Interview with MEP Mónica Silvana González – “We should keep pushing for the effective implementation of the right to vote for all persons with disabilities”
This is the sixth of a series of interviews with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). In this...
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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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Joint letter AGE-EPSU-EDF: European Parliament's COVID Special Committee should uphold the rights of workers and persons in need for care and support
This letter was sent together with AGE platform and the European Public Service Union (EPSU) to the European...
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The European Disability Forum receives the Carlos V European Award for its contribution to the European integration process through the defence of the rights of persons with disabilities
The European and Ibero-American Academy of Yuste Foundation held this Wednesday at the Royal Monastery of Yuste (Extremadura,...
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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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Call for interest - The European Disability Forum is seeking the support of an expert in ICT to assess and provide recommendations to us on our accessible ICT systems
The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that our ICT systems are safe and secure protecting personal...
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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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The European Disability Forum is awarded the distinguished Carlos V European Award for promoting a more inclusive and egalitarian Europe and contributing to the process of European integration
The European Disability Forum (EDF) has been honoured with the Carlos V European Award. The jury of the...
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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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Interview with MEP Stelios Kympouropoulos - “EU institutions should set an example for society to follow and not the opposite”
This is the fifth of a series of interviews with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). In this...
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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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Kamil Goungor, Chair of EDF Youth Committee: " Volunteers with disabilities add value to the organisation’s work and mission"
We spoke with Kamil Goungor, Chair of EDF Youth Committee. He is also working as the Policy and...
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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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Article 29 of the CRPD on participation in political and public life: overview of the CRPD Committee recommendations to EU Member States
In 2015, the CRPD Committee reviewed the implementation of the CRPD by the EU for the first time....
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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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EDF expresses its condolences on the passing of European Parliament President David Sassoli, an ally of the European Disability movement
It is a sad day for the European Union. From the European Disability Forum, we would like to...
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Interview with MEP Dita Charanzová - "We need to make accessibility part of the training in computer science and public administration classes”
This is the fourth of a series of interviews with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). In this interview,...
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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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EDF expresses its deep sadness and condolences on the passing of Pekka Tuominen, a historic figure of the European Disability movement
It is with great sorrow that we learned of the death of our colleague and friend Pekka Tuominen....
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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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Policymakers, experts, industry and consumer representatives discuss how to ensure accessible digital services and platforms for persons with disabilities
On 8 December 2021, the European Parliament Renew Europe group, with the support of the European Disability Forum...
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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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i2i webinar December 2021: "From ticking the box, to thinking outside of it - Moving towards active participation of OPDs in disability decision making"
Douglas set the scene by giving a brief introduction of the i2i programme and went on to introduce...
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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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Interview with MEP Chiara Gemma: "It is essential to contribute to the implementation of inclusive education systems through EU funding"
(Photo provided by Chiara Gemma) This is the third of a series of interviews with Members of the...
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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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A call to deliver a Just transition to a social and sustainable Europe. EDF co-signed a joint declaration by the European Alliance for a Just Transition
EDF has co-signed a joint declaration together with the members of the European Alliance for a Just Transition...
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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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Hopping on the Connecting Europe Express. Interview with Francesca Sbianchi: "The EU rail system should enable spontaneous and independent rail travel for persons with disabilities"
The Connecting Europe Express is one of the European Year of Rail’s most emblematic initiatives of the European...
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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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Letter signed by thirteen CSOs from the European Coalition to End Violence Against Women and Girls on the President of Turkey’s Decision and Poland’s actions to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention
Dear President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, Dear President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli,...
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Roberta Lulli
Roberta is part of the International Cooperation Team and working as a Project Officer supporting to UN Special...
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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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A turning point for Disability Rights in Europe Message from the Youth Committee for the European Day of Persons with Disabilities 2020 (#EDPD2020)
On the occasion of the European Day of Persons with Disabilities 2020 (#EDPD2020) EDF Youth Committee would like...
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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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The European Disability Forum’s presence at the 13th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP13)
The 13th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with...
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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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EDF welcomes the appointment by the UN of leading Disability Rights expert
Today the Human Rights Council of the United Nations appointed Professor Gerard Quinn as the new UN Special...
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Statement - EU action on minimum wage and income – A one-size-fits-all approach will leave behind persons with disabilities
In Europe, we pride ourselves on our solidarity. We are a continent with a long history of strong...
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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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Open letter to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers and Committee on Bioethics regarding the draft additional protocol to the Oviedo Convention
TO: Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe Council of Europe Avenue de l'Europe F-67075 Strasbourg Cedex,...
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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 European Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control - the right to health for persons with disabilities in the ecdcs work on the covid 19 pandemic
Download the letter Read the letter: To Andrea Ammon; Director for the European Centre for Diseases Prevention and...
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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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FRA response to EDF letter on Fundamental rights of people with disabilities during COVID-19 and in COVID response and request for video meeting
Dear Mr Vardakastanis, I refer to your letter of 23 April, which raises important questions about the impact...
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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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Request to take immediate actions to mobilise CRII & EU Funds to guarantee the continuity of care and support services in Europe during COVID-19 pandemic
To the Attention of President of the European Council Charles Michel President of the European Commission Ursula Von...
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Request to take immediate actions to mobilise CRII and EU funds to guarantee the continuity of care and support services in Europe during COVID-19 pandemic
To the Attention of President of the European Council Charles Michel President of the European Commission Ursula Von...
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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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Updated statement: protection of persons with disabilities in institutions, deafblind persons, freedom of persons 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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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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Joint Letter: The European Disability Strategy and International Cooperation- input from the Global and Regional Umbrella organisations of persons with disabilities
To: Mr Joost Korte Director-General Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL) CC Ms Emmanuelle Grange, Head of...
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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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European Disabilities Movement demands the Right to Vote in 2019
this is the post about petition
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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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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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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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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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