Autism Europe

Online conference: ‘Road to employment for Persons with Disabilities.’
2020-05-04 10:00 - 2020-05-05 16:00 (Europe/Paris)
EASPD and LADAPT are delighted to announce a new online conference: ‘Road to employment for Persons with Disabilities.’
Via the conference’s online panel discussion and workshop sessions, expert speakers and participants from across the world will come together to exchange and discuss how we can work to promote inclusive employment for persons with disabilities.
Held on the 4th-5th May the conference will:

Explore how we can all work together to create new opportunities for the employment of persons with disabilities;
Discuss the impact of inclusive employment within the lifecycle of individuals;
Identify the concrete steps that must be taken towards more inclusive employment in the EU;
Learn from the latest innovative practices in the social service and business sector via the winners of our ‘Employment for All’ Award.

Real-time captioning in English, as well as French and Croatian interpretation will be provided. To read the full programme, click here
To register, click here

POSTPONED: Conference: 'Thriving & Autism - Preparing for Success in Adulthood'
2020-04-30 | The Poseidon Hall, AX Seashells Resort, Dawret il-Qawra, Saint Paul’s Bay, 1902, Malta
Conference postponed until a later date.
This one day conference explores the importance of preparing children with autism to have successful and fulfilling lives in adulthood. It will take us on a journey which starts with early intervention and moves on to school years. It addresses issues such as autism and girls, sexuality, mental health, parenting as well as employment.
The conference will draw on the personal and professional experience of autistic people and those working in the field and will be valuable to all stakeholders – from persons with autism to parents as well as professionals working directly with the autistic community.
More details and registration

Webinar on "European Electronic Communications Code: Ensuring accessibility of telecom services for persons with disabilities"
2020-04-22 16:00 - 17:00
The European Disability Forum is delighted to announce its Webinar on “European Electronic Communications Code: Ensuring accessibility of telecom services for persons with disabilities”.
This webinar will aim to:

provide an overview of the Code, including its scope, objectives, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, the role of the national regulators and Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC);
advise organisations of persons with disabilities on how to effectively advocate for ambitious transposition of the European law with stronger provisions on accessibility and protection of consumers with disabilities in national law, notably through the promotion of relevant accessibility standards and the European Accessibility Act;
introduce the main recommendations of the EDF toolkit on transposition of EECC, which will be published before the webinar.

Moderators:
• Marie Denninghaus: EDF Policy Coordinator
Speakers:
• Hannele Lahti: Policy Officer, European
• Alejandro Moledo: EDF Policy Coordinator
• Mher Hakobyan: EDF Accessibility Officer
The webinar will provide real-time captioning and international sign. The webinar will be recorded and shared later for those who cannot join.
Link for streaming text https://www.streamtext.net/text.aspx?event=CFI-EDF
Register here

Webinar on "Poverty and social exclusion of persons with disabilities"
2020-04-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
The European Disability Forum is delighted to announce its Webinar on “Poverty and social exclusion of persons with disabilities”.
Join the European Disability Forum and the European Anti-Poverty Network for our free webinar on the 22nd of April, between 11:00 and 12:00 CET. This webinar will be an opportunity to present the key outcomes of our research and summarise the main issues persons with disabilities still face with regards to poverty and social exclusion. We will hear first-hand some personal testimonies of persons with disabilities who have lived experience of the issues presented. We will also be joined by a representative from the European Anti-Poverty Network to discuss what actions are taking place in the field of poverty at the EU level, and how the needs of persons with disabilities can be mainstreamed into them. Finally, we will invite a representative from the European Commission to explore how future EU policies might address this issue, including the future Disability Strategy.
Moderator: Haydn Hammersley – Social Policy Officer at EDF
Speakers:
• Vera Hinterdorfer – Vice-President of the European Anti-Poverty Network
• Elena Schubert – European Commission, Policy Officer – Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion – Social Affairs – Disability and Inclusion
• Stijn Broecke – Senior economist in the Employment, Labour and Social Affairs Directorate of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• Loredana Dicsi – EDF
The webinar will provide real-time captioning and international sign. The webinar will be recorded and shared later for those who cannot join.
Link for streaming text https://www.streamtext.net/text.aspx?event=CFI-EDF
Registration here

