December 2020, the mandate of 12 member of the UN Committee on Elimination of Discrimination Against Women...

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Did EU know? Council presidencies

Did EU know? is our series on the European Union, its institutions and processes, and their jargon. You...

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Bureau of the Disability Intergroup of the European Parliament is established

14 February 2020 The Disability Intergroup of the European Parliament selected its Bureau during a meeting on the...

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Disability Intergroup: Bureau established

The Disability Intergroup of the European Parliament selected its Bureau during a meeting on the 13 February attended...

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Meeting with Commissioner Lenarčič: including persons with disabilities in EU humanitarian action

On Thursday 6 February, representatives of the European Disability Forum (EDF) and of the International Disability and Development...

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Brexit and disability rights: what negotiators need to ensure

In 2016, before the Brexit referendum, the European Disability Forum expressed its strong commitment to a united Europe...

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Accessible Airport Award applications are now open!

For the fifth year we have launched the Accessible Airport Award in cooperation with Airport Council International Europe...

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EU Disability Strategy: Members of the European Parliament debate draft resolution

After new disability strategy post-2020 was confirmed by Commissioner Helena Dalli on the 16 January this year, Members...

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Tragic fire in Czechia: segregating persons with disabilities has to end

It is with sorrow that we learned about the tragic death of 8 people during a fire in...

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Tragic fire in Czechia: segregating persons with disabilities has to end

It is with sorrow that we learned about the tragic death of 8 people during a fire in...

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Free online course: Introduction to Web Accessibility

Our partners W3C/WAI have launched the online course Introduction to Web Accessibility. What is the course? This self...

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Debate: European Parliament EMPL Committee proposes resolution on the Disability Strategy post 2020

We are happy to announce that the European Parliament’s Disability Intergroup was officially re-established on the 16 January...

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Joint Statement: 10 years towards Inclusion

Statement from the European Expert Group on the Transition from Institutional to Community-based care The “Towards Inclusion” conference...

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European Disability strategy confirmed - Here are our demands

Today, Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli confirmed that the European Commission is committed to present a strengthened European...

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European Structural Funds

European Structural and Investment Funds can make a difference in European countries for persons with disabilities in improving...

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Europe 2020 and the European Semester

In order to support countries in achieving the objectives and the targets planned in the Europe 2020 Strategy,...

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Apply: European Disability Forum and Oracle e-Accessibility Scholarship 2019-2020

Deadline: 6th March 2020 (23:59 CET) EDF and Oracle have launched the fourth edition of our scholarship for...

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Importance of Investing in Disability-Inclusive Education: Outcomes of our European roundtable

During European Disability and Development Week 2019, we hosted a roundtable alongside Light for the World on the...

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Visit: i2i delegation in Europe for the European Development and Disability Week (EDDW)

In December 2019, EDF had the pleasure to welcome a delegation from our Innovation to Inclusion (i2i) programme....

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Common Provisions Regulation: encouraging steps towards disability-friendly EU funds

We welcome the agreement on parts of the text of a regulation that will apply to a number...

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Did EU know? Access to EU laws

Did EU know? is our series on the European Union, its institutions and processes, and their jargon. You...

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Members of the European Parliament call for clear and fast commitment to new European Disability Strategy

Several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) called on the Commission to announce its commitment to a new...

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Did EU know? EU Ombudsman

Did EU know? is our series on the European Union, its institutions and processes, and their jargon. You...

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Report: Shaping the EU agenda for disability rights 2020-2030

Terms and acronyms DG - Directorate General EC - European Commission Council - European Council EP - European...

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Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli meets with European Disability Forum

On Thursday, the 12 December, representatives of the European Disability Forum met with Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli....

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Open letter: An inclusive Green Deal must include accessible environments

To: Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, European Commission Climate Change is an existential threat...

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EDF hosted its second Innovation to Inclusion (i2i) webinar

The European Disability Forum (EDF) organized the second webinar series on the 11th of December 2019, as part...

