Ulla Topi was the first President of the European Platform of Self-Advocates. Elected in 2001, she said at the time:
“We want to be treated as independent human beings.
We want people to take our hopes and needs seriously.
We want our rights.”
In honor of Ulla Topi’s pioneering contribution to the self-advocacy movement and European policy-making, Inclusion Europe traineeships are called Ulla Topi traineeship in inclusive policy-making.
This 6-months placement offers the opportunity to learn about inclusive policy-making and rights of people with disabilities. Many former trainees go on to work for disability organisations, associations or public institutions.
Trainees at Inclusion Europe learn about easy-to-read and making information accessible to all. They also learn how to support people with intellectual disabilities in policy-making process, such as in drafting documents, participating and speaking at events.
Traineeships are paid, and typically open twice a year, in communications and in policy.
The Ulla Topi traineeship in inclusive policy-making is open for people with intellectual disabilities too.
The re-named Ulla Topi traineeship in inclusive policy-making was launched on 24 June 2025.
Open call – Policy Traineeship
Work experience in promoting the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and their families in European policies.
An opportunity to get experience and contribute to the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in shaping European policies:
- Support self-advocacy activities
- Accessible information
- Disability policies
Main experiences you will gain
Support a self-advocate to participate in shaping European policies
Produce easy-to-read and to understand information
Research and analyse European policies relevant to people with intellectual disabilities and their families
Prepare and report from meetings with European institutions and organisations.
Some topics you’ll work on in 2026:
- Europe in Action conference
- The Inclusion indicators
- The next EU long-term budget
- EU strategy on the rights of persons with disabilities
What we are looking for in a candidate
- Available to start in mid-February – March 2026
- Ability to communicate in English both in writing and speaking
- Motivation to learn about and advance the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities
- Organisation skills
- Computer skills
- Authorisation to work in the EU
Working conditions
Contract: governed by the Belgian law on ‘professional immersion’.
Salary: 1056 € per month (before taxes) and meal vouchers (10 € per day).
Duration: 6 months
Requirement to reside in or near Brussels.
Hybrid position with requirement to be in Inclusion Europe office and in meetings if needed
How to apply
Send your CV and motivation letter to freddy@inclusion.eu
Subject line “Policy Trainee Summer 2025”
Deadline: 25 January 2026
Invitations for interviews will be sent out before February.
Interviews will be held end of January, beginning of February.
We welcome candidates with disabilities. Please let us know if you require any reasonable accommodation.
Trainees with intellectual disabilities
This call is open to people with intellectual disabilities too.
If you are interested in the traineeships, please get in touch at the email above.
Please keep in mind: Speaking English is important for this role.