Autism Europe

Building Social Europe: Flagship Conference.- Helsinki, Finland
2019-09-16 11:00 - 2019-09-18 13:30 (Europe/Paris) | Folkhälsans Huvudbyggnad, Topeliuksenkatu 20, Helsinki, 00250, Finland
The Social Platform, of which Autism Europe is a member, organises the second Flagship Conference, that take place during a very crucial time: European leaders will be preparing the next EU legislature following the European elections results, negotiating, nominating and electing the future European Commission and filling in EU top jobs.
All this will be taking place against the backdrop of growing popular mobilisation for greater social justice and democracy, stopping and reversing an environmental crisis and securing the future for the next generations.
As civil society organisations active in the social sector, we will take a leading role in that debate and we will take our responsibility to make sure that the common good prevails over the interest of a few.
Our Flagship Conference will be an opportunity for our members and actors from a wider European social movement to debate with national and EU level decision-makers on how the European Union can prevent further decay in social justice, democracy and trust in the EU.
In particular we will look at:
1. Participatory democracy: How can civil society become the missing link between people and decision-makers?
2. Social justice: How to make the economy work for people?
This Flagship Conference 2019 is listed as an official side event of Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the Europe Union 2019.
More information and programme
More about workshops and study visits
More information about the Flagship Conference 2018

Autism-Europe's 12th International Congress.- Nice, France
2019-09-13 - 2019-09-15 | Palace of Congresses and Exhibitions Nice Acropolis, 1 Esplanade John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Nice, 06000, France
Autism-Europe’s 12th International Congress will take place in Nice, France, between the 13 and 15 September 2019.
The Congress, organised this year in Nice by Autisme France in partnership with Autism-Europe, will bring together more than 2,000 people on the autism spectrum, parents, professionals, carers and other interested parties from 80 different countries from all over the world to sharing advances in practical and scientific knowledge about autism to as wide an audience as possible.
Our international congresses take place every three years and have become one of the cornerstones of the work we do to bring together autistic people, families, researchers and professionals from across Europe and beyond, so as to exchange state of the art knowledge and experiences. Where our congresses really shine out in comparison to others on the subject of autism, is that they focus particularly on social questions around autism, and practical ways in which we can structure our societies to ensure that nobody is left behind.
The representatives of the media interested in being accredited to cover the Congress should register in the website of the Congress.
Useful links
Visit the official website of the Congress (available in English and French)

Enhancing student experience: innovative support tools for students with disabilities.- Brussels, Belgium
2019-09-12 09:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris) | Odisee Campus Brussels, Stormstraat 2, Brussels, 1000
At this year’s conference, together with international organisations, SIHO will be showcasing innovative tools that assist students with disabilities to feel connected, resourceful and competent to participate in higher education and international mobility programmes.
Students with disabilities have different needs, requiring a tailor-made and flexible approach. SIHO, the Support Centre for Inclusive Higher Education, responds to student needs by developing support tools that enhance student experience in an accessible way.

Registration form

Conference programme
9:00 Registration and coffee
9:30 Welcome and introduction
Valérie Van Hees | Coordinator | SIHO
9:40 Qualitative support for students with autism spectrum disorder
Prof. dr. Herbert Roeyers | Ghent University – Academic Collaborative Centre for Autism
10:10 Roadmap: a support tool for students with autism spectrum disorder
Lisa Herman – Valérie Van Hees | SIHO in cooperation with Student Counselling Office Ghent University -Academic Collaborative Centre for Autism
11:10 Coffee Break
11:30 Book-a-Book: facilitating access to learning materials for students with disabilities
Roel Vuegen – Bart Peeters | SIHO – KU Leuven Bibliotheekdiensten – LIBIS
12:10 Lunch – networking
13:10 Inclusive Mobility: enhancing qualitative international mobility experiences for students with disabilities
Dominique Montagnese | SIHO – Confia International
Erasmus Student Network | ESN International
14:00 Strategies towards equity, diversity and inclusion at higher education institutions in Europe: INVITED project survey outcomes
Anna-Lena Claeys-Kulik | European University Association
14:30 Coffee Break
14:50 Panel qualitative support for students with disabilities in the various countries: on the way to inclusive education
A panel of international experts will inspire participants with strategies, policies and case studies that improve inclusion and the student experience of students with disabilities in higher education and international mobility programmes.
Panelists

Dr. Marijke De Pauw | Interfederal Centre for Equal Opportunities Unia
Erasmus Student Network | ESN International
Anna-Lena Claeys-Kulik | European University Association
Anke Schoonhoven | SIHO

Moderator Dominique Montagnese | SIHO – Confia International
16:10 Closing speeches
Represent Cabinet Flemish Minister of Education
Dr. Imran Uddin | president SIHO
16:30 Reception
Target audience
This conference will bring together policy advisers, coordinators, disability practitioners, international officers, teaching staff, student services staff, students, national agencies, politicians, board members and all others interested in supporting students with disabilities in a qualitative manner.
Information support tools
Learn more about Roadmap, Book-a-Book and Inclusivemobility.eu

