Strengthening networks and self-advocacy for an inclusive democracy in Europe
People with intellectual disabilities are experts in their own lives, and their voices are essential for a truly democratic Europe.
But many still face barriers that prevent them from expressing themselves, participating in discussions, or influencing decisions.
UNITY (Uniting Networks for Inclusive Democracy and Empowerment) is a project that puts people with intellectual disabilities at the centre and supports them to become stronger self-advocates.
People with intellectual disabilities lead the way
UNITY is built around a simple idea: democracy works best when everyone can participate.
The project involves people with intellectual disabilities directly in all key activities. They co-create debates, shape workshops, lead conversations, and bring their life experience to the heart of the project.
Many people with intellectual disabilities want to express themselves but have not yet had the opportunity to develop their self-advocacy skills.
UNITY responds to this need by creating accessible opportunities to practise expressing opinions, debating issues and sharing personal experiences in a supportive environment.
Networks for empowerment
One of UNITY’s core objectives is to strengthen and connect networks of people with intellectual disabilities and the organisations that support them.
These networks help to create a space where:
- people with intellectual disabilities can meet, learn and support each other,
- organisations can exchange knowledge and tools,
- communities can better understand the importance of inclusive participation, and
- decision-makers can hear directly from the people affected by their policies.
The UNITY project is led by Zavod RISA in Slovenia. Project partners are:
- Austria: LebensGross
- Inclusion Europe. Among other activities, we are using the project to help develop self-advocacy in Greece.
Learn more:
The project is co-funded by the European Union.