34th Annual Conference of Social Firms Europe (CEFEC) Inclusion by employment.- Dortmund, Germany
2020-03-18 09:30 - 2020-03-19 16:00 | Messe Dortmund ( or Westfalenhallen), Rheinlanddamm 200, Dortmund, 44139, Germany
With the 34th CEFEC conference in March 2020 in Dortmund , Social Firms Europe CEFEC focuses on companies under the motto “Inclusion through work” and contribute to an inclusive European labor market.
Around 100 inclusive companies will present their broad portfolio of services and products at the fair.
For more inclusion in the European labor market, CEFEC seeks dialogue with politicy-makers . CEFEC will welcome Katrin Langensiepen as Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs of the European Parliament. They also expect representatives from the EU Commission, the BMAS, and the European Disability Forum.
Both in plenary and inworkshops , CEFEC will address important issues concerning the employment of people with disabilities and disadvantages. They talk about the success factors of inclusive employment and the benefits of working together in European networks for more inclusion in the labor market. Leadership in inclusion companies, training of people with disabilities and promising business concepts in the field of “Green & Social Business” are further topics that we take up in our workshops.
In addition to the inclusion trade fair, best practice examples play an important role at the CEFEC conference. With the award of the Rudolf Freudenberg Prize and the European Social Firm of the Year Award, inclusive and social enterprises are honored for their special business ideas and employment concepts.
More information

Congress of Autismus Deutschland: Autism - Strength or Disorder.- Lübeck, Germany
2020-03-06 - 2020-03-08 | Musik- und Kongresshalle Lübeck, Willy-Brandt-Allee 10, Lübeck, 23554, Germany
Autism-Europe’s member Autismus Deutschland invites you to its 16th Autism Congress from 6 to 8 March 2020 in the beautiful Hanseatic city of Lübeck. The topic of the congress “Autism – Strength or Disorder” will be examined from many sides. I look forward to stimulating lectures and exciting discussions.
***The conference is currently fully booked***
Autismus Deutschland celebrates its anniversary looking back on 50 years of self-help, in which parents have managed to set up therapy centers and residential facilities for their autistic children in order to enable them to live with dignity and the greatest possible independence.
Since 1979, the Schleswig-Holstein State Association (Help for the Autistic Child, LV Schleswig-Holstein eV), based in Neumünster, and the Regional Association Elbe-Trave (autism Elbe-Trave eV) based in Lübeck, have been working politically and therapeutically since 2014 improving the care of people on the autism spectrum.
Download the programme flyer (in German)

Shaping the EU agenda for disability rights 2020-2030.- Brussels, Belgium
2020-02-26 | European Economic and Social Committee- JDE Building, 99 rue Belliard – 6th floor – Foyer, Brussels, 1040, Belgium
The European Economic and Social Committee will hold a conference to shape the new EU agenda for disability rights 2020-2030 on 26 February 2020 in the EESC’s premises.
The aim of the conference is to present the EESC’s proposal for the new strategy at a crucial moment in the EU landscape. With a new European Commission, a new European Parliament and a new budget programming period, it is now the perfect timing for a new Disability Strategy that fully takes into account the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCPRD), the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The conference will tackle various areas of work of the EU, drawing attention to the crosscutting character of disability rights.
More information and registration

International Asperger's Day
2020-02-18 | Worldwide
International Asperger’s Day falls on February 18th. This event, which aims to highlight the significance of Asperger syndrome for both society and individuals, also illustrates one of the many challenges to the newcomer trying to understand the autism spectrum. Such a person might reasonably assume that Asperger syndrome is a condition in its own right.
On the 18 June 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) released its new International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). The ICD catalogues different pathologies and conditions in order to provide a common language to inform and control their development, as well as comparing and sharing data following standard criteria between hospitals, regions and countries in different time periods. To do this, the diagnostic terms are converted into around 55 000 unique alphanumeric codes.
The ICD-11 updates the diagnostic criteria for autism, and is now more in line the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) published in 2013 by the American Psychiatric Association. This is to say that it includes Asperger’s Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and certain other generalised developmental disorders, within the category of ‘Autism’.
More information

