It is with sadness that we learned of the passing of our Board member, Joachim Busch.
Joachim Busch was an important advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities in Germany, Europe, and around the world. His election as Board member was historic for the Forum. He, along with Soufiane El-Amrani, became the first Board members of the European Disability Forum with an intellectual disability.
He served as a Board member of Lebenshilfe Germany, where he had started as a volunteer. He also served as a council member of the self-advocacy group “Now We’re Talking” at the German disability organisation ‘Lebenshilfe Schleswig-Holstein’, and on the Federal Government’s Advisory Council on Inclusion.
He did very important work at the international level. In addition to representing the German Disability Council at the European Disability Forum, he was very active in Inclusion Europe and Inclusion International. He spoke on behalf of organisations of persons with disabilities during the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities’ review of Germany, and at many European Day of Persons with Disabilities conferences.
His volunteering and kindness extended beyond disability advocacy, as he was also deeply involved with the German Life Saving Association, the world’s largest voluntary water rescue organisation.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and our colleagues of Lebenshilfe and the German Disability Council during this difficult time.
Gunta Anca, President of the European Disability Forum, said:
Joachim will always be remembered as a kind, committed colleague, and a very important part of our community. My thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at Lebenshilfe, the German Disability Council and Inclusion Europe.
Tributes
Joenna Xerri, Board member representing the European Down Syndrome Association, said:
I am deeply saddened by the passing of our fellow Board member, Joachim Busch. His dedication to the rights of persons with disabilities, his kindness and his commitment to self-advocacy leave a lasting legacy in our community. As a member of the European Disability Forum Board, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. His voice and contribution will be greatly missed.
Lydia Vlagsma, Board member representing Ieder(in), the national disability council of the Netherlands, said:
So sorry to hear this news! I was looking forward to getting to know Joachim and working together in the EDF board. My condoleances to his colleagues, family and loved ones.
Soufiane El-Amrani, Board member representing Inclusion Eupose said:
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I was sad to hear that he passed away. I was looking forward to getting to work with (him).
Francesca Sbianchi, Board member representing the European Blind Union, said:
The European Blind Union is deeply saddened by the passing of Joachim Busch, a dedicated advocate for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Joachim championed self-advocacy, inclusion, and the right of persons with disabilities to have their voices heard in Germany, Europe and internationally.
Our heartfelt condolences go to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire disability community.
Featured photo credi: Lebenshilfe Deutschland