Webinar on the European Accessibility Act.-Online
2019-06-17 14:30 - 15:30 (Europe/Paris) | Online
The European Accessibility Act is finally adopted! After 4 years in the making we can now take stock and analyse what this new law will actually bring for persons with disabilities. Which products and services are included? What are the obligations on manufacturers? How can you enforce your rights? What will happen next?
The European Disability Forum will try to answer all those questions and more in our 1-hour webinar.
Register now

Conference on “Moving towards independent living and community-based care - EU funding instruments to support the development of community-based services”.-Brussels
2019-06-17 08:30 - 17:30 (Europe/Paris) | Van Maerlant Building, 2 rue Van Maerlant, Brussels, 1000
The European Commission Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion organises the Conference on “Moving towards independent living and community-based care – EU funding instruments to support the development of community-based services”.
The event will take place on 17 June 2019 in Brussels, Belgium and is organised by the Framework Service contract supporting peer reviews and other mutual learning processes in the fields of employment, social affairs and inclusion and the ESF Transnational Platform.
The Conference is the final mutual learning event of a cycle of capacity-building seminars aimed at improving the capacity of the actors at local, regional and national levels to develop measures supporting the transition from institutional to community-based services, using EU funding instruments. The Conference will also share existing European practices in the area of independent living and community-based care. Finally, the Conference aims at improving the understanding of the European Commission and other stakeholders of the progress towards deinstitutionalisation and its main challenges.
The participants will identify and exchange information on practical examples on implementing the Common European Guidelines on the Transition from Institutional to Community-based Care, using European Structural and investment Funds (ESIF) and other EU funding instruments.
The Conference will focus on:

The state of play of community-based services in Europe, including key policy and strategic documents, the main actors and resources available.
A comparative analysis of the steps taken by countries that introduced personal assistance and early intervention systems for people at risk of (re)institutionalisation.
How to collaborate transitionally to design community-based services to support the development of services to support independent living.
The use of EU Funding instruments, including structural and cohesion funds, to implement the Common European Guidelines on the Transition from Institutional to Community-based Care and identification of enabling factors.

Please register at your earliest convenience and no later than 07 June 2019 for the event via this link.
Registration for this Conference is mandatory and places will be subject to availability and confirmation by the European Commission. The venue is accessible.
More information
Download the agenda

Leave No Autistic Mother Behind: Autism and Motherhood – Experiences, Challenges and Positive Strategies.- New York, USA
2019-06-13 15:00 - 16:15 (Europe/Paris) | United Nations Headquarters, ECOSOC Chamber, New York, NY, 10017, United States
Autism is a partially genetic, lifelong neurodevelopmental difference, yet there is limited research examining parenting in autistic mothers.
This side-event will discuss, from both an academic and an experiential point of view – including through 2 panellists who would be speaking both as researchers and as autistic mothers – the experiences of autistic mothers in areas related to parenthood: pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, self-perception of parenting strengths and weaknesses, communication with professionals in relation to one’s child, and the social experience of motherhood, including disclosing one’s diagnosis of autism in parenting contexts.
Furthermore, the issue of autistic mothers’ experiences of interacting with child protective services will be discussed, particularly in view of the fact that mothers with intellectual disabilities and mental health difficulties are at an increased risk of being targeted by said services, in comparison with neurotypical mothers. This could have significant consequences for families, especially if social services have little knowledge about the parent’s condition.
Panellists will discuss research being carried out by a consortium led by Professor Simon Baron-Cohen at the University of Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre, as well as the experiences of mothers, disability advocates, and persons dealing daily with state policy and practice related to the subject-matter.
Outcomes
This side-event aims to:

discuss strategies for reaching and meaningfully supporting autistic women, through appropriate interventions, policies and programs, rooted in the UN CRPD model and in line with the targets of the SDGs, and;
investigate barriers women experience obtaining a diagnosis and the effect a late diagnosis has on their health, wellbeing and outcomes.
share examples of innovative ways to address shortcomings in:
awareness for mothers, professionals and members of the wider public;
service delivery models, while discussing strategies for promoting inclusion and access for autistic mothers and mothers-to-be, and for reducing discriminatory treatment including pre and post-natal care; and
achieving the Sustainable Development goals, recognising that autistic women need specific, targeted programs, because they have significantly higher rates of pre and post-natal depression than the general population.

Programme
Message from Representative of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Malta to the United Nations
Moderator: Hon. Anthony AGIUS DECELIS, Junior Minister for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, Government of the Republic of Malta
Panellists:

Claire AZZOPARDI LANE, Member, Autism Advisory Council – Malta; Head, Department of Disability Studies, Faculty for Social Wellbeing, University of Malta
Monique BLAKEMORE, Researcher, Autism Aspergers Advocacy Australia (A4) – a member of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO)
Sarah CROCKFORD, Researcher, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge
Rhoda GARLAND, Executive Director, Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) – Malta
Dena GASSNER, Member, Board of Directors, The Arc – USA; Adjunct Professor, Towson University
Connie LAURIN-BOWIE, Executive Director, Inclusion International

Robert VENNE, Social Affairs Officer, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN-DESA)