1st Regional Autism Conference (RAC 2020).- Muscat, Oman
2020-01-24 - 2020-01-26 | Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, Al Irfan, Airport Heights, Muscat, Al Athaiba P.C, 130, Oman
In view of the current situation in Oman and neighboring countries, this regional conference looks to bring light to children on the autism spectrum and related health disorders in Oman. Acting as a platform for integration between different regional and local stakeholders, this integrative multidisciplinary conference looks to target parents, educators and health care professionals.
The Conference aims to bring light to autistic children and related health disorders, targeting parents, educators and healthcare professionals. Keynote international and local experts will provide the latest scientific information with the most recent evidence based knowledge through a series of lectures, presentations, panel discussions and comprehensive workshops.
The conference aims to develop a co-operative and integrated approach for planning, commissioning and managing autism services within governmental organizations. Furthermore, to improve technical skills, boost international awareness and enhance collaborations and exchange of ideas.
Overall Objectives
The objective of the conference is to improve technical skills, boost international awareness and enhance collaborations and exchange of ideas. Over the duration of the conference, the suggested themes will be tackled by the proposed international, regional and local experts in the following ways:

State-of-the-art Lectures: Each international expert is a leader in the field that he/she will speak about
Presentations: On research output from local, regional and international scholars. It will enhance collaboration, exchanging knowledge and enriching experts’ input
Workshops: To target educational staff, social developmental staff and primary care staff. These workshops will be delivered by experts in specific fields
Panel Discussions: Open to all participants, to be delivered and chaired by international, regional and local experts that will educate and eliminate all misconceptions about individuals, especially children with autism

Specific Objectives

To establish a common understanding of autism between Ministries in Oman and regional neighbours on current approaches for measuring and diagnosing children with an ASD
To identify needs and gaps in the literature and practice of caring for autistic children
To identify best ways to advocate for better care of children with autism
To provide basic training methods to participants who are seeking to better understand caring for children and other individuals with autism
To review legislation in Oman and neighbouring countries on the protection of children with autism and other disabilities

More information
Registration

Disability Intergroup and New Years Reception.- Brussels, Belgium
2020-01-22 18:00 - 20:00 | European Parliament in Brussels – ASP 0G Salon, Place de Luxembourg 100, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
On December 12, the European Parliament formally confirmed the re-establishment of the Disability Intergroup. To celebrate this achievement, DPOs and other related stakehodlers are kindly invited to join an informal discussions with the most active Members of the European Parliament on disability rights.
Click here to register
Autism-Europe’s call to re-establish the Disability Intergroup at the European Parliament (July 2019)

Towards Inclusion conference.- Brussels, Belgium
2020-01-16 08:00 - 16:30 | Charlemagne Building, Rue de la Loi 170, Brussels, 1040, Belgium
The European Expert Group on the transition from institutional to community-based care (EEG), of which Autism-Europe is a member, will hold the “Towards Inclusion conference” to mark the 10 years since the release of the Špidla report.The conference is supported by DG Employment of the European Commission.
The purpose of the conference is to evaluate the progress made during the 10 years since the Špidla report:

how has the EU contributed to the transition from institutional to community-based care;
what needs to be done during the next 10 years?

Among the speakers are people who experience institutionalisation, experts on transition to community-based care and high-profile representatives of the European Commission.
Download the agenda of the conference
The EEG is also working on a research to evaluate the situation with institutionalisation in EU countries. The results of this research will be presented at the time of the conference.

