Soufiane El Amrani is nominated to represent European NGOs in the Board of EDF. If elected, he’d be the first person with intellectual disabilities to do so.
European Disability Forum
The European Disability Forum (EDF) is an umbrella organisation of persons with disabilities that defends the interests of over 100 million persons with disabilities in Europe:
“We are an independent non-governmental organisation (NGO) that brings together representative organisations of persons with disabilities from across Europe. We are run by persons with disabilities and their families. We are a strong united voice of persons with disabilities in Europe.”
The EDF consists of member organisations from national and European levels. Inclusion Europe is one of the European level Full members. European Full members elect their representatives to the Board of EDF. Other kinds of members, for example national organisations, also elect their representatives to the EDF board.
German disability council nominated Joachim Busch, who is a self-advocate. Joachim was until recently co-opted member of the Steering Group of the European Platform of Self-Advocates.
The vote takes place at EDF’s general assembly on 7 May 2026.
Soufiane El Amrani
“I am a self-advocate. I work as Accessibility Expert at Inclusion Europe, where I have been for over 17 years,” says Soufiane El Amrani to introduce his nomination.
“People with intellectual disabilities need to be present and represented.
People with intellectual disabilities need to take part in decisions that affect our lives.
We are often left out of political representation. Not being able to bring our expertise to the table means our views are not reflected in policies.
It is important that people with intellectual disabilities are directly represented.
I would be proud to become the first self-advocate on EDF’s Board.”
Why Soufiane is good candidate for the Board
“I have been working in Inclusion Europe since 2008. I am an accessibility and easy-to-read expert. This means I help organizations make their documents clear and accessible so that everyone can understand them.
I also have a lot of experience with (in-)accessible public transport and public services.
I give speeches and trainings on accessibility.
I work closely with self-advocates from around Europe who are part of the European Platform of Self-Advocates. I learn from them about the situation in their countries, what issues need to be addressed and what does or doesn’t work well.
I am a member of the Council of Inclusion International. I know how boards work, how to listen to different opinions, and how to contribute to the work of the organisation.
I also bring a lot of experience communicating about disability rights. I do videos for YouTube, write posts on LinkedIn, and speak at conferences.
I have been interviewed for many media such as websites and newspapers. I think getting our message about disability rights to as many people as possible is very important.”
Soufiane’s priorities for the EDF Board
“If I become a member of the EDF Board, I would like to work on three main things:
1. Helping to make EDF more accessible for people with intellectual disabilities. I also want to listen to all EDF members and make sure disability rights improve all over Europe.
2. Accessibility of public transport and public services. I experience a lot of obstacles every day to get in the metro or bus in Brussels. Or when I travel by plane for work.
3. End of institutions. Inclusion in the community. Many people with disabilities live in institutions. I want to support deinstitutionalisation, so everyone can live in their community with the support they need.
Inclusion Europe
Inclusion Europe represents people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Our member organisations come from 30+ countries. One third of our members are self-advocacy organisations and groups (forming EPSA).
Inclusion Europe is currently represented in the Board of EDF by Maureen Piggot, who is EDF’s Treasurer. Maureen was President of Inclusion Europe until 2018. Inclusion Europe nominates Maureen Piggot for EDF’s Finance Committee.
Inclusion Europe is also represented by Tamara Byrne in EDF’s Youth Committee. Tamara is a self-advocate from Ireland.
Read more about Soufiane’s work: