Autism Europe

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Practice. Maastricht, Netherlands
2018-10-25 - 2018-10-26 | Maastricht University, Faculty of Law, Bouillonstraat 1-3, Maastricht, 6211 LH, Netherlands
This conference will present a co-ordinated series of accounts of how the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is being used and interpreted in domestic courts in a variety of jurisdictions.
The conference will draw on the emerging field of comparative international law and will provide a critical analysis of the factors which underpin the extent and nature of the use of the CRPD by domestic courts.
The conference will present some of the key findings of the book: Lisa Waddington and Anna Lawson (eds.), The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Practice: A Comparative Analysis of the Role of Courts, OUP, 2018. In addition, it will be an opportunity to engage in deeper analysis and discussion with legal practitioners (lawyers, judges and members of equality authorities which have a quasi-judicial role) regarding the way in which the CRPD is being used by courts and tribunals.
Organisers: Professor Lisa Waddington and Dr. Andrea Broderick (Maastricht University), with Professor Anna Lawson (Leeds University)
Registration is open now!
Register here

The new MFF and cohesion policy: how to better use EU funds for persons with disabilities in the new financial framework. Brussels, Belgium
2018-10-23 09:30 - 13:00 (Europe/Paris) | European Economic and Social Commitee- Salle VMA3, Rue Van Maerlant 2, Bruxelles, 1040, Belgium
The European Economic and Social Committe Study Group on Disability Rights is organising a public hearing on “The new Multiannaul Financial Framework (MFF) and cohesion policy: how to better use EU funds for persons with disabilities in the new financial framework”.
The aim of the event is to look into the changes for funds available for inclusions of persons with disabilities in the new MFF and cohesion policy.
Based also on presentations of good practices, we will try to identify what worked and what did not in the past MFF and make recommendations for the future.
Your presence and input are most welcome!

AsIAm National Autism Conference 2018: “Building Inclusive Communities”- Dublin, Ireland
2018-10-20 08:00 - 17:30 | The Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co. Dublin., Grove Road, Malahide, Co., Dublin, K36 XT65, Ireland
The 3rd Annual AsIAm National Autism Conference will explore the theme of Building Inclusive Communities. Since its inception, the AsIAm Conference has been a place to highlight and discuss issues that are important to the autistic community in Ireland; from school to the world of work right through to growing up, making friends and sexuality.
This year’s #AsIAmConf18 will not only build on this work but also look at practical ways in which we can really create a more inclusive Ireland right through all stages of life.
AsIAm is always delighted with the huge interest in the event and work hard to ensure that it is as accessible and inclusive as possible for all members of the autism community.
Conference Agenda
8.00 Registration including Sensory Friendly Registration Area
9.30 Conference Opening Address
9.45 Keynote: Autism: How My Unstoppable Mother proved the Professionals Wrong (Chris Varney ICAN Network Australia)
10.30 Refreshments and Exhibition
11.15 Breakout Sessions
Breakout 1: Building Inclusive Primary Education (Maja Toudal, Danish Self-Advocate)
Breakout 2: Building Inclusive Work Opportunities (Cat Hughes – DCU Autism Friendly University Coordinator)
Breakout 3: Building Inclusive Clubs (Zarah Doyle – Special Education Tutor)
Breakout 4: Building Inclusive Communities (Robin Bush – Chief Executive, Autism Together)
12.00 Main Stage: Building an Inclusive Ireland (Conference Sponsor – SuperValu)
12.15 Lunch and Exhibition
1.30 Keynote: Energy Accounting – Managing everyday life activities to avoid overloading (Maja Toudal, Danish Self-Advocate)
2.45 Breakout Sessions
Breakout A: Building Inclusive Secondary Education (Shaun Greville – NCSE)
Breakout B: Building Inclusive workplaces (Chris Varney, ICAN Network Australia)
Breakout C: Building Inclusive Early Years Learning (Fiona Ferris – AsIAm Early Years Training Programme)
Breakout D: Building Inclusive Communities (Robin Bush – Chief Executive, Autism Together)
3.45 Speaker Panel Discussion
4.30 AsIAm Projects Update
5.30 Conference Close
(Please note: agenda is subject to change)
Any ticketing related queries should be directed to ticketing@asiam.ie.