Half-day conference ETTECEC-Together we grow. Brussels-Belgium
2019-12-04 09:00 - 13:00 | KU Leuven Hermes, Brussels Campus, Rue d'Assaut 2, Brussels, Belgium
If you are a pre-school teacher working with autistic children, this free conference will give you the opportunity to:
• discover a freely available training and online tools to develop your skills to respond to the needs of children on the autism spectrum;
• meet teachers from various European countries to share their experience in responding to the needs of children on the autism spectrum.
More information
This event, organised by Autism-Europe, will share the results of the work undertaken by partners from Spain, Slovenia, Czech Republic and Belgium in the framework of the Erasmus+ project ETTECEC.
Simultaneous translation into English and French will be provided.
Places are limited.
Register here by November 30 2019

European Day of Persons with Disabilities 2019.- Brussels, Belgium
2019-11-28 - 2019-11-29 | Charlemagne Building,, Rue de la Loi 170, Brussels, 1000, Belgium
Hosted by the European Commission, in partnership with the European disability forum, this event is the opportunity for the EU to mainstream disability issues and to raise awareness of the everyday- life challenges faced by persons with disabilities.

Politicians, high-level experts and self-advocates will attend the conference to discuss the challenges, the solutions and the projects for improving policies dedicated to persons with disabilities.
The 2019 conference will be an opportunity to discuss the preliminary findings of the public consultation on the European disability strategy 2010-2020, as well as the delegates’ expectations for the next decade. Inspiration from outside the EU is also to be brought and participants will hear about the inclusion in sport and discuss how it can be improved.
How to participate
Please e-mail the European Commission explaining your interest in taking part in the conference.
Access city award 2020 ceremony
The access city award 2020 ceremony will be the occasion for the European Commission to unveil the name of the award’s 10th winner. Let us all celebrate the access city award’s 10th anniversary! This year, 47 cities sent their applications.
Social media
Follow and comment on the event on social media: #EDPD2019 #EUDisability, #EUAccessCity and #WeAreEUCitizens

Autism-Europe Council of Administration meeting. Brussels, Belgium
2019-11-16 - 2019-11-17 | Leopold Hotel Brussels EU, Rue du Luxembourg 35, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
In accordance with the statutes for our organisation, the 2019 Autism- Europe’s Council of Administration second meeting will take place in Brussels, Belgium, on November 16 and 17, 2019.
Side activities will also be organized. All the working documents related to these meetings will be emailed to registered participants at a later date.

Innovation in Autism Practice: The Future is Here.- Glasgow, Scotland (UK)
2019-11-14 | The Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow, 99 Gordon St, Glasgow, G1 3SF, United Kingdom
Following on from the success of our International Conference, “Innovation in Autism Practice: The Future is Calling”, Autism-Europe’s member Scottish Autism (SA) is pleased to announce a further, one day conference to take place in the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow on Thursday, 14 November 2019.
“Innovation in Autism Practice: The Future is Here” seeks to explore how our evolving understanding of autism can, and should, influence service provision. SA will place autistic perspectives and experiences at the heart of these discussions.
SA is delighted to welcome autistic keynote speakers including Sarah Hendrickx, Dean Beadle, Damian Milton as well as acclaimed keynotes such as Dr James Barrett.
This conference will be of interest to any professional who seeks to develop their practice in keeping with current thinking. Autistic people, parents and carers will find an event where they are welcome and their perspectives are valued.
More information and registration

Shaping the EU agenda for disability rights 2020-2030 - Brussels
2019-10-21 09:00 - 13:30 | European Economic and Social Committee- Room VMA1, Rue Van Maerlant 2, Brussels
What lessons can be learned from the current EU Disability Strategy 2010-2030? What could be changed or improved in the next EU Strategy 2020-2030?
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is organising a public hearing on “Shaping the EU agenda for disability rights 2020-2030” on 21 October 2019, where we will try to give an answer to these questions.
Programme
09:00 – 09:30 | Welcome coffee and registration
09:30 – 10:00 | Opening session
Moderator: Madi Sharma, European Economic and Social Committee

Ioannis Vardakastanis, Rapporteur of the opinion on “Shaping the EU agenda for disability rights 2020-2030”, European Economic and Social Committee

10:00 – 10:20 | Keynote speakers

Marc Priestley, Professor of Disability Policy, Leeds University

10:20 – 11:30 | Session 1
Moderator: Gunta Anca, European Economic and Social Committee

