European Conference in Strasbourg Highlights the Role of People with Disabilities in EU Policy
Last 18 November, 162 participants from 24 different European countries and Canada gathered at the European Parliament in Strasbourg for a European conference co-organised by ENVITER, HIPEN (European Network for Professionals working with People with Hearing Impairments) and RFDSL (Francophone Network on Sensory Impairment). With the vital support of “Association Adèle de Glaubitz” and “Institut Bruckhof” – two renowned organizations based in Strasbourg – this collaboration brought together experts, professionals, and advocates working across the fields of visual and hearing impairments acting as a bridge between policy and practice, contributing to a more inclusive, rights-based Europe.
The morning sessions opened with Farbod Khansari, General Delegate of the French Council for European and International Issues in the Field of Disability (CFHE), who highlighted the growing role of people with disabilities as key actors in European integration. His intervention addressed the contribution of national disability councils, the European Disability Forum and the International Disability Alliance, as well as recent advocacy actions during the European elections. He also presented reflections on the European Forum’s input to the UN review of the European Commission’s implementation of the CRPD and outlined initial directions for the renewal of the European Disability Strategy from 2025 onwards.
This was followed by Maryvonne Lyazid, member of the French National Consultative Commission on Human Rights, who focused on the role of independent authorities, such as national human rights institutions and anti-discrimination bodies. Her presentation emphasised their responsibility in monitoring the implementation of the CRPD at national and European levels, as well as the importance of strong networking at European and international level. An interactive question-and-answer session allowed participants to engage directly with these issues.
The morning was almost concluded with Irène Bertana, from the European Association of Service Providers on Disability (EASPD), who provided an overview of current European policies supporting people with disabilities. Her presentation explored recent developments in service provision at European level and highlighted emerging trends shaping future support systems.
Before lunch, representatives from each Network talked about the benefit of practices’ exchanges in networks for the development and innovation of support
for people with disabilities: Asia Ostrowska (Poland) on behalf of HIPEN, Ivana Rotim (Croatia) from ENVITER and Arnaud Gregoire (France) for RFDSL.
During the afternoon, several interventions by members of the 3 diferrent Networks focused on developments and innovations for the accessibility of persons with sensory impairments or language disorders.
Overall, the conference offered a valuable platform for exchange, reinforcing cooperation between networks and reaffirming the importance of coordinated action to promote the rights, inclusion and participation of people with disabilities.
Some words from ENVITER’s President about the event:
“For me, as President and as a representative of one of ENVITER’s founding members, this conference is a strong and truly encouraging sign: long-standing European cooperation is clearly bearing fruit. It impressed with its diverse and high-quality programme, offering inspiring keynote speeches, hands-on workshops and valuable insights into current developments in education, rehabilitation and the inclusion of people with sensory impairments.
The many personal conversations were particularly enriching. Exchanging ideas with colleagues and experts from different countries opened up new perspectives, sparked fresh impulses and laid the foundation for future joint projects. Once again, it became clear how essential strong European networks are for advancing inclusion in a sustainable and effective way.
My heartfelt thanks go to the organisers – and especially to Philippe Belseur (VYV3), whose great commitment played a key role in making this impressive conference possible at such a remarkable venue.”
Inge Jansen, President of ENVITER (BFWDüren, Germany)