Inclusion and Human Rights- From concepts to practices.- Pinhal Novo, Portugal
2018-10-20 | Auditório Municipal de Pinhal Novo, Praça da Indepêndencia S/N, Pinhal Novo, 2955-120, Portugal
Inovar Autismo – Associação de Cidadania e Inclusão, will hold its first International Seminar the 20th October 2018.
For the first time in Portugal, Inovar Autismo is honored to count on Pietro Cirrincione, Vice President of Autism-Europe, as special guest of this event.
The event will also feature a large and prestigious multidimensional panel of speakers, with and without disabilities, as you can see in the attached programme.
The conference will highlight the following topics:

Self-determination and self-presentation
Independent living and human rights
The challenge of inclusion over the life cycle transitions
The new legislation of inclusive schools in Portugal

Download the poster
Download the detailed programme of the event
Register here

La vie affective et sexuelle des jeunes en situation de handicap.- Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgique
2018-10-18 09:00 - 16:30 | Aula Magna, Place Raymond Lemaire, Louvain-la-Neuve, 1348
L’objectif de cette journée est d’ouvrir la réflexion et d’échanger des pistes de travail tant avec des experts en la matière qu’entre participants venus d’institutions diverses et vivant dès lors des réalités de terrain et pratiques différentes.
Parce que les pulsions, la découverte de son corps et du corps de l’autre, le désir, les premiers sentiments amoureux et l’ébullition que le fait de grandir provoquent n’apparaissent pas subitement à l’âge adulte, les professionnels travaillant en centres d’hébergement/centres de jour pour enfants/adolescents ou au sein d’écoles spécialisées sont confrontés à l’éveil de la sensualité et de la sexualité des jeunes au quotidien.
Parfois décontenancés par leurs questions, par leurs mises en acte, par les réactions des familles, ces éducateurs, psychologues, … ont cependant une mission d’éducation et d’accompagnement de ces jeunes y compris dans le domaine de la vie relationnelle, affective et sexuelle.

Ce que nous devons aux marginaux. Namur, Belgique
2018-10-17 20:15 - 22:00 | Université de Namur – Amphithéâtre Pedro Arrupe Sentier Thomas, Rue de Bruxelles, Namur, 5000, Belgium
Depuis la métaphore de la manufacture d’épingles d’Adam Smith qui a véritablement inauguré l’économie moderne en la fondant sur la spécialisation des tâches et donc sur la nécessaire adéquation de l’être humain à un schéma socio-économique plutôt que l’inverse, l’idéal social tel que le promeuvent les écoles au sens le plus large ou encore le monde économique correspond à une normalisation, ou du moins à une évaluation normative, de l’être humain.
Pour autant, la figure, naguère au coeur de tout progrès et particulièrement valorisée, de l’excentrique créateur mû non point par les lois de l’économie ni par une quelconque nécessité mais motu proprio, n’a pas disparu. Après avoir esquissé quelques exemples modernes dans des domaines inattendus tels que la genèse des universités ou de l’ordre politique, nous pourrons également analyser le troublant phénomène de réécriture normalisante post-mortem des biographies de ces excentriques, afin de les rendre plus en phase avec les attentes sociales.
Josef Schovanec, docteur en philosophie, est saltimbanque dans l’autisme, chroniqueur à la Première (RTBF) et mineur de cryptomonnaies.

GrappleThon Belgium- 24h Brazilian Jiu jistsu charity marathon
2018-10-13 - 2018-10-14 | Aorta Training Centre, Rue de la Luzerne 40, Brussels, 1030, Belgium
GrappleThon addicts Weronika Urbanska and Mike Van Dammen organise a charity event in Brussels aiming at raising money for Autism-Europe and Blackbelts for Butterflies to support people on the autism spectrum. A GrappleThon is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) event where the BJJ community gets together to roll for a predetermined period, fundraising for a worthy cause.
Support the event
You can support this event by making a donation by clicking ont he following link or in cash on the day of the event:
Make a donation
Practical information

All clubs and/or affiliations are welcomed;
the event will run for 24h;
participants do not have to stay/roll for the whole event, they can drop in even just for one roll;
It might be an opportunity for people who wish to try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the first time to do so in a friendly environment;
the participation is free but organisers kindly ask to donate at least 1€ for charity;
GrappleThon is not a competition;
There will be prizes for participants, good music and friendly vibes to make it even more fun!

II Congress on Mental Health: Meeting the Needs of the XXI Century. Moscow, Russia
2018-10-05 08:00 - 2018-10-07 17:00 | Crowne Plaza Moscow – World Trade Centre, Krasnopresnenskaya Naberezhnaya, 12, Moscow, 123610, Russian Federation
The II Congress on Mental Health follows the success and continues the traditions of the I Congress on Mental Health that resulted in delivering 11 scientific events, 165 scientific reports, publication of the Collection of scientific papers from different areas of scientific knowledge in the mental health fields and development of the Declaration.
Autism-Europe’s President Zsuzsanna Szilvasy is part of the International Organizing Committee and will make a speech.
700 experts representing 33 countries introduced their commitment and priority tasks in the field of protection of people’s mental health.
Established on the initiative of the Russian NGOs uniting psychiatrists, psychotherapists, psychologists, teachers, lawyers, social workers, distinguished personalities from the world of culture and sport, and with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation, the Congress presented a practical regional model for effective collaboration in the field of mental health.
Having been recognized and supported by the international professional organizations including the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), the World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation (WAPR), the European Psychiatric Association (EPA), the World Council for Psychotherapy (WCP), the Action for Mental Health (AMH), the International Association on Social Security (ISSA), the Asian Federation for Psychotherapy (AFP), the Fédération Française de Psychothérapie et Psychanalyse, and the others, the Congress has created an interdisciplinary and intersectoral dialogue platform to discuss the ways of improving mental health at a global scale.

