From 20 to 22 May 2025, members of our network gathered in Skopje, North Macedonia, for the much-anticipated General Meeting — a vibrant celebration of collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment to the inclusion of people with visual impairments.
The event brought together professionals from across Europe, representing 14 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Serbia, The Netherlands and of course North Macedonia.
With over 40 participants, the atmosphere was rich in intercultural dialogue and exchange of expertise. It was especially inspiring to see both long-standing members and newcomers collaborating on key topics impacting training, education, and innovation in services for people with visual impairments.
This year’s meeting was hosted by Dimitar Vlahov, the State School for Visually Impaired Children and Youth in Skopje. Their warm welcome and deep dedication to inclusive education set the perfect tone for the three working days.
This was elections year, so during our General Meeting it was time to vote on the nominees, resulting in a new dynamic mix of fresh perspectives and experienced leadership for our Board:
- President: Inge Jansen (president@enviter.eu – BFW Düren, Germany)
- Vice-President: Aukje Snijders (Royal Dutch Visio, The Netherlands)
- Treasurer: Philippe Belseur (VYV3 Pays de la Loire, Angers, France)
- Christophe Kedzia (Association IRSAM, France)
- Elmar Fürst – (Hilfsgemeinschaft, Vienna, Austria)
- Ivana Rotim (Center for Education and Rehabilitation «Vinko Bek», Zagreb, Croatia)
- Lorenzo Billiet (Blindenzorg Licht en Liefde, Belgium)
- Teresa Vaz (CONVIDA, Portugal)
Another highlight of the gathering was the Conference Day, focused on the theme “Navigating the Future: Evolving Technologies for Visual Impairment – Opportunities, Challenges, and Threats.” where we explored the impact of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Extended Reality on accessibility, empowerment, and quality of life, while addressing potential risks and barriers for Visually Impaired People.
Lively presentations and workshops sparked thoughtful debate, and many participants left with new ideas to implement back home.
In addition to the formal agenda, members also enjoyed:
- Working group sessions on strategic priorities
- Updates from partner projects and international initiatives
- Networking moments that reignited professional connections and friendships
As the meeting concluded, participants left Skopje with renewed energy and a shared vision for continuing their work towards a more inclusive, accessible, and innovative Europe.
The next ENVITER meeting promises to build and add on this momentum, and the network looks forward to welcoming even more voices and perspectives in November, in Strasbourg, where we will meet and join the HIPEN (European Network for Professionals working with People with Hearing Impairments) and the Francophone Network for a special event at the European Parliament about Sensory Impairment Throughout Networks: EU Policies and Rights of Disabled People.