ENVITER Blue Sky Meeting 2026: Bringing European Partners Together in Ghent, Belgium

On 28 and 29 October 2026, ENVITER members gathered in Ghent, Belgium, for the annual ENVITER Blue Sky Meeting, hosted by our member Licht en Liefde at BuSo Sint-Rafaël (School for Adults with a Visual Impairment).

The meeting brought together 63 participants, including 33 representatives from ENVITER member organisations across 17 European countries. It was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and friends, exchange knowledge and experiences, discover ongoing initiatives and explore new possibilities for cooperation across the network.

Sharing projects, knowledge and new ideas

The programme featured a rich variety of presentations from member organisations, showcasing European projects, research, innovative practices and emerging developments in the field of visual impairment.

Topics for development included inclusive education, professional care for people with deafblindness and intellectual disabilities, rehabilitation following brain injury, orientation and mobility, adult education, accessible mobility, employment and the development of inclusive environments.

Participants also had the opportunity to learn about ongoing projects and initiatives, as well as explore potential new Erasmus+ collaborations and opportunities for partnership.

These presentations provided a valuable platform for sharing experiences, identifying common challenges and discovering how organisations across Europe are working to improve opportunities and quality of life for blind and visually impaired people.

Working together and looking ahead

Beyond the presentations, working group sessions encouraged participants to exchange perspectives, discuss shared priorities and explore opportunities for future cooperation.

The meeting also included a presentation by Disability Support Europe (former EASPD), focusing on building an architecture of inclusion, as well as discussions on important topics such as the representation of people with disabilities and the development of adapted assessment tools for visually impaired adults. ENVITER is a member of this influential network and the ties between all of us are growing.

Discovering Licht en Liefde and Sint Rafaël

Hosting the meeting at St Rafaël School offered participants a valuable opportunity to discover the work and learning environment of Licht en Liefde.

A guided tour of the school allowed participants to learn more about its courses, educational opportunities and tailored support for people with visual impairments, providing a closer look at how inclusion and individualised education are put into practice.

The programme also included an optional guided walk through Ghent city centre, giving participants the opportunity to discover some of the city’s accessibility initiatives and experience its welcoming atmosphere.

Strengthening our European network

The 2026 Blue Sky Meeting was once again a valuable reminder of the importance of bringing organisations together, building relationships and learning from one another.

ENVITER warmly thanks Licht en Liefde for hosting the meeting and for their generous welcome, as well as all the presenters, participants and member organisations who contributed to making these two days such a meaningful and inspiring experience.

We look forward to continuing the conversations, developing new collaborations and strengthening our shared commitment to a more inclusive and accessible society for blind and visually impaired people.

Thank you, Ghent, and see you at the next Blue Sky Meeting (2027), in Turin, Italy!