EASPD International Conference: “Technology and digitalisation in social care. The impact on Education, Employment and Independent Living”. Barcelona, Spain
2018-10-04 - 2018-10-05 | Caixa Forum Barcelona, Avinguda de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia 6-8, Barcelona, 08038
EASPD International Conference 2018 “Technology and digitalisation in social care. The impact on Education, Employment and Independent Living” Barcelona, 4 – 5 October 2018.
The conference will include actors from diverse fields: service providers, public authorities, disabled persons’ organisations.
Additionally to the conference, participants can attend a gala dinner, Interest Groups and Standing Committees meetings and the General Assembly only open to EASPD members (6 October).
Download the leaflet

Public hearing: Delivery of essential services in conjunction with the European Pillar of Social Rights- Brussels, Belgium
2018-10-03 14:30 - 17:30 | European Economic and Social Commitee- Salle VMA3, Rue Van Maerlant 2, Bruxelles, 1040, Belgium
The rights and principles forming the European Pillar of Social Rights fall into three areas, one of which is social protection and inclusion, which is to say everything touching upon living conditions in our society. The 20th and final principle of the European Pillar of Social Rights deals with “access to essential services”.

This principle establishes the right to essential services of good quality and gives a non-comprehensive list of those services most important to people’s daily lives. However, it raises more questions than it brings answers to the challenges.
First of all, the concept of essential services does not exist in the Treaties and therefore has no legal value. Why a new concept should be proposed instead of taking over that ofservices of general interest which is included in the Treaty as services of non economic services of general interest (NESGI) and services of general economic interest (SGEI)?
The examples cited by the European Commission to illustrate this principle, namely water, transport, energy, electricity, are SGEIs which are treated by Protocol 26 annexed to the Treaty, which goes beyond the concept of essential services, which speaks of a “right of access to quality services”, while the said Protocol also speaks of affordable prices, security, equal treatment, universal access and user rights.
The notion of “essential services” exists with certain international organizations, hence the question whether the European Commission intends to be part of a more global framework beyond that of the EU? Then it will be necessary to specify this frame.
Registration is open until 26 September 2018.

Register here

2nd World Summit on Accessible Tourism- Brussels, Belgium
2018-10-01 - 2018-10-02 | The Egg Brussels, Rue Bara 175, Brussels, 1070, Belgium
The theme of this 2nd Summit is: ‘The Accessible Tourism Chain’ and it will organise more than 20 sessions that will enrich all participants with the latest findings and innovations in accessible tourism knowledge. In conjunction with the Summit, an exhibition, focusing on ‘Accessible Leisure and Holiday’ will be hosted, allowing participants to discover and promote accessible tourist destinations worldwide.
A social and technical tour programme is beign built in line with Belgium’s renowned hospitable reputation to enjoy all areas of interest in and around Brussels, its region, products and services.
The 2nd World Summit on Accessible Tourism is a unique opportunity to showcase innovation and best practices in terms of accessible destinations worldwide. This edition of the Summit will welcome hundreds of participants and key players that welcome people with special needs thanks to the development and promotion of accessible destinations for all. Discover accessible tourist destinations, products and services from all over the world.

Concert- La nuit des loups.-Brussels, Belgium
2018-09-29 20:30 - 21:30 | La vénerie asbl Espace Delvaux, Rue Gratès 3, Watermael-Boitsfort, 1170, Belgium
Une étincelle entre Lou. B et les Gueules de Loup.
Heureux destin qui croise des talents. Ils sont jeunes, ils ont en commun la langue française et Watermael-Boitsfort. Cet été, en deux sessions ils ont échangé leurs compositions, leurs énergies, l’humour et proposent une aventure commune. Pour cette soirée, ce sera un seul plateau avec les cinq et suivant les besoins musicaux, ils entreront et sortiront dans les morceaux rock, reggae et les ballades.
Lou, comme d’autres enfants porteurs du syndrome de Morsier a des capacités musicales hors du commun et une mémoire sonore exceptionnelle. Il est capable d’interpréter au piano des airs de jazz, de rock ou de variétés parfois complexes. Timour, chanteur des Gueules de Loup a 16 ans et sa voix s’accorde parfaitement à celle de Lou, Julien est un formidable soliste, Tom le bassiste a une belle présence sonore et physique et le plus sage, le batteur Seb assume l’horloge du bazar !

