Inclusion Europe and the European Down Syndrome Association are pleased to announce a new collaboration to strenghten the representation and participation of people with Down syndrome in European policy-making.
Under this partnership, Inclusion Europe and the European Down Syndrome Association will work together to improve participation of people with Down Syndrome in EU disability rights and policy-making. The collaboration is part of Inclusion Europe’s 3-year workplan called Ambitions, and supported by the the European Union’s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme.
“The partnership benefits EU’s disability rights agenda and policy-making with better participation of people with Down syndrome,” said Dinka Vukovic, President of the European Down Syndrome Association.
“It allows us to have a better participation and visibility, particular during World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st, and to contribute our members’ experiences and positions for EU consultations and disability related policies.”
As part of this collaboration, Inclusion Europe will host European Down Syndrome Association coordinator (part-time), who will draft contributions to EU disability consultations and initiatives, represent EDSA at EU-level events and meetings, communicate with members keeping them informed about EU developments in disability rights.
“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that the voices of people with intellectual disabilities and with Down syndrome are heard and valued in EU policy-making,” said Milan Šveřepa, Chief Executive of Inclusion Europe.
More about the organisations
Inclusion Europe is the European movement advocating for full rights and inclusion of 20 million people with intellectual disabilities and their family members. Inclusion Europe has member organisations in 37 countries. One third of Inclusion Europe members self-advocacy organisations and groups, forming the European Platform of Self-Advocates. Inclusion Europe works to end segregation of people with intellectual disabilities and isolation of their families, with advocacy and participation, data and insights, and with collaborations and tools for inclusion.
Inclusion Europe is co-funded by the European Union via its Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme, specifically the 2026-2028 partnership to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities.
The European Down Syndrome Association brings together 44 organisations from across Europe, sharing information and promoting collaboration to improve life for people with Down syndrome and their families. Its main objective is to promote the complete development of people with Down syndrome, regardless of racial, linguistic, religious, philosophical, or political considerations. The Association seeks to improve the health, education and training, and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
