This 6-months placement offers the opportunity to learn about inclusive policy-making and rights of people with disabilities.
Ulla Topi is a Finnish self-advocate and activist.
Ulla Topi was the first President of the European Platform of Self Advocates. Elected in 2001, she said at the time:
“We want to be treated as independent human beings. We want people to take our hopes and needs seriously. We want our rights.”
Ulla Topi has paved a way for many self-advocates in Finland and Europe who followed in her stead.
She was also important in Inclusion Europe becoming a more inclusive organization, working better for and with self-advocates.
In honor of Ulla Topi’s pioneering contribution to the self-advocacy movement and European policy-making, young professionals coming to Inclusion Europe to learn about policy or communication will be taking part in what is now called the Ulla Topi traineeship in inclusive policy-making.
“Inclusion Europe helps many young professionals to get a good experience working in European policy and learning about the rights of people with intellectual disabilities – but most importantly working alongside them,” said Jyrki Pinomaa, president of Inclusion Europe.
“We’ve been offering traineeships for young professionals in Brussels for many years. There have been a lot of people who came to Inclusion Europe to learn and get new skills – especially in inclusive policy, easy to read or accessible communication. They carry those skills and experiences into jobs in Brussels or elsewhere, contributing to a more inclusive world.
“Inclusion Europe has also been employing and training people with intellectual disabilities for many years. This has had different formats over the years, but the goal was always the same – to support people with intellectual disabilities in learning new skills, getting new experiences, and applying them in places where decisions about important policies are made.”
Ulla Topi traineeship in inclusive policy-making
The 6-months placement offers the opportunity to learn about inclusive policy-making and rights of people with disabilities. Many former trainees go on to work for disability organisations, associations or public institutions.
Trainees at Inclusion Europe learn about easy-to-read and making information accessible to all. They also learn how to support people with intellectual disabilities in policy-making process, such as in drafting documents, participating and speaking at events.
Traineeships are paid, and typically open twice a year, in communications and in policy.
The Ulla Topi traineeship in inclusive policy-making is open for people with intellectual disabilities, too. (See here for details, PDF)
Ulla Topi’s speech launching the program
The Ulla Topi traineeship in inclusive policy-making was launched at an event in the European Parliament hosted by Li Andersson MEP on 24 June 2025.
“I thank you for this accolade, this special honour you’ve given me,” Ulla Topi said during the event.
“I hope that the people who choose this trainee program and learn about self-advocacy will agree with me that everyone should have their own say on the decisions that affect their own lives.”
Ulla Topi also gave Inclusion Europe a letter with dedication for the traineeship program:
“Thank you for this important recognition for me! For my work at Inclusion Europe. Full citizenship against exclusion. We for ourselves will make it happen.”