An EU Strategy for Autism to Leave No One Behind– European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium
2018-09-25 10:30 - 12:30 | European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, Bruxelles, Bruxelles-Capitale, Région de;Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, 1047, Belgium
On the 25 September, Autism-Europe is organising a conference hosted by MEP Nicola Caputo in the room ASP 3H1 of the European Parliament in Brussels.
The event will explore the possibility of a future EU strategy on autism, and the added value it could give in improving the quality of life of autistic people and their families.
It will also be an occasion to present recent research into autism prevalence, early detection, ageing and the social costs of autism in different EU countries and regions. The research was conducted as part of the ASDEU programme, a grant for research into the social elements of autism, created at the request of the European Parliament.
Download the draft agenda
Download the invitation
To register simply fill out this online form
You will then be sent a confirmation email.
Following the security requirements of the European Parliament, you will be required to provide your name, your nationality, your date of birth and your ID number. This information will not be retained by Autism-Europe after the event.
Please note that as the venue has a limited capacity, places will be attributed on a first come first serve basis.
Autism-Europe follows strict EU legislation to ensure the protection of your private data. Information about of policy can be found on our website. Photographs will also be taken during the event, which might feature on Autism-Europe’s website and on social media to report on the event.

FRA's Fundamental Rights Forum.- Vienna, Austria
2018-09-25 - 2018-09-27 | METAStadt, Dr. Otto Neurath Gasse 3, Vienna, 1220, Austria
Global threats are eroding human rights progress and commitments. This is happening even though the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has existed for 70 years, and the EU has its very own Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The EU and its Member States are struggling to find effective answers to the problems people face. These include:

security concerns
economic worries
changing global migratory patterns
fake news
lack of public debate
alienation or ‘othering’

Populist movements are exploiting all of this for their own gain. As a result, society is being fragmented. Some groups increasingly feel separated, excluded and marginalised.
People in the EU risk losing their sense of belonging – both to the societies they live in and the values which underpin the EU. That said, the 2017 EU Citizenship report shows that Europeans expect more to be done to promote common values.
The Forum will be a catalyst to reignite a passion for fairness, justice and equality.
The Forum is a unique space for dialogue on the pressing human rights challenges in the EU. It is an opportunity to engage in new conversations and shape critical human rights agendas.
Among those meeting in Vienna will be leading global and European voices from:

politics
human rights
international and regional intergovernmental organisations
civil society
faith communities
the arts
business
trade unions
and many others

The Forum is organised by the European Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA).
Can I follow events at the Forum?
Registration for the Forum has closed. You can follow the event live by joining the debate online.
FRA has indicated Twitter usernames in the programme. Where possible, please use these to tag participants in posts and photos from the Forum. It’s great for their visibility and might get a retweet.
We have also created dedicated hashtags. Remember to include the Forum hashtag—#RightsForum18—in all your social posts, as this will help people to be able to find us as easily and through as many channels as possible.

#RebuildingTrust
#SharedNeighbourhoods
#RightsCulture
#MyRightsAreYourRights
#RightsTech
#HumanRightsMatter

Early Typical and Atypical DEvelopment (ETADE) Conference- Brainview project. London, UK
2018-09-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Centre for Brain and Cognition Developemtn (CBCD), University of London, Clore Building - Room B01 Birkbeck, University of London, London, WC1E 7JL, United Kingdom
This conference is the result of a 3-year European Union Marie Sklodowska-Curie Action aimed at the development of novel methods to detect autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders at an early age.
While BRAINVIEW is officially coming to a close, we aim to present results of our 3 year efforts, and continue to bring the most current and impactful research and tools on topics related to early typical and atypical development, and how they related to the early detection and intervention of neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and ADHD.
Autism-Europe is an observing partner of this project.
Register here

Call for Abstracts

Formats
ETADE 2018 will be accepting abstract for posters for presenting your contribution.
Submission
To submit your abstract for your poster, please email it to brainviewconference@gmail.com by June 1, 2018.
We are seeking high-quality and original submissions, posters, which will be reviewed by the ETADE Brainvew conference comittee on the basis of the methodology, originality of the work, writing quality and the overall contribution to the field of measuring behavior.