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Honoring Erasmus father Domenico Lenarduzzi

It is with great sorrow that we learned of the death of Domenico Lenarduzzi, ex-Director General for Education...

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Did EU know? European Semester

Did EU know? is our series on the European Union, its institutions and processes, and their jargon. You...

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Did EU Know? European Semester

The European Semester is a cycle of primarily economic and fiscal policy coordination within the EU. However, it...

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Hearing: Ana Pelaez speaks about women with disabilities at the European Parliament

The European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (also called FEMM Committee) is a specialised group...

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Statement: We demand strong action to reduce poverty of persons with disabilities in EU

Situation has gotten worse in many countries since 2010 Mathieu was deported from the UK to France because...

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Council’s general approach to Rail Passenger’s Rights revision is unacceptable

The general approach agreed by the Council on the Rail Passenger’s Rights Regulation does not improve on the...

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EDF Women's Committee: Raising the voice of women at the EDPD

The Women’s Committee of EDF met a day before the European Day of Persons with Disabilities in Brussels...

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How many persons with disabilities live in the EU?

The most current and accurate estimate points at over 100 million persons with disabilities living in the European...

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EDF representatives visit Indian DPOs as part of EU funded project

From the 19th to 22rd November 2019, delegates from EDF met with DPO representatives working at grassroots level...

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5 reasons why the EU should ratify the Istanbul Convention

On the World Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we are calling on the European Union...

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Did EU know? EU consultations

Did EU know? is our series on the European Union, its institutions and processes, and their jargon. You...

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Did EU know? EU infringement procedures

Did EU know? is our series on the European Union, its institutions and processes, and their jargon. You...

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Did EU know? Council documents and how to find them

Did EU know? is our series on the European Union, its institutions and processes, and their jargon. You...

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Act now: advocate for more accessible audio-visual media

Today, we are launching the “toolkit for transposition” of the Audio-visual Media Services Directive. This document outlines how...

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EDF meets: Finnish Prime Minister Antti Rinne meets with European Disability movement’s delegation

On Friday, the 8 November, representatives of the European Disability Forum and of the Finnish Disability Forum met...

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Statement: We strongly condemn the appalling human rights violations in the Pliskiv Psychoneurological Institution in Vinnytsia, Ukraine

The European Network of (Ex-)Users and Survivors of Psychiatry (ENUSP) and the European Disability Forum strongly condemn the...

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EDF Resolution: calling for full accessibility of transport and built environment in the EU

Adopted by the Board of Directors of the European Disability Forum - Helsinki, Finland, 9-10 November 2019 Beyond...

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Our board meeting: accessibility policies, inclusive humanitarian action, ending forced treatment and coercion

The Board meeting of EDF took place on the 8 and 9 November in Helsinki, Finland. Representatives of...

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Joint statement: EDF and partners call on the Council to improve rail passengers' rights

As part of EDF's campaign on the Rail Passengers' Rights Regulation (1371/2007) which is currently under revision, we...

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EDF meets: Commissioner-designate Schmit

On Tuesday, the 12 November, representatives of the European Disability Forum met with Commissioner-Designate for Jobs, Nicolas Schmit....

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Conference: "Equal recognition before the law must become a reality”

The 12th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with...

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EDF hosts: first Innovation to Inclusion (i2i) webinar

The European Disability Forum (EDF) organized the first webinar series on the 29th of October 2019 to present...

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Training: DARE project

Last week our Vice-President Pat Clarke and new colleague Aoife Price participated in a European-wide training event at...

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Beijing 25+ Conference

Pirkko Mahlamäki, EDF and the European Women’s Lobby (EWL) Executive Committee member participated last week in the Beijing...

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EDF meets: Vice President Designate Schinas

On Tuesday, the 29 October, representatives of the European Disability Forum, led by our President Yannis Vardakastanis met...

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Guide: How to engage with the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

To mark UN Day, we launched a guide on how to engage with the UN Committee on the Rights...

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Workshop: Protection of persons with disabilities throughout armed conflict

On the 3 and 4 of October, the University of Lund and Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights...

