Soufiane El Amrani’s speech about why it is important for people with intellectual disabilities to have jobs in policy-making.
Soufiane El Amrani speech for the Skills for inclusion, skills for life event in the European Parliament, 24 June 2025. Soufiane was unable to attend the event, and his speech was presented by Inge Volleberg.
Being in the room is the first step to influence policies and decisions. People with intellectual disabilities can provide knowledge, expertise, and experience.
We make public communication accessible. We can also train policy-makers on inclusion. That way, policies and laws become more representative and inclusive.
I’ll give you some examples.
Robert Martin was a self-advocate from New Zealand. He was part of the UN CRPD Committee for many years.
Robert Martin made sure to include self-advocate and people with intellectual disabilities in the Committee’s work.
He worked with governments and NGOs to advise on policies related to the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.
Another example are the people with intellectual disabilities who are elected for public office.
You can read more about them in Europe for us, which is Inclusion Europe’s easy-to-read magazine. I enjoyed working on this issue of the magazine because I learnt how they work, how they got elected and about their views.
They do important work for inclusion. They push for change in their office to make it more inclusive.
In my work for Inclusion Europe I help to create content in easy-to-read and understand, like newsletters, videos, podcast and the speech that I am telling you right now.
I also contribute to reports and positions bringing my expertise and opinion. This helps making people understand our lives and that they can act to make good policies for everyone.
People with intellectual disabilities have much to contribute.
People with intellectual disabilities can provide knowledge, expertise, and experience.
This way, policies and laws become more representative and inclusive.
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