The Conference “EDF new strategy in a changing world” took place on 16 March. Moderated by the European Disability Forum’s Vice President Pat Clarke, it brought together EDF members to discuss the organisation’s future strategy.
Speakers included:
- Lydia Vlagsma representing the EDF Youth Committee.
- Thorkild Olesen, representing the Danish National Council of Persons with Disabilities (DPOD).
- Pirkko Mahlamäki representing the EDF Women’s Committee.
- Bart Verdickt, representing the Belgian Disability Forum.
Lydia Vlagsma shared the concerns and demands of young persons with disabilities. She called for:
- Youth perspectives to be mainstreamed in all policy areas, especially mobility.
- Focus on advancing Disability Rights in a changing political climate, acclimate where political actors are not aligned with the movement’s fundamental principles.
- There is a need to strengthen disability solidarity and consider the opinions of underrepresented communities and types of disabilities.
Thorkild Olesen presented the Danish Council’s recent research on societal attitudes toward persons with disabilities. The research showed that:
- Political discussion often demonises persons with disabilities and especially disability allowances.
- 37% of the population identifies as having a long-term health problem or disability.
- 70% of the people don’t know how to interact with persons with disabilities.
- 30% of the people believe that society treats persons with disabilities as less valuable.
He concluded by stating the same issues are likely in the rest of Europe. The mindset is that persons with disabilities are still not accepted, they are only “allowed” to be part of society.
Pirkko Mahlamäki presented the results of a survey that informed the Third Manifesto on Women and Girls with Disabilities.
Pirkko explained that the next EDF Strategy must strongly advocate in the following areas:
- empowerment and leadership of women and girls with disabilities
- political participation
- combatting violence against women.
She asserted that women with disabilities, in all their diversity, must be meaningfully involved.
Bart Verdickt outlined the priorities for the Belgian Disability Forum:
- Digital Transition, especially regarding ensuring analogue versions and isolated communities.
- Universal accessibility, especially identifying good and bad practices.
Marcel Bobeldijk outlined the priorities for the European Federation of Hard of Hearing:
- Education, especially inclusive and remote education.
- Employment and provision of services.
- Support to representatives and workers at organisations of persons with disabilities.
During closing comments, participants also mentioned the need to work on national welfare systems and reaffirmed the need to work on changing society’s attitudes.