12th session of the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD.- New your, USA
2019-06-11 - 2019-06-13 | United Nations Headquarters in New York
Overarching theme of the 12th session
Ensuring inclusion of persons with disabilities in a changing world through the implementation of the CRPD.
Sub-themes for the three round table discussions

Technology, digitalization and ICTs for the empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities
Social inclusion and the right to the highest attainable standard of health
Inclusion of persons with disabilities in society through participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sports

Mandates and background
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted by the General Assembly by its resolution 61/106 of 13 December 2006. It came into force on 3 May 2008 upon the 20th ratification. Article 40 of the Convention stipulates that “The States Parties shall meet regularly in a Conference of States Parties in order to consider any matter with regard to the implementation of the present Convention.” Since 2008, ten sessions of the Conference of States Parties have been held at United Nations Headquarters, New York.
The 12th session, per decided by States Parties at the 11th session of the Conference of States Parties on 14 June 2018, will be scheduled to take place at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, from 11 to 13 June 2019.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted by the General Assembly by its resolution 61/106 of 13 December 2006. It came into force on 3 May 2008 upon its 20th ratification.
Article 40 of the Convention stipulates that “The States Parties shall meet regularly in a Conference of States Parties (COSP) in order to consider any matter with regard to the implementation of the present Convention.”
Since 2008, the following are the sessions of the Conference of States Parties that meet at United Nations Headquarters in New York:
Twelfth Session, 11-13 June 2019
Eleventh Session, 12-14 June 2018
Tenth Session, 13 – 15 June 2017
Ninth Session, 14-16 June 2016
Eighth Session, 9 to 11 June 2015
Seventh session, 10 to 12 June 2014
Sixth session, 17 to 19 July 2013
Fifth session, 12 to 14 September 2012
Fourth session, 7 to 9 September 2011
Third session, 1 to 3 September 2010
Second session, 2 to 4 September 2009
First session, 31 October and 3 November 2008

Europe in Action conference "Making decisions - living independently".- Vilnius, Lithuania
2019-06-05 - 2019-06-07
“Making decisions – living independently”: This will be the theme at Europe in Action 2019.
Where and when?
The conference will be jointly organised with our member Viltis and will take place in
Vilnius (Lithuania), from 5 to 7 June 2019
How can I register?
To register, please fill in the registration form.
Why this theme?
Making one’s own decisions is a basic human right, but still too often far from the reality of people with intellectual disabilities. How can different forms of supported decision-making, as well as legal capacity and electoral laws address this situation? Which improvements have already taken place? These are some of the questions we’ll be talking about at the conference.
The right to live independently will be another topic, closely linked to decision-making. We will speak about the progress Lithuania and other countries have made in ensuring this right, and about what it means for families when a person with an intellectual disability prepares for an independent life.
The specific situation of people with complex support needs will always be taken into account.
What will happen at the conference?
At this conference, Inclusion Europe will listen to people with first-hand experience on the topic: people with intellectual disabilities themselves and their parents. They will also be hearing form specialists working in the field or doing research. The event will be a space for discussion, for exchanging opinions and sharing experiences of how to overcome certain barriers and worries. We hope that through the diversity of speakers, the conference will be a good opportunity for opening up new perspectives, raising awareness of the importance of these themes, and for potential cooperation.
Where can I find more information?
Please do not hesitate to visit the conference website for information about accommodation options, participation fees and of course, to register.

Europe in Action conference "Making decisions - living independently".- Vilnius, Lithuania
2019-06-05 - 2019-06-07 | Hotel Panorama, Sodų str. 14, Vilnius, LT-01313, Lithuania
Europe in Action is an annual conference which brings together more than 200 people with intellectual disabilities, their families and professionals.
The conferences are organised by Inclusion Europe and a national partner organisation (Inclusion Europe member).
They discuss issues important to them and share experiences and ideas to advance inclusion. The first Europe in Action conference was organised in 2001.
See past Europe in Action conferences
Why this theme?
Making one’s own decisions is a basic human right, but still too often far from the reality of people with intellectual disabilities. How can different forms of supported decision-making, as well as legal capacity and electoral laws address this situation? Which improvements have already taken place? These are some of the questions we’ll be talking about at the conference.
The right to live independently will be another topic, closely linked to decision-making. We will speak about the progress Lithuania and other countries have made in ensuring this right, and about what it means for families when a person with an intellectual disability prepares for an independent life.
The specific situation of people with complex support needs will always be taken into account.
What will happen at the conference?
At this conference, we will listen to people with first-hand experience on the topic: people with intellectual disabilities themselves and their parents. We will also be hearing form specialists working in the field or doing research. The event will be a space for discussion, for exchanging opinions and sharing experiences of how to overcome certain barriers and worries. We hope that through the diversity of speakers, the conference will be a good opportunity for opening up new perspectives, raising awareness of the importance of these themes, and for potential cooperation.
How can I register?
To register, please fill in the registration form.

