The 2023 Annual report of Inclusion Europe is now published. You can read it here.
Letter from the President
Jyrki Pinomaa, President of Inclusion Europe, emphasizes the organization’s commitment to full inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. In 2023, significant progress was made with the development of Inclusion Indicators, a tool providing country-specific data on inclusion. Pinomaa urges members to use this report to advocate for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities. The letter reflects on the challenges and achievements of the past year and expresses gratitude to the members, Board, and Secretariat for their dedication.
EPSA Activities in 2023
The European Platform of Self-Advocates (EPSA) had a dynamic year, highlighted by the “Hear our Voices” self-advocacy conference in Tallinn, Estonia. The conference brought together self-advocates from across Europe to discuss important issues and culminated in the creation of a manifesto.
Key activities included workshops on deinstitutionalization, testimonies on life in institutions, and involvement in the European Parliament of Persons with Disabilities. The EPSA continued its mission to amplify the voices of self-advocates and promote their participation in decision-making processes.
Policy and advocacy initiatives
Inclusion Europe provided opportunities through various platforms for self-advocates to share their personal stories of success, resilience, and empowerment.
Inclusion Europe advocated for inclusive policies and practices that foster community integration for people with intellectual disabilities. This includes advocating for the closure of institutions and the transition to community-based support.
Inclusion Europe developed an advocacy campaign about the right to vote of people with intellectual disabilities under guardianship, raising more awareness abou lack of representation and restrictions to vote and to stand for elections in several EU countries.
Inclusion Europe reported on issues linked to institutionalisation of people with intellectual disabilities and raised awareness of solutions for more humane, person-centred and individualised support.
Projects
Inclusion Europe launched several significant projects in 2023. The Inclusion Indicators report, based on data from 29 European countries, provides insights into various aspects of inclusion, such as voting rights, independent living, and healthcare.
Another project, supported by the European Disability Forum, focused on inclusive response and recovery from the war in Ukraine.
The JUDY project aims to promote self-advocacy and deinstitutionalization across five countries.
Together+ project, seeks to create a training program for managing deinstitutionalization. These projects underscore Inclusion Europe’s commitment to improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through evidence-based advocacy and practical support.
Events
Inclusion Europe organized and participated in numerous events throughout 2023. The “Hear our Voices” conference in Tallinn was a major highlight, providing a platform for self-advocates to share their experiences and insights.
Additionally, Inclusion Europe conducted trainings on deinstitutionalization, accessible communication, and self-advocacy. Inclusion Europe also hosted webinars, study visits, and various advocacy events, including sessions on disability rights and EU policies.
Publications and media
Inclusion Europe published 6 podcast episodes and 4 issues of Europe for us magazine and newsletter in 2022.
- Hear our voices. Make it real.
- Inclusive democracy
- European Disability Strategy and deinstitutionalization
- Siblings’ edition
Inclusion Europe published an interactive website covering the 35 years of ambitions, rights and belonging.
Inclusion Europe published an interactive table with topics covered by the Inclusion indicators report 2023. The website contains 29 pages covering all the countries in the report and individual position compared to the European average.