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What countries that want to join the EU need to do for rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities

Blog by Freddy Jussien

Putting the spotlight on the situation of people with intellectual disabilities that often remain off the radar — this is our role.

📄 And we do just that with a new briefing on EU accession and people with intellectual disabilities.

The briefing points out the changes needed for EU candidate countries.

Albania 🇦🇱

“Even though independent living and living in the community is mentioned as a priority by our government in main strategies and action plans, still nothing has been done.” — Help the Life Association

North Macedonia 🇲🇰

“The existing guardianship system results in restrictions on decision-making and the right to choose for persons with intellectual disability.” — Poraka organisation

Georgia 🇬🇪

“The government has abolished the Inclusive Education Department, which has significantly weakened institutional support and coordination in this field.” — Georgian Down Syndrome Association

Moldova 🇲🇩

“Support services are insufficient; mobile teams help but need wider coverage.” — Keystone Moldova

Ukraine 🇺🇦

“The government has to determine at least minimal financial guarantees from the national level public budget.” — VGO Coalition, speaking about supported-living

This briefing is a useful resource for the European Commission in its work on the EU enlargement.

Thanks all the people involved in writing it!