More information

Conference- Autisme: Changer le regard. Le syndrome d'Asperger au féminin. Liège, Belgium
2018-09-17 19:45 - 21:30 | Amphithéatres Opéra (ULiège), Place de la République Française 41, Liège, 4000, Belgium
Dans le cadre du cycle de conférences 2018-2019 du lundi, le Centre pour la Valorisation des Intelligences Multiples (CVIM) a l’honneur d’accueillir:
Julie DACHEZ, est autiste Asperger, blogueuse militante (emoiemoietmoi.over-blog.com), conférencière et docteure en psychologie sociale. Dans son travail de recherche, elle étudie les attitudes et les changements d’attitude à l’égard de l’autisme, les représentations sociales et les stratégies de coping.
Elle est auteure du roman graphique La différence invisible, paru aux éditions Delcourt et également auteure de Dans ta bulle!, paru aux éditions Marabout.
Liliya RESHETNYAK est titulaire d’un Master en RH et Entrepreneure dans l’accompagnement de profils atypiques hypersensibles, Asperger, HPI. Elle est passionnée par l’interaction entre le côté unique et différent de chacun, et l’intelligence collective.
Elle est également co-fondatrice & CEO de Hipip IN qui détecte les talents cachés et facilite l’intégration professionnelle des profils atypiques (Autistes Asperger, TDA/H, Dys…, Hypersensibles, HPI…) avec pour devise :
JE NE SUIS PAS DIFFÉRENT DE TOI, JE SUIS DIFFÉRENT COMME TOI.
Les bénéfices de cette conférence seront versés au profit du CVIM.
Cliquez ici pour vous inscrire
Le CVIM
Le CVIM est une ASBL fondée en 2013 à Liège (Belgique), qui a pour mission la Valorisation des Intelligences Multiples chez les personnes à hauts potentiels, quels que soient ces potentiels. Cette ASBL est spécialisée non seulement dans l’identification pluridisciplinaire des Intelligences atypiques, mais aussi dans l’accompagnement de ces profils à besoins spécifiques, tant en milieux scolaires qu’en milieux professionnels ou familiaux.
Le CVIM s’attache à mettre en avant les qualités et les valeurs intrinsèques des personnes accompagnées, pour leur permettre de les utiliser comme leviers dans leurs milieux de vie et arriver à leur épanouissement personnel, professionnel et familial.

Autistica's Autism Research Conference 2018- London, UK
2018-09-06 08:00 - 18:00 | University of London- Drysdale Building, Northampton Square, London, EC1V 0HB, United Kingdom
Autistica announces its first annual autism research conference on 6 September 2018 at City, University of London.

This conference will bring together autism researchers, autistic people, relatives and carers. As a group, we will discuss key areas of priority.
By bringing everyone together we can start to make real progress towards long, happy, healthy lives for all autistic people.
Join the event for:

keynote speeches from autistic people and researchers including Francesca Happé, Liz Pellicano and Tony Charman (autistic speakers TBC);
quick-fire oral presentations for early career researchers;
parallel sessions focusing on priority research areas: mental health, physical health, language and communication, epilepsy, complex needs and social care
poster presentations;
awards for early career researchers.

Find out more here
Early bird registration for the conference has now sold out. Standard registration will be available from 16th June until 31st July.
Tickets are available in three separate categories (community, senior researchers and professionals, early career researchers). For a description of each of these categories please click here.

Open Mic - Discrimination in the EU. Brussels, Belgium
2018-09-05 15:00 - 17:00 | Esplanade Solidarnosc, European Parliament (outside), Belgium
On the 5th September from 3 to 5 PM, Several European Parliament Intergroups (LGBT, Youth, Children Rights and ARDI) will hold an open mic session about the Equal Treatment Directive. It will take place on the Esplanade Solidarnosc (the terrace that connects Place du Luxembourg to the entrance of the European Parliament).
President of the European Disability Forum, Yannis Vardakastanis, will participate in the open mic session.
As the Equal Treatment Directive is strongly advocated for by the European Disability Movement, we kindly invite to participate as speaker or listener in the event.
Preliminary programme:
15:00-15.15 : Welcome
15:15-16:45 : Open mic
16:45-17:00 : Conclusion
Register here (as a speaker or listener)
Facebook event

CRPD - Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 20 Session. Geneva, Switzerland
2018-08-27 - 2018-09-21 | United Nations Human Rights Council, Geneva, Switzerland
The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities opens its 20thsession on August 27 during which it will review Algeria, Bulgaria, Malta, Philippines, Poland, South Africa and the FYR of Macedonia. It will also initiate the second cycle of review under the simplified reporting procedure by adopting list of issues prior to reporting on Austria, Azerbaijan, Germany, Mongolia and Sweden.
The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD Committee) is the body of independent experts which monitors implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) by the States Parties. All States Parties are obliged to submit regular reports to the Committee on how the rights of persons with disabilities are being implemented. The Committee examines each report, holds an interactive dialogue with the State delegation in a public session and makes recommendations on the steps which should be taken to improve CRPD implementation.
During this session, the Committee will review Algeria, Bulgaria, Malta, Philippines, Poland, South Africa and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; and it will also initiate the second cycle of review under the simplified reporting procedure by adopting list of issues prior to reporting on Austria, Azerbaijan, Germany, Mongolia and Sweden; as well as adopting list of issues on the initial report of Iraq.
The Committee also plans to make advances with the draft General Comment no. 7on Articles 4.3 and 33.3. In this sense, taking into account that the Day of General Discussion was held in June 11thin New York during the Civil Society Forum to the Conference of States Parties, the Committee will host two public events to give civil society the opportunity to raise comments on the draft general comment no. 7(version of May this year). These events will take place on August 27 and 5 September from 3 pm to 4 pm.
On August 31th, the CRPD Committee will host a celebration of the 10th years of activities of the Committee. Key partners and stay holders will be present to join the celebration and share their insights on the past decade and on the challenges laying ahead.
On September 13th, the CRPD Committee will host a Celebration of the International Day of Sign Languages, with the active participation of IDA´s member the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). See more in WFD Website.
This 20th session immediately will be followed the CRPD Committee’s 10th pre-session which took place from 24 to 27 September 2017 during which it will adopt the list of issues on Niger, Norway, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Turkey and Vanuatu.
All States reports and public written contributions by organizations of persons with disabilities, and other documents relevant to States review processes are available at the website of the Committee on its 20th sessionand on its 10th pre-session.
Programme of Work
The public sessions of the CRPD Committee, including State party reviews of Algeria, Bulgaria, Malta, Philippines, Poland, South Africa and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, will be webcast live by the United Nations Office of Geneva on UNTV .
Webcast will be provided in ENGLISH, International Sign, National Sign language and national language of the countries (ensured when language is a UN language)..
If audio is provided on a national language of a country which is not a UN language, it will be done so under the label “ORIGINAL” in the UN WebTV site.