Webinar on the new European Standard on Design for All.- Online
2019-05-21 14:30 - 15:30 (Europe/Paris)
The European Disability Forum (EDF) and the European Association for the Coordination of Consumer Representation in Standardisation (ANEC) organise a one hour webinar on the new European Standard EN 17761 “Design for All – Accessibility following a Design for All approach in products, goods, and services – Extending the range of users”.
ANEC, and EDF will present this European Standard, as well as for what it can be useful, and the overall actions requested by the European Commission Mandate 473, aiming at mainstreaming Design for All and accessibility in European standardisation. They will also explore the relationship between this European Standard with EU legislation, such as on public procurement and the recently adopted European Accessibility Act.
Last March the European Standard Organisation CEN published the European Standard EN 17161 “Design for All – Accessibility following a Design for All approach in products, goods and services – Extending the range of users”. With this standard, organisations and businesses will have concrete requirements and recommendations to incorporate internally and resulting in products and services accessible for all – a Design for All approach. This standard will aid the organization in taking into consideration the needs, capabilities and preferences of the greatest extent possible of users, so persons with disabilities and people with functional limitations (like older people) will be able to access the products and services on an equal basis with others.
Speakers:

Chiara Giovannini, Senior Manager, ANEC
Elizabeth O’Ferrall, Standards-Technical, National Standards Authority of Ireland
Alejandro Moledo, Policy Coordinator, EDF

More information here
Register here

Annual Convention for Inclusive Growth 2019.- Brussels 2019
2019-05-20 | Crowne Plaza, Crowne Plaza 3, Brussels, 1000, Belgium
The Annual Convention for Inclusive Growth is an action-oriented platform bringing together civil society organisations and policymakers to discuss how to achieve truly inclusive growth. Its fourth edition will take place in Brussels on 20 May 2019.
This is an opportunity for the EU to:

reflect on its social dimension and on how to adapt our social models to current and future challenges,
develop long-term solutions to fight poverty, increase employment and strengthen social cohesion and inclusion for all.

Inclusive Growth post-2020: looking at the future of Social Europe
This year, the one-day event will focus on the future of Social Europe. The European Pillar of Social Rights, the 2030 Agenda and the new multiannual financial framework (MFF) are providing the structure for our work on social and economic inclusion in the years ahead.
The plenary debate and the workshops will tackle specific issues and lead to conclusions and policy recommendations.
Interactive workshops for audience engagement
Seven morning workshops will look at the various policy areas that are relevant for inclusive growth objectives:

Implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights as the vehicle for the Sustainable Development Goals in the social area,
Improving social policy governance in Europe: cross-sector collaboration, public-private partnerships,
Let’s talk to each other: how to improve communicating Social Europe with the EU citizens,
Adapting to the future of work: from childhood to adult and ongoing learning,
How the next MFF and its financial instruments can be best used for inclusive growth,
The future of the EU Disability Strategy,
Social services: integrated approaches as a means to deliver the Pillar.

Side events will give participants the chance to share their experiences and ideas in the afternoon while a ‘speed-dating’ session will boost the exchange of best practices on how to turn the Pillar of Social Rights into reality.
The convention will be opened by Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility.

Autism, gender and sexuality conference.- Leeds, UK
2019-05-17 | Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
In this brand new, one-day conference, we explore the relationships between autism, gender, and sexuality.

Evidence suggests that there is a greater proportion of autistic people with gender dysphoria than among the general public. (Heylens G. et al, 2018) Also, that many autistic people identity as LGBTQI+ and that these identities may differ and fluctuate over a lifetime.

Why is there a high prevalence of gender and sexual orientation diversity amongst autistic people? What specific challenges do autistic LGBTQI+ individuals face? How can autistic people best be supported in exploring their sexual and gender identity?
Attendees will hear personal insight, reports of best practice, have the opportunity to put their questions to the experts and contribute to discussions.

Register now
View the programme in full

2ème édition nationale du DuoDay.- France
2019-05-16
Le DuoDay est un évènement européen pour favoriser le changment de regard sur l’handicap. Il permet à une personne handicapée de composer un dou avec un professionnel durant une journée et de s’immerger dans son quotidien.
Pour les personnes handicapées, c’est la possibilité de découvirir un métier ou un secteur d’activité. Pour les entreprises, c’est l’opportunité de sensibiliser leurs équipes, de dépasser les préjugés et de découvrir les compétences et les qualités professionelles de ces personnes.
Tout le monde peut participer : les entreprises, administrations, collectivités, associations et toute personne en situation de handicap de plus de 14 ans. Pour candidater, rendez-vous sur www.duoday.fr.
L’année 2019 marque une nouvelle étape dans le développement du DuoDay, avec la mise en place d’un Centre d’Appel National.
L’opération Duoday est née en Irlande en 2008 sous la dénomination JobShadow Day. Elle a ensuite été reprise par la Belgique en 2010, puis par beaucoup d’autres pays européens et se transforme aujourd’hui en véritable dynamique européenne dont France est bien évidemment 100% partie prenante !
Pour 2019, les pays participants, sous la dénomination Duoday ou JobShadow sont :

L’Irlande : www.iase.ie/job-shadow/
La Belgique : www.duoday.be/
La France : www.duoday.fr
La Hongrie : https://nekedmunka.hu/inenglish/
La Finlande : www.vates.fi/vates/job-shadow-day.html
Le Portugal : www.facebook.com/marca.local
Le Suède : www.sfse.se/jobshadow/
L’Allemagne : www.duoday.de/
L’Ecosse : www.suse.org.uk/duo-day/
Le Luxembourg : http://adem.public.lu/
La Grèce