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Member: Brain Injured & Families turns 20

Our member, the Brain Injured & Families - European Confederation celebrated its 20th anniversary on the October 4...

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Did EU know? Legal tools

Did EU know? is our series on the European Union, its institutions and processes, and their jargon. You...

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Conference: Global meeting on disability statistics

Last week, EDF participated in the Washington Group on Disability Statistics which came together for its 19th meeting...

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Did EU know? Institutions and bodies

Did EU know? is our series on the European Union, its institutions and processes, and their jargon. You...

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Explained: Our work on the Sustainable Development Goals

Today marks the fourth anniversary of the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17...

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What kind of role do European DPOs have in international cooperation?

As part of EDFs International Cooperation Strategy, we are exploring the current role of DPOs in International Cooperation....

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Joint statement: Persons with reduced mobility need equal rights to train travel!

When Horst tried to take an early morning train to a meeting with the German ministry of Health,...

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Advocacy: Making Erasmus+ more inclusive

EDF urges the decision makers to make the new Eramus+ programme (2021-2027) inclusive both in theory and practice....

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Disability Voice: Does Lush discriminate against young employees with disabilities?

The differences between how two visually impaired workers were treated at different branches of the cosmetics company reveal...

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Visit: Disability advocates from India in Brussels

It was a pleasure for EDF to organise and host the second visit of Indian organisations of persons...

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Legal Action: European Commission pursues 7 countries for infringing disability-related rules

Yesterday, the European Commission launched procedures against 7 countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Spain) for infringing...

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Conference: High Level Political Forum 2019

New York, U.S.A., 23 July 2019 The High Level Political Forum (HLPF) is now over! The European Disability...

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Advocacy: "Sustainable development and international cooperation are not the same - but we should be included in both"

Greetings from New York! When this newsletter is out, I will be at the High Level Political Forum on...

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Legal action: European Court of Human Rights fails students with disabilities

Ruling against Ştefan Stoian fails to protect the right to education of learners with disabilities, and blames their...

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Open letter: We want accessible and inclusive European Development Days

The annual European Development Days (EDD) organised by the European Commission in Brussels took place on the 18th...

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Conference: How to make sure tax payers’ money is spent on accessibility

US$ 9.5 trillion is the estimated amount spent worldwide on the public procurement market per year on products,...

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Visit: International Disability Alliance's Chair visits Brussels

Ana Lucía Arellano, Chair of the International Disability Alliance (IDA), visited Brussels from the 31st of May to...

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Successful contribution of EDF to the European Development Days (EDD)

European Development Days (EDD), organised by the European Commission took place in Brussels on the 18th and 19th...

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Our analysis of the European Accessibility Act

The European Accessibility Act was published today in the Offical Journal of the EU (read it in your...

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European Semester - what are Commission's recommendations on disability?

On the 5th June, the European Commission released its Country Specific Recommendations to all 28 Member States as...

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Compilation of statements opposing the draft protocol to the Oviedo Convention of the Council of Europe

This compilation is not exhaustive and provide the most recent submissions and declarations related to the opposition to...

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Second visit of Indian DPOs in Brussels

It was a pleasure for EDF to organise and host the second visit of local Indian organisations of...

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Stairs, locked doors, and wrong templates: EU Elections still inaccessible

When Sarah Rennie arrived at the polling station, she was met with locked doors and a broken bell....

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What becomes Discover EU?

The Discover EU programme that is already known is going to be part of the New Erasmus+ Programme...

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Council of Europe – include women with disabilities in your events

Inclusion Europe, the European Disability Forum and the European Women’s Lobby express their concern about the lack of women with...

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Close institutions now: our reactions at abuses at Whorlton Hall specialist hospital

Joint statement by European Disability Forum, Inclusion Europe, Autism Europe and European Down Syndrome Association It was with...

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Close institutions now: our reaction at abuses at Whorlton Hall Specialist Hospital

Joint statement by European Disability Forum, Inclusion Europe, Autism Europe and European Down Syndrome Association It was with...