ECCL Webinar 7 - Supporting people of all ages with complicated lives and support needs
2018-07-27 11:00 - 12:00
A webinar sharing practice in planning and support for people with very complicated support needs and lives to move out of institutions and live independently in the community. We will hear from Ralph Broad about Local Area Co-ordination and connecting people into their local communities and from a team in England supporting people to move out of long stay hospitals; Sam Sly, Jo Hogg and Denise Needleman (IOOH Ltd)
Registration link will be circulated after Webinar 6.

IACAPAP Congress 2018- Understanding diversity and uniqueness
2018-07-23 - 2018-07-27 | Prague Congress Centre, 5. května 1640/65, Prague, 4, 140 21, Czech Republic
The mission of the 23rd World Congress of the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP 2018) is to bring together Professionals involved in research and care on child and adolescent mental health across all disciplines from around the world.
Guided by the theme “Understanding Diversity and Uniqueness” the scientific program will review top-edge knowledge providing a base for an individualized approach to the mental health of children, adolescents and families. We are looking forward to welcoming you in the inspiring, historical city of Prague in the very heart of Europe.

Important Dates
8 January 2018
Abstract Submission Deadline
February 2018
Notification of Abstract Acceptance
21 March 2018
Early Bird Registration Deadline
21 March 2018
Registration Deadline for Presenting Authors
4 July 2018
Online Registration to Close

Mapping Exclusion event- Brussels, Belgium
2018-07-11 11:00 - 13:00 | European Parliament, Rue Wiertz 60, Bruxelles, Bruxelles-Capitale, Région de;Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, 1047, Belgium
Mental Health Europe organises an event in the European Parliament, hoisted by Tomáš Zdechovský MEP ( Czech Republic), to present the findings and policy recommendations from the Mapping and Understanding Exclusion report.
The event will examine how European Union (EU) funding can continue to support the inclusion of people with mental health problems through community-based services.
The event will examine:

The state of mental health services across Europe (35+ countries)
The case for investing in mental health
How EU funding could be used to promote human rights compliant and recovery-oriented mental health services
Human rights, mental health and the European situation
The perspective of users of community-based mental health support

A more detailed programme will be available shortly. In the meantime, you are invited to register to attend the event using the button below:
Register here by Monday 2 July.

50th Annual Autism Society National Conference- USA
2018-07-10 - 2018-07-12 | Hyatt Regency, Bethesda Maryland and United States Capitol Building, Washington, DC, United States
After 50 years of national conferences throughout the United States, the Autism Society is returning to the Washington, D.C. area for our 50th annual conference.
This conference will focus on how the Autism Society’s Quality of Life goals can help shape the future of autism.
Their new and improved conference format will keep the best of past conferences (unique and interesting educational sessions, networking opportunities and great speakers) but will also focus on how together we can make an impact on issues of critical national importance by making our voices heard on Capitol Hill.
Please plan on joining us in the Washington D.C. area for this one-of-a-kind opportunity to change lives!
Stay tuned for more information – registration opens in early January 2018.

