Self-advocates and family members are speaking during many events organised around the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
3 December is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The International Day of Person with Disabilities was declared by the United Nations in 1992. Now, it is closely connected to the UN CRPD:
- Promoting rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
- Informing about the situation of persons with disabilities.
The European Commission and the European Parliament celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by organising their events every year:
- The European Day of Persons with Disabilities conference, organised by the European Commission.
- Disability Rights Week, organised by the European Parliament.
Many other organisations have their events during this week too. This makes the first week of December very busy and very important for everyone working for disability rights at the European level.
It is important for us to make sure that people with intellectual disabilities and family members contribute their views and expectations during this week. That is why Inclusion Europe organises several events, creating opportunities for self-advocates and family members to have their say. We are also invited to speak at events organised by other organisations during the week.
What follows is an overview of the events Inclusion Europe is organising and contributing to.
Monday, 1 December
Mar Galcerán visits Inclusion Europe
Mar Galcerán is a Spanish politician. She is a member of the Corts Valencianes, the parliament of the Valencian Community. She was elected in 14 September 2023, becoming is the first Spanish regional legislator with Down syndrome. Mar Galcerán will talk to Inclusion Europe about her work, and she will record an interview for Inclusion Europe Radio.
European Parliament: Public Hearing on Inclusive Housing for All
We are keen to learn what is being discussed, and to share ideas and practices improving housing for people with intellectual disabilities.
EPR: Independent Living of Persons with Disabilities: The Role of Quality Services
Milan Šveřepa speaks on a panel about support for people with intellectual disabilities to live independently and included in the community.
Tuesday, 2 December
Debate with Mar Galcerán
Online debate where the audience can ask Mar Galcerán about her work as member of the parliament of the Valencian Community.
European Parliament: Why is independent living so important
We are keen to learn what is being discussed, and to meet our colleagues from PSONI (Poland) speaking at the event.
Hear Our Voices! Europe
Final event bringing together the self-advocates’ voices and messages from across Europe.
Wednesday, 3 December
European Parliament: Communication workshop
Self-advocates attending to learn about promoting the EU and disability rights, and to share their experiences with communication.
What is situation in countries around Europe?
Inclusion Europe event hosted by Cynthia Ní Mhurchú MEP.
Self-advocates and family members from 7 countries talk about what matters to them, and what they expect from the EU.
European Parliament: Workshop on independent living
Milan Šveřepa speaks about support for people with intellectual disabilities to live independently and included in the community, and what the EU needs to do.
Meetings with MEPs and EU officials
Self-advocates and family members attending Brussels this week will also talk with Members of the European Parliament, officials of the European Commission, and with other organisations.
Inclusion After Hours
Informal dinner for members of Inclusion Europe and invited guests.
Thursday, 4 December
European Parliament: Legal capacity and supported decision-making
Soufiane El Amrani speaks about the issue from the perspective of people with intellectual disabilities, and shares some examples of practices.
European Day of Person with Disabilities conference
Annual conference organised by the European Commission.
Continues on Friday, with the Access City Award.