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Westeros Disability Forum warmly welcomes new ruler of Westeros

The Westeros Disability Forum (WDF), the representative organisation that brings together organisations of persons with disabilities in the...

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Regional Forum for Sustainable Development 2019: More and more visibility for persons with disabilities!

For the third year in the row, EDF attended the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Geneva, on...

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Persons with disabilities: 10 Reasons to vote in the EU elections

German | French “The EU? They are only bureaucrats. Why should I vote for them?” A question (statement?) that we...

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First ever European Standard on Design for All

Last week the European Standard EN 17161:2019 ‘Design for All - Accessibility following a Design for All approach...

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European Parliament “worst in class” on digital accessibility

The low score of the European Parliament, a barely passing grade of 55.8 out of 100, was revealed...

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EDF calls the Commission experts on Artificial Intelligence to strengthen their Ethics Guidelines

Last Friday EDF submitted a written feedback on the Artificial Intelligence (AI) High Level Group - Draft Ethics...

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Accessibility of EU websites: Commission needs to do more

In a decision released on the 20 December, the European ombudsman declares that, while it is satisfied with...

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Busy week for our Indian delegates

EDF was delighted to welcome five Indians delegates last week in Brussels, for the European Disability and Development...

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Women with disabilities - The EU’s role in pushing for inclusion in international cooperation

In the context of the European Disability and Development Week, the European Union, Sightsavers, Bridging the Gap and...

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Inexcusable hate speech from Iceland MPs

We were extremely shocked and outraged to learn about the horrible comments made by Icelandic MPs against its...

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DiscoverEU: How Javier, an 18-year old with disabilities travelled across Europe

The DiscoverEU program opens is second round of applications today. The initiative aims to provide free “Interrail” passes...

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16 November: “Using artificial intelligence to enhance accessibility - opportunities and risks of emerging technologies for persons with disabilities”

On 16 November, the European Disability Forum (EDF) and Österreichischer Behindertenrat will host and event on “Using Artificial...

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Encouraging European Electronic Communications Code approved by the European Parliament

The European Parliament approved revised electronic communications rules on the 14 November. The so-called recast of the European...

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EDF supports Portuguese Members on Census 2021

By Board Member Vera Bonvalot We all know that EDF undertakes proactive, own initiative efforts that benefit Europeans...

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Time to implement the Web Directive! What should we advocate for?

Recently the European Commission published in the Official Journal of the European Union two implementing decisions detailing the...

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EDF and Siteimprove signs corporate sponsorhsip agreement

Siteimprove, a global software company empowering teams to optimize their digital performance, and EDF have signed a corporate...

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European Union pushes for more accessibility on Audiovisual Media

A broad majority of Members of the European Parliament adopted today the new Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD),...

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Goodbye to Finnish politician and disability activist Kalle Könkkölä

It is with great sorrow that we learned of the death of Kalle Könkkölä, a champion of disability...

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Global Disability Summit’s commitments need to be reflected in governments’ national policies

The European Disability Forum endorsed the Charter for Change during the Global Disability Summit, a “first of its...

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High Level Political Forum 2018: What happened there?

New York, 20 July 2018. The third edition of the High Level Political Forum (HLPF) has now ended....

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A milestone in the respect for the rights of persons with disabilities in France

Version Française By Albert Prévos Translated by André Félix On the 9th July, French President Emmanuel Macron announced...

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Coherence in standardisation to support accessibility

The European Union delegation in collaboration with the European Disability Forum organised an event on the 12th June...

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The European Development Days - no woman left behind

On the 5 and 6 June 2018, the European Disability Forum participated in the European Development Days (EDD)...

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Artificial Intelligence must serve everyone - event report

Tech companies and persons with disabilities gathered on the 16th November in Vienna to debate how not to...

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Organisations representing persons with disabilities lodge complaint against France

Persons institutionalised in another country far from their family and community. Families waiting for more than 15 years...