Autism-Europe Executive Committee meeting. Brussels, Belgium
2018-07-07 - 2018-07-08 | Autism-Europe, Rue Montoyer 39, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium

Strategies for the inclusion of people with disabilities in European universities: experiences of a mobility programme- Antwerp, Belgium
2018-07-03 09:00 - 14:30 | AP University College Antwerp- Campus Spoor Noord, Noorderplaats 2, Antwerp, 2000, Belgium
The conference organised by the Erasmus+ project INnet Campus to promote access for students with disabilities to universities, as well as to analyse obstacles and opportunities, in order to increase the number of students with disabilities enrolled in European Universities. Moreover, their objective is to involve European Universities in these strategies of inclusion, in order to give a good example of compliance with the Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
INnet Campus aims to promote the transnational mobility of young people with disabilities and improve their access to university studies, thus reducing their early school dropout rate. It also plans to give universities the opportunity to reach potential students with disabilities and identify opportunities for improvement on their campuses. Finally, it aims to improve and promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the university community.
The programme helps students with disabilities who are currently studying stages of secondary education to continue their educational trajectory at the university level, since they have a high risk of early school leaving and a greater probability of social exclusion in the adulthood.
The organizers of the Conference are the Once Foundation, the Artesis Plantijn University College of Antwerp, the University of Granada and the Faculty of Law of the University of Lisbon.
The European Union believes that education has a key role to play in successfully integrating students into the labor market and into society, as well as to the social and economic development of the EU. The Europe 2020 strategy has set the target of reducing early school leavers below 10 per cent among 18- and 24-year-olds, with at least 40 per cent of those between 30 and 34 years of age completing higher education Tertiary level and reduce by at least 20 million the number of people at risk or risk of poverty and social exclusion.
One of the eight priority areas of action in the European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 is Education and Training. Its aim is to promote inclusive education for students with disabilities, and to increase the number of students with disabilities who successfully enter and finish their studies.
Agenda
9h – 9.30h. Welcome

Pascale De Groote. Director, AP University College of Antwerp (Belgium)
Isabel M. Martínez. Commissioner for University. ONCE Foundation

9.30h – 10.30h THE INCLUSION OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION. TOWARDS COMPLIANCE WITH THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE RIGHT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Marine Uldry. Responsible Human Rights of European Disability Forum
Loredana Dicci. Responsible inclusive education, of European Disability Forum
Alexandra Leitao. Secretary of State of Education. Portuguese Ministry of Education. (to be confirmed)
Marijke Depauw. Federal equal opportunity Center. Bélgica.

10.30h– 11.00h Coffee break. Networking
11.00h – 12h ROUNDTABLE. “The transition from secondary to higher education for students with disabilities. Experiences and good practices”
Moderator: Laura Serra. Ph.D. in Human Rights. Expert in Disability.

Esperanza Alcaín. Professor, University of Granada. Guide presentation of good practices for the educational transition.
Els Pazmany. Professor, AP University College Antwerp.
Rute Saravia. Professor, Faculty of Law. University of Portugal.
Stien Berwouts. Participant of Program INNETCAMPUS

12h – 13h ROUNDTABLE “Good inclusive practices in European Universities. Experiences of INNETCAMPUS and other European Programs.
Moderator: Rute Saravia. Professor, Faculty of Law. University of Portugal.

Beno Schraepen. INnetCampus program. Presentation of the impact of results.
Miguel Angel Pérez. University of Murcia. The importance of action protocols.
Valérie Vanhees. Expert in inclusive education. Coordinator of the Support Center for Inclusive Higher Education (Flanders)
Tuula Heide-Savolainen. Universidad of Eastern. Finland

13h – 14.30h Lunch – networking
More information about the project
Registration

Disabilities and work - European perspectives- Brest, France
2018-06-21 - 2018-06-22 | Le Quartz,, 60 rue du Château, Brest, 29200, France
The first European conference “Disabilities and work, European perspectives” will be organised in the Finistère Region, and held in Brest on June 21 and 22, 2018. Behind this idea are seven associations from Finistère. All of them manage ESAT or adapted enterprises. Independent of each other, their common goal is the integration through work of people with disabilities.
The audience of the conference? Professionals, stakeholders, but also people with disabilities. Four themes will be declined during these 2 days: Who? Why work? Where to work? How to work? The aim is to show a wide panorama of the situations in Europe.
The signature of the conference, its organising committee
The organising committee is composed of: Les Genêts d’Or, Les PapillonsBlancs du Finistère, KanarMor, Mutualité 29-56, APF, ADAPT, Sevel Services, in collaboration with ARFIE Network (European association for research and training on integration in Europe) that brings together 57
associations in 16 European countries. “We want to organisethis conference to help the recognition of disability at work, to make our associations known, but also to share our practices on a European scale”.
European perspectives: Latin, Scandinavian, Balkan, Anglo-Saxon countries…
For two days, European experts will share their work and their experience with the public. Around the table will intervene professors, sociologists, researchers, directors of institutions, actors with disabilities (…) invited by the organising committee for their ability to innovate in the field of disability at work.
Against the single thought
The organisers underline that”It will not be a symposium of scholars looking at people with disabilities. There are different looks and different handicaps. It is not right to say that not all people with disabilities can enter mainstream system. For each person, there is a solution to be found. In a classical company, adapted company or ESAT. And it can move on, throughout life».