Forum sur l'inclusion des personnes extra-ordinaires au théâtre.- Brussels, Belgium
2019-05-14 13:00 - 17:30 (Europe/Paris)
Dans le cadre du Label “spectacle d’utilité publique 2019” décerné par la COCOF au spectacle “Is there life on Mars?”, la compagnie What’s Up, le Théâtre National et le Théâtre des Martyrs organisent un forum de rencontre et de réflexion sur l’inclusion des personnes extra-ordinaires au théâtre.
Pour les personnes en situation de handicap, ayant des troubles sensoriels, des troubles de la communication ou pour toutes les personnes qui ne sont pas à l’aise avec les conventions d’un contexte de représentation traditionnel, la porte d’un théâtre peut être difficile à franchir.
Quels outils mettre en place pour l’inclusion de ces personnes, que ce soit pour y être spectateur.trice, pour intégrer un collectif d’artistes sur scène, pour travailler au sein d’une équipe dans un établissement culturel ? Comment collaborer avec l’institution théâtrale, les artistes et les travailleurs sociaux ? Comment communiquer sur l’inclusion et garantir des représentations dans les meilleures conditions pour l’ensemble des spectateurs.trices ?
Une après-midi pour sensibiliser le secteur culturel et l’ensemble des spectateurs.trices autour de cette thématique et se donner des leviers pour améliorer nos pratiques à travers des témoignages, la découverte d’initiatives d’inclusion belges et étrangères et un moment d’échange.
Programme
13h00 : Accueil
13h30 : Introduction
13h45 : Publics extra-ordinaires : états des lieux (spécificités, besoins et perspectives)
Interventions de Almagic, le CRAC et Article 27
14h30 : Focus sur l’inclusion: présentation d’initiatives belges et étrangères
Interventions de Horizon 2000, Audioscenic, le Festival Imago (FR), Le Label Culture Inclusive (CH)
15h40-16h00 : Pause café
16h00 : Echange entre le public et les intervenants et Mindmapping
17h00 : Conclusion par Aude Garrely
17h30 : Apéro-rencontre
19h00 : Représentation du spectacle « Is there life on Mars ? »
Réservation indispensable avant le 3 mai 2019 :
billetterie@theatre-martyrs.be
+32 (0)2 223 32 08

2019 Work Forum on the implementation of the UN CRPD in the EU and its Member States.- Brussels, Belgium
2019-05-13
The Work Forum on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN Convention) is taking place in Brussels on 13 May.
The Forum brings together representatives of those responsible for implementing and monitoring the UN Convention, both at EU and national level; these are Focal Points, Coordination Mechanisms and Monitoring Mechanisms. Civil society and disabled people’s organisations also actively participate in the Work Forum.
The Work Forum aims at ensuring that the UN Convention is fully implemented across the EU. It allows to share experiences on its practical implementation and monitoring and to promote solutions to common challenges. It addresses substantive rights as well as governance matters. It is organised by the European Commission and takes place every year since 2010.
This year, the Work Forum will focus on:

Political Participation: Upcoming European Elections
Claiming Rights under the UNCRPD: How and Where?
Interplay between the UNCRPD and the Other International Conventions

Registration for the conference can be made only upon invitation.
Related documents

Autism-Europe General Assembly 2019.- La Spezia, Italy
2019-05-04 - 2019-05-05

World Autism Awareness Day
2019-04-02 | Worldwide
On December 18, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/139, which declares that every April 2 will mark World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). Each year, Autism-Europe works together with its member organisations to conduct campaigns that raise awareness of autism and the rights of people with autism across Europe.
More information

A new dynamic for autism.- Geneva, Switzerland
2019-04-01 13:30 - 15:00 (Europe/Paris) | UN Palais des Nations, Palais des Nations, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
Autism-Europe is organising a side event with members of the CRPD committee on April 1st 2019 at the UN Palais of Nations in Geneva (Room XVII of UNOG), Switzerland.
On the eve of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), this event aims at highlighting ways to tackle barriers faced by autistic people when implementing the UNCRPD in various fields of life.

Speakers

Stéf. Bonnot-Briey (Autism-Europe);
Olivier Zimmermann (Autisme Genève);
Nigel Borg (self-advocate, Malta)
Heta Pukki (Autistic Spectrum Finland);
Alistair De Gaetano (moderator and chair of the autism advisory council Malta).