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Emergency Call to the Council - Accessible emergency communication for persons with disabilities: a requirement to save lives

The Council’s proposal to exclude Public Safety Answering Points (centres answering emergency calls) from the upcoming European Accessibility...

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Help us ensure the Europass online CV tool is accessible to all

The Europass portal, is an EU-funded online tool designed to help Europeans create an online CV and a...

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Inclusion of persons with disabilities in humanitarian action: EU working on guidance for humanitarian organisations

In February, we were invited to a consultation meeting by the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian...

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From institutions to community living – Fundamental Rights Agency releases three easy-read reports on deinstitutionalisation

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) is looking at how to help people with disabilities move...

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Resolution on disability-inclusive Sustainable Development Goals

Brussels, 13th March 2018 Whereas the European Union (EU), as a Party to the United Nations Convention on...

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Regional Forum for Sustainable Development: Europe is getting ready for the High Level Political Forum

We attended the second Regional Forum on Sustainable Development. The forum focuses on monitoring the achievement of the...

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Mandate to Consider Needs of People with Disabilities

The European Union (EU) is taking important steps to ensure that EU-funded humanitarian assistance reaches people with disabilities,...

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4th European Parliament of Persons with Disabilities: Disability rights at the heart of the European Union

More than 600 persons with disabilities from all over Europe met on 6 December at the European Parliament...

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4th European Parliament of Persons with Disabilities: disability rights at the heart of the European Union

More than 600 persons with disabilities from all over Europe met on 6 December at the European Parliament...

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4th European Parliament of Persons with Disabilities: Disability rights at the heart of the European Union

More than 600 persons with disabilities from all over Europe met on 6 December at the European Parliament...

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EDF and Google hold an event in the European Parliament on Artificial Intelligence for accessibility

On 29th November, the European Disability Forum and Google held a joint event in the European Parliament on...

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CRPD workshop for European organisations of persons with disabilities

On the 17 and 18 October 2017, a technical workshop took place in Brussels organised by the United...

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People in Europe and around the globe call on world leaders to act on Sustainable Development

On the 2nd anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thousands of citizens in more than 109 countries...

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So what happened at the High Level Political Forum in New York?

The 2017 meeting of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) took place from 10 -19 July...

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EDF met with the new UN Economic Commission for Europe Secretary General

On Monday, a delegation of the European Disability Forum (EDF) was invited by the new UN Economic Commission...

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The 2030 Agenda as a positive narrative for the future of the EU

On 7 June 2017, the Disability Intergroup of the European Parliament in collaboration with the European Disability Forum...

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Persons with disabilities included in the new EU consensus for development

On 19 May 2017, the Council adopted a new European Consensus on Development. This joint statement by the...

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Disaster risk reduction: Getting our voices heard on the other side of the world

From 22-26 of May 2017, the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction took place in Cancun, Mexico. We...

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Towards inclusive disaster risk management

EDF members training workshop on inclusive accessible disaster risk reduction In cooperation with CBM and United Nations Office...

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Leave no one behind on the path to Sustainable Development

Since 1992, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) has been celebrated annually on 3 December around...

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Children’s Day 2016: The voices of children with disabilities should be heard

Happy Children’s Day everyone! Children with disabilities have the right to the same life as all other children....

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UN promises to leave no one behind

Today the UN General Assembly adopts the new International Development Framework known as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable...

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United Nations human rights recommendations to the EU

For the 1st time in history, the EU was examined by a UN human rights treaty body and...

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UN examined how eu supports the rights of persons with disabilities

Last week, EDF and its members were in Geneva and took part in the examination of the EU...

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Time for Disability Inclusive Development!

Commissioner Mimica commits to support disability-inclusive development within the EU On 5 March, representatives of the European Disability...

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EDF- Microsoft event on new skills for new jobs

The European Disability Forum and Microsoft share a commitment to finding new ways to strengthen e-skills and facilitating...

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Open letter to EU Decision-makers: Funding the fight to end violence against women and girls

On Friday 25th September, 15 members of the European Coalition to end violence against women and girls have written an...

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