Dear members of Inclusion Europe.
I have had the honour and pleasure to serve as Inclusion Europe’s President for eight years. My second term will come to its end next May after our General Assembly, part of Europe in Action conference in Italy. My time as President of this great organisation will then be over. Thank you, dear members, for the opportunity you have given me!
During the past year 2025, I have been in quite many events where the role of siblings of people with intellectual disabilities has been one of the topics. Often, siblings themselves have been bringing their situation as family members into spotlight. It has partly been about their own experiences in growing up in a family with one or more persons with intellectual disabilities, partly about them taking over the responsibilities their parents have been carrying.
I remember when we felt powerless
When I listen to the stories of the siblings, my thoughts always take me to my own family and my four children. Markus (39) and Robin (34) with their very complex support needs and their siblings Rasmus (40) and Martina (36). I feel a flow of strong emotions inside myself. My eyes are blinded by a stream of tears.
I remember when we felt powerless as “reserved parents” of two children with intellectual disabilities. I remember our attempts to find ways to be parents also to our non-disabled children.
I remember constantly having bad conscience, caused by the exhausting feeling of inadequacy. And an equal feeling also from the moments of relief when Markus and Robin were in respite care. Aren’t we capable of taking care of our own children?
The concern for the well-being of the siblings was always there. With help from psychotherapists the siblings got through their adolescence turmoil. Yet, when listening to siblings today, I feel anxious about the thought of our children’s adult life, its challenging moments and the anxiety of the future. Have we been able to equip them with strong enough life skills?
The topic of siblings and the situation of families of people with intellectual disabilities with complex needs are the two topics which have always been most important to me. I am very happy that both are now well recognised and represented in the work of Inclusion Europe.
2025: Another successful year
Some days ago, another successful year for Inclusion Europe came to its end.
I wish to express my thanks to the whole team for your work. With your efforts and commitment our presence in Brussels is most visible and our organisation respected and valued.
My sincere thanks go also to the Board. It has been a pleasure to work with you. I appreciate the support each one of you have given me throughout my years as President. I am looking forward to working together with you one more year as Past-President.
New President in 2026
Our General Assembly held in June 2025 in Berlin elected a new President for Inclusion Europe, Jeanne Nicklas-Faust.
Jeanne is our Board member and Treasurer. She is also a mother, and works as Director of our German member Lebenshilfe. Warmest congratulations to our new President!
I wish to you all a successful year 2026!
Jyrki Pinomaa, President