Download the programme here
Captioning will be provided in English.
Registration
To register for the event, please follow this link and register to the CRPD’s 21st session , 1st April.
if you don’t have one, you first need to create an Indico account. If you are not part of an NGO, under “representation type”, please indicate “other”, and then “World Autism Awareness Day” under organization name and then “badge type”: “other”.
Co-sponsor(s)
Permanent Mission of Malta

2eme Forum Autisme Pyrénées- L'inclusion en 2019.- Lannemezan, France
2019-03-30 09:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Paris)
Pour la deuxième année consécutive, l’Association Autisme Pyrénées organise son grand Forum. Le thème de cette année 2019 est l’habitat inclusif et l’insertion professionnelle des personnes autistes.
Des intervenants reconnus seront présents, ce 30 mars 2019, à Lannemezan, pour débattre du sujet :

Stef Bonnot-Briey, Experte d’usage Professionnelle TSA
Josef Schovanec, Saltimbanque de l’autisme
Dr Eric Lemonnier, Directeur du Centre Expert Autisme du Limousin

​​​​​​Stands exposants : i2form, Auticonsult, PictoTask, HApPY®, CRA, Vox Scriba, Fondation Frédéric Gaillanne
Exposition Artistes Différents, deuxième “Semaine Bleue” à Lannemezan

du 25 au 30 mars 2019 (vernissage le 27 mars à 19h30)
voir l’expo 2018
Un artiste édité : Julien Auclair

Pour des raisons d’organisation, il est conseillé de réserver, les places sont en nombre limité.
S’inscrire
Programme
08h30 – 09h00: Accueil du public (café de bienvenue)
09h00 – 09h30: Introduction (Thierry Dusautoir / Jean-Bernard Sempastous / Bernard Plano / Christine Meignien / Carole Saint-Orens)
09h30 – 11h00: Dr Éric Lemonnier, « Autisme et diagnostic »
11h00 – 12h00: Présentations des partenaires HApPY®, questions-réponses
12h00 – 14h00: Pause déjeuner*, rendez-vous sur les stands et à l’exposition
14h00 – 15h00: Stef. Bonnot Briey, « Autisme, autonomie et formation »
15h00 – 16h00: Josef Schovanec, « Autisme, université et créativité »
16h00 – 16h30: Gabrielle Blinet, « Autisme, Job coaching et emploi »
16h30 – 17h00: Pascal Lazerand, « Rendre la technologie utile »
17h00 – 17h45: Carole Saint-Orens, « HApPY®, Le programme d’inclusion »
17h45 – 18h00: Clôture

Disability Intergroup open event: "Don't take my spot - the European Disability Parking Card".- Brussels
2019-03-18 16:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Paris) | European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, Bruxelles, Bruxelles-Capitale, Région de;Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, 1047, Belgium
The Disability Parking Card is one of the most visible EU initiatives for persons with disabilities, and it is also one of the oldest ones. In this conference three main issues realting the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities will be discussed: (1) The different ways in which the Card is issued; (2) Who is eligible for the Card; and (3) Fraudulent use and blocking of parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities.
The Member States are responsible for designating the authorities that distribute the Cards, usually on local or regional level, and each Member State also decides who is eligible for the Card. Since each Member States can also decide what the rules are for when the Card is applied, this has led to some confusion.
The event will include with speakers from national authorities, users of the Cards, and European policy makers.
The event is co-hosted by Members of the European Parliament Olga Sehnalová, Helga Stevens and Ádám Kósa.
Check the agenda here
Register here

Rencontre Handicap, Recherche et Citoyenneté de la FIRAH.- Paris, France
2019-03-14 18:00 - 21:00 (Europe/Paris) | Ministère des Solidarités et de la Santé , 14 Avenue Duquesne, Paris, 75350, France
Les Rencontres Handicap, Recherche et Citoyenneté mettent en lumière les résultats de recherches finalisées ainsi que les nouveaux projets qui vont débuter prochainement. Organiséee par la Fondation FIRAH, la rencontre aura lieu le 14 mars 2019 à partir de 18h au Ministère des Solidarités et de la Santé (salle Laroque).
Ces recherches sont présentées, sous forme de table ronde, réunissant les participants à la recherche : chercheurs, personnes handicapées et familles, professionnels, etc.
L’objectif est de porter un regard croisé sur ces travaux concernant à la fois leurs intérêts scientifiques mais aussi sociétaux avec leurs apports concrets et utiles au quotidien.
La première table ronde sera dédiée à une recherche sélectionnée dans le cadre de l’appel à projets « Handicap & Grande Précarité » 2018, lancé par la FIRAH, la Fondation MAAF Initiatives et Handicap et la Croix Rouge Française :
Dans quelle mesure la situation de handicap est un facteur de non-recours à l’urgence sociale pour les populations sans-abri ? L’exemple de Paris et de Lausanne pour construire un Cahier des charges de l’accessibilité
Une recherche menée par : le CREAI Ile de France avec la Haute École de Travail Social de Lausanne, l’Université Paris 8 Vincennes Saint-Denis ainsi que des acteurs de terrain de la grande précarité (le SAMU social de Paris, l’Armée du Salut…) et des associations intervenant dans le domaine du handicap.
Il s’agit de mesurer la manière dont la situation de handicap des personnes sans-abri ayant des incapacités motrices et/ou sensorielles à Paris et à Lausanne, est un frein pour recourir aux dispositifs de l’urgence sociale (115, maraudes pédestres et motorisées, ainsi que les Centres d’Hébergement d’Urgence), en limitant l’accessibilité aux établissements et services médico-sociaux et aux accompagnements de l’aide sociale, pour ces populations dont les besoins spécifiques ne sont pas, toujours, pris en compte. Cette Recherche-Action-Collaborative a pour objectif de proposer des pistes pragmatiques en construisant avec des personnes sans-abri et des professionnels de l’urgence sociale et du handicap, un cahier des charges de l’accueil et de l’accompagnement des personnes handicapées.

