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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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