Accessibility
Advocating for better accessibility in all areas of life for persons with disabilities is one of the core activities of EDF’s work.
Advocating for inclusive EU policy
We advocate for the inclusion of persons with disabilities within European Union (EU) policy and beyond.
We track EU policy and coordinate comprehensive guidance with our members to advocate for disability rights by working closely with EU institutions and agencies including the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Council of the EU and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).
Our objective is to achieve equal opportunities for all men, women and children with disabilities.
Policy Work
Health
The right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination on the basis of disability is a fundamental right enshrined in article 25 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Women & Gender Equality
Women with disabilities constitute 16% of the total population of women in the European Union and they have to face multiple and intersectional discrimination in all areas of life.
Youth
Young people are the future. To insure the presence of young people with disabilities within the youth movement, EDF is actively involved in numerous projects.
International Cooperation
As a founding member of the International Disability Alliance (IDA), we want to contribute to a diverse and effective disability movement globally.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The European Disability Forum wants to make sure the SDGs also become a reality for the 80 million Europeans with disabilities.
Social Policy
Ensuring inclusion on employment, social protection, public procurement and state aid, de-institutionalisation and independent living, European education and training programmes and the EU budget.
Climate action and disability
The exclusion of representative organisations of persons with disabilities (DPOs) in decision-making processes on climate action has serious consequences.
Equality and Non-discrimination
Equality and non-discrimination constitute a basic and general principle relating to the protection of human rights of all persons.
Migration & refugees with disabilities
Refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities represent an invisible group of individuals who are forced to leave their countries in strongly disadvantaged situations.
Justice
Persons with disabilities face many issues in accessing a fair and equal justice in Europe. EDF advocates for this right for victims and for suspected and accused of crimes.
EU institutions
The Council of the EU
It is important for Disabled Persons’ Organisations (DPOs) to try and influence the content and the priorities of each Presidency. Why are the Presidencies relevant for EDF and what does EDF do?
The European Parliament
The Disability Intergroup of the European Parliament is a group of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) interested in promoting the disability policy in their work at the institution as well as at the national level.