Inscription gratuite et en ligne

Programme

10th Anniversary Autism Professionals Conference; Birmingham, UK
2019-03-07 08:00 - 2019-03-08 17:00 (Europe/Paris) | International Convention Centre (ICC), Birmingham, Broad St, Birmingham, B1 2EA, UK, United Kingdom
Celebrate the Natioanl Autistic Society’s 10th anniversary conference. There is a new location, a new venue and 2019’s conference will be one to remember.
The annual two-day conference is a unique opportunity for professionals to discuss best practice and share learning. Hear the latest information from leading experts in the field and learn from case studies illustrating best practice. With three different seminar streams to choose from there is something for everyone, also why not attend our Autism Professionals Awards evening which recognises professionals and services who are leading the way in innovative autism practice.
More information

Promoting Independent Living and Participation in Society for People with Disabilities: Emerging practices from the European Union.- Brussels
2019-03-06 12:00 - 14:00 (Europe/Paris) | European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, Bruxelles, Bruxelles-Capitale, Région de;Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, 1047, Belgium
Member of the European parliament Marian Harkin, the European Disability Forum (EDF), the European Network on independent Living (ENIL) and Eurofound organise a lunchtime event on facilitating independent living of people with disabilities.
The event will see the launch of two key pieces of research into independence and wellbeing for people with disabilities. The first will be a publication by EDF and ENIL on good practice around Europe for fostering independent living and autonomy and preventing the institutionalisation of people with disabilities. The second publication will set out fresh research by Eurofound into the evolving levels of wellbeing of people with disabilities in the EU.
The event will provide an opportunity to explore new findings and to discuss the key messages emerging from the research.
The organisers look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be a lively debate focusing on new findings and innovative ideas in the field of disability.
A light lunch will be served for participants after the event.
Register for free
Download the draft programme
Download the poster of the event

Photo Exhibition "Europe without barriers".- Brussels, Belgium
2019-03-05 14:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Paris) | European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, Bruxelles, Bruxelles-Capitale, Région de;Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, 1047, Belgium
In the framework of the European Film Festival “Integration You & Me”, the exhibition “Europe without barriers” will be held on the European Parliament, in Brussels in JAN 2Q2, organised by Member of the European Parliament Marek Plura.
The exhibition opening will start by the movie screening which were shown during the European Film Festival ‘Integration You and Me’and will be also connected with photo exhibition.
The Festival shows real dramas, biographies of interesting people with disabilities, great poverty, but also boundless love.
Before the screening, a light lunch will be provided for participants.
Download the invitation of the event
Registration
Due to need of preparing visitors badge and to know the amount of guests, information with list of people,who will participate at the event will be sent by the 27th February 2019 at the following email address: marek.plura@ep.europa.eu

European Film Festival "Integration You & Me" review.- Brussels, Belgium
2019-03-05 12:00 - 13:00 (Europe/Paris) | European Parliament, Rue Weirz 60, Brussels, 1047, Belgium
On Tuesday 5 March 2019, the European Film Festival “Integration You & Me” will be held at the European Parliament in Brussels (Altiero Spinelli ASP 2Q2) hosted by Member of the European Parliament Marek Plura.
“Integration Me and You” is annual film festival started from 2003.
Event is dedicated to represent talented film makers and them art, which is inspired by the idea of humanism and boundless love between different groups of people, focusing on relation between disabled people and external world.
Audiovisual art represents daily life of disabled people, different barriers and problems which they faced and struggle with every single day. Films describe the problem of society inclusion of disabled people and promote important idea of common integration in all aspects of life between all citizens of the world. All movies are full of grateful spirits of power and talents with which those people are gifted.
Another part of festival is photo exhibition, and movie screening is connected with it. There are dozens of pictures represent us a beauty of disabled people, shows them passions and makes us inspire to believe that disabilities are existing only in our minds.
More information about the festival
Download the poster of the event
Registration
Due to need of preparing visitors badge and to know the amount of guests, information with list of people,who will participate at the event will be sent by the 27th February 2019 at the following email address: marek.plura@ep.europa.eu

#ThisTimeWeAreVoting! - Brussels, Belgium
2019-02-26 01:30 - 15:00 (Europe/Paris) | European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, Bruxelles, Bruxelles-Capitale, Région de;Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, 1047, Belgium
People with intellectual disabilities are eager and ready to vote. Why do the European elections matter to them and what makes electoral participation possible for them? Join Inclusion Europe for a discussion at the European Parliament.
We will talk about this topic at the launch of our manifesto on the European elections.
At the event, the Fundamental Rights Agency will present their updated report on “The right to political participation for persons with disabilities”.
How can I register?
Please fill in the registration form
Draft agenda

12:30
Meeting at the European Parliament and entry controls

13:30
Welcome and opening of the event
Sylvie Guillaume (S&D, Vice president of the European Parliament)

13:40
Make the most of the European elections for people with intellectual disabilities and their families
Jyrki Pinomaa (President, Inclusion Europe)