The Art of Difference. A scientific, historical and artistic exhibition about disability. Brussels, Belgium
2018-06-20 08:00 - 2018-08-26 17:00 | Bozar- Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels, Rue Ravenstein 23, Brussels, Bruxelles-Capitale, Région de;Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, 1000, Belgium
The Université libre de Bruxelles, in partnership with BOZAR and in collaboration with the ULB and VUB research centres, is proud to present the exhibition, The Art of Difference, a scientific, historical and artistic exhibition about disability.
Thanks to new technologies, research into sensorial, physical and mental handicap has led to many new inventions. These innovations have undoubtedly improved the day-to-day life of people suffering handicaps and those caring for them. However, they have also ignited many discussions around the augmented humans and transhumanism – a debate that is also addressed and challenged by artists through their work.

11th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the UN CRPD- New York, USA
2018-06-12 - 2018-06-14 | United Nations Headquarters, ECOSOC Chamber, New York, NY, 10017, United States
The 11th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will take place from Tuesday 12 to Thursday 14 June 2017 at UN Headquarters in New York. On Monday 11 June, a Civil Society CRPD Forum will be held to complement the Conference.
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 11th session will expect to feature among other agenda items an election of 9 members of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Overarching Theme
“Leaving no one behind through the full implementation of the CRPD”
Sub-themes:
1. National fiscal space, public-private partnerships and international cooperation for strengthening the implementation of the CRPD
2. Women and girls with disabilities
3. Political participation and equal recognition before the law
Cross-cutting theme:
Promoting high-quality disability statistics and disaggregation of data by disability status for the full realization of the rights of persons with disabilities
Bureau
President: Bulgaria (Eastern European Group)
Vice-Presidents: Tunisia (African Group), Sri Lanka (Asia-Pacific Group), Ecuador (Latin American and Caribbean Group) and Germany (Western European and Others Group)
Documents (forthcoming)

Provisional Agenda
Background note for the Roundtable One: National fiscal space, public-private partnerships and international cooperation for strengthening the implementation of the CRPD;
Background note for the Roundtable Two: Women and girls with disabilities;
Background note for the Roundtable Three: Political participation and equal recognition before the law
PaperSmart Portal (for document/statements; queries: papersmart4@un.org)

Election of the Members of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Civil Society Participation

Registration for NGOs with ECOSOC status and NGOs Accredited to the Conference of State Parties OPEN (Deadline 28 May 2018)
Please note that this year, we are using a new platform for managing registration of NGOs with ECOSOC status and Accredited NGOs to the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD (COSP) at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The platform is called Indico, and and it will be replacing the registration functionality of the current system, CSONet.
Application for new NGO accreditation: OPEN (Deadline 19 April 2018)
Online Application for Side Events: OPEN (Deadline 4 May 2018)
CRPD Civil Society Forum, 11 June (details forthcoming)
List of NGOs Accredited to the Conference of States Parties to the CRPD

Participation of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs)

Application for NHRI participation in COSP11 (Deadline 1 June 2018)
NHRIs Accredited by the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (Accreditation status as of 21 February 2018)
OHCHR and NHRIs

Workshop: Attention Autism in Belgium. Brussels
2018-06-08 09:30 - 2018-06-09 16:00 | Leopold Hotel Brussels EU, Rue du Luxembourg 35, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
The 2018 Attention Autism two-days workshop focusses on the practical aspects of intervention, working in a team and offering an invitation to learn.
Demonstrations of the techniques in action, films of the work with children , practical hands-on experience for participants or ideas for activities will be shown. At the end of the programme, participants will feel confident in setting up and running the Attention Autism programme.
The workshop will be presented by Gina Davies, an international outstanding practitioner in autism, qualified Speech and Language Therapist who worked with hundreds of autistic children in schools, nurseries and residential settings, and directly with parents, carers and families.
The workshops are run for groups of 25 people.

European Development Days
2018-06-05 - 2018-06-06 | Tour & Taxi, Avenue du Port 86C, Brussels, 1000, Belgium
Organised by the European Commission, the European Development Days (EDD) bring the development community together each year to share ideas and experiences in ways that inspire new partnerships and innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
For its twelfth edition, EDD 2018 will aim at bringing together the European Union’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Gender equality and women empowerment are at the core of European values and enshrined within the EU’s legal and political framework. This is why the event will focus on the vital role of women and the need for their full and equal participation and leadership in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Under the main thread of ‘Women and Girls at the Forefront of Sustainable Development: protect, empower, invest’, the EDD 2018 agenda will be framed by three major themes emerging as key priorities in today’s current context: ‘Ensuring the physical and psychological integrity of Girls and Women’, ‘Promoting economic and social rights and empowerment of Girls and Women’, ‘Strengthening Girls’ and Women’s voice and participation’.
More information
Register here (by May 18)