13:50
Report of the Fundamental Rights Agency on political participation of people with disabilities
Martha Stickings (EU Fundamental Rights Agency)

14:00

Practicing the right to vote and participating in politics
· Jean Mylonas (self-advocate at Inclusion asbl, Belgium)
· José Smits (Secretary-General, Inclusion Europe) (TBC)
· Representative, Youth Forum (TBC)
· Representative, European Movement International (TBC)

14.35
Short Interventions by MEPs

14.55
Closing remarks
Sylvie Guillaume (S&D, Vice president of the European Parliament)

Autism-Europe Executive Committee meeting.- Brussels, Belgium
2019-02-02 - 2019-02-03 | Autism-Europe, Rue Montoyer 39, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium

Disability Intergroup's Seminar Political Participation and New Year's Reception- Brussels, Belgium
2019-01-30 17:00 - 19:00 (Europe/Paris) | European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, Bruxelles, Bruxelles-Capitale, Région de;Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, 1047, Belgium
When: 30 January 2018, 5-7pm, Followed by New Years reception
Where: Brussels, European Parliament, Members Restaurant
Hosted by: MEPs Marek Plura, Helga Stevens, Adam Kosa
Click here to register
More information about the Disability Intergroup

Rough Justice? How is the justice system serving autistic people?- London, UK
2018-12-13 09:15 - 16:30 (Europe/London) | Church House, Westminster, SW1P 3NZ, Westminster, SW1P 3NZ, United Kingdom
The conference will explore critical aspects of how the justice system currently serves those autistic people who might experience it – as suspects, offenders, witnesses and professionals. The consequences of failure can be far reaching and with serious consequences for all concerned. It is essential that best practice is understood, developed and applied. This will include representation, communication, interviews and options for dealing with autistic people at each stage of the criminal justice process.
We will learn from a range of speakers with first-hand expertise to develop our understanding and importantly our practice. This will include prominent figures from the law, including law enforcement and other areas of the justice system, academia and from autistic people and their families. We are delighted that award winning solicitor Karen Todner has agreed to give the keynote.
The conference will appeal to legal professionals, including judges, magistrates, solicitors and barristers, law enforcement personnel including the police and other professionals associated with the justice system including prisons, probation service, relevant health professionals and those in other advocacy or Appropriate Adult roles.

European Day of Persons With Disabilities 2018
2018-12-03 - 2018-12-04 | Charlemagne Building,, Rue de la Loi 170, Brussels, 1000, Belgium
The annual European conference on the Day of Persons with Disabilities will take place on the 3rd and 4th of December 2018. Hosted by the European Commission, in partnership with the European Disability Forum, this event is part of the EU’s wider efforts to promote the mainstreaming of disability issues and to raise awareness of the everyday challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
Politicians, high-level experts and self-advocates will be present in order to discuss the challenges, the solutions and the projects that are being prepared for improving policies for persons with disabilities.
The 2018 conference will give participants the opportunity to discuss the potential shape of the next European Disability Strategy, but also the possible ways in which it could be implemented, notably in the context of the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
In 2018 we also celebrate the European Year of Cultural Heritage and this event will be a way to ask ourselves about the accessibility of cultural heritage. What has been done so far and what does the EU plan for its citizens with disabilities so that its cultural wealth can be enjoyed on an equal basis with other citizens? How can we make sure that cultural heritage will be taken into account in the next strategy?
Cultural heritage will also be one important element of this year’s Access City Award. Ms. Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility will hand out the three traditional awards to the most accessible European cities. To mark the European Year of Cultural Heritage, a special prize will be also awarded to two cities which have made an effort to improve access to cultural heritage. For this special occasion, Mr. Tibor Navracsics, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport will attend the ceremony, where he and Commissioner Thyssen shall hand out the special prizes together to the winning cities.
Download the draft programme
December 3, 2018
08.30 – 09.30 Registration and welcome coffee
09.30 – 10.00 Opening
10.00 – 12.30 Panel 1 – The path towards the new European Disability Strategy
12.30 – 14.00 Lunch break
14.00 – 17.00 Panel 2 – How will the next Multiannual Financial Framework contribute to the implementation of the new strategy?
17.00 End of Day 1
19.30 Dinner
December 4, 2018
08.30 – 09.00 Registration and welcome coffee
09.00 – 10.30 Panel 3 – Making cultural heritage accessible to all
10.30 – 11.00 Conclusions EDPD 2018
11.30 – 12.30 Access City Award 2018 ceremony
Ms Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility will chair the ceremony and hand out the trophies to winning cities.
Mr. Tibor Navracsics, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport will hand out the trophies to the winning cities in the frame of access to cultural heritage.
12.30 – 14.00 Lunch
FRA EVENT (14.00 – 17.00)
Immediately after the European Day of Persons with Disabilities conference on 4 December, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) will launch the findings of its fieldwork research on drivers and barriers of deinstitutionalisation. The seminar, hosted by European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and the European Expert Group on transition from institutional to community-based care, provides an opportunity to discuss how policymakers and practitioners can implement successful deinstitutionalisation processes. All EDPD participants are warmly invited to attend.