Monica Silvana González, MEP, European Parliament
Representative, DG EMPL, Unit for Disability and Inclusion
Antero Kiviniemi, Finnish presidency
Representative, European Ombudsman
Representative, Fundamental Rights Agency
Representative, Committee of the Regions

11:40 – 12:50 | Session 2
Moderator: Bo Jansson, European Economic and Social Committee

Catherine Naughton, European Disability Forum
Representative, Social Platform
Representative, European trade Union Confederation (ETUC)
Representative, Business Europe

12:50 – 13:00 | Conclusions

Ioannis Vardakastanis, Rapporteur of the opinion on “Shaping the EU agenda for disability rights 2020-2030”, European Economic and Social Committee

Interpretation requested from French, English, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, Czech, Latvian, Lithuanian and Polish into French, English, Italian, Spanish and Czech.
More information

9th ENIL Freedom Drive-Burssles, Belgium
2019-10-01 - 2019-10-03 | Brussels
The Freedom Drive is one of the key campaigns of the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL) – held every two years since 2003. It provides supporters of the Independent Living Movement with the unique opportunity to meet MEPs and promote human rights issues, as well to share experiences and ideas with colleagues from around Europe.
Its rich programme includes the ENIL General Assembly, a conference with sessions on multiple topics, a meeting of the ENIL Youth Network and the culmination – a noisy march to the European Parliament where Freedom Drivers meet with MEPs.
The first six editions of the Freedom Drive took place in Strasbourg, until 2015, when for the first time the location was changed to Brussels for strategic reasons.
More information
Download the dossier for participants
Download the Freedom Drive Demands 2019
Schedule of events*
30 September – Monday
Arrival of Freedom Drivers
1 October – Tuesday
10:30 – 17:30 Workshops on topics related to Independent Living (click here to find out more)
10:00 – 18:00 Meetings with MEPs, arranged by national delegations
2 October – Wednesday
9:00 – 10:00 Gathering in front of the Parc du Cinquantenaire
10:00 – 12:00 Protest march for Independent Living
15:00 – 17:00 Hearing on Freedom of Movement in the Parliament
17:30 – 21:30 30th Birthday Party
3 October – Thursday
10:00 – 14:00 Conference on Independent Living
15:30 – 17:30 ENIL General Assembly
18:00 – 20:00 Side events (World Independent Living Network meeting, ENIL Youth General Assembly)
4 October – Friday
Departure of Freedom Drivers
*This agenda is subject to changes.

2019 Cork Autism Conference - Autism: No Limits, Just Possibilities.- Cork, Ireland
2019-09-22 08:00 - 18:00 | Clayton Hotel Silversprings, WH3G+PJ, Cork, Ireland
Are you a parent, family member or professional caring or supporting autistic children or adults? At the 2019 Cork Autism Conference you will learn tools, strategies and insights which will help you to best support and empower the lives of autistic people.
This conference will address approaches to issues from first diagnosis, early intervention to adulthood. The event provides a unique forum for parents, families, caregivers, autistic adults, employers, educators, professionals, agencies, advocates and anyone with an interest in autism.
This year’s conference provides a unique forum for parents, families, caregivers, autistic adults, employers, educators, professionals, agencies, advocates and anyone with an interest in autism.
Featured speakers

Dr. Peter Vermeulen
Connor Ward
Anna Kennedy OBE
Geoff Evans
Jessie Hewitson
The Cork Autism Conference 2019 has been independently recognised by the CPD Standards Office. This is the gold standard of CPD accreditation and means attending the Cork Autism Conference will be able to offer even more benefits to delegates and organisations across all professions and sectors when it comes to their professional development.

Click here to register

National Autism Conference AsIAm.- Dublin, Ireland
2019-09-20 08:30 - 2019-09-21 17:30 | The Grand Hotel Malahide, Grove Road, Malahide, K36 XT65, Ireland
Autism-Europe’s member AsIAm annual National Autism Conference will take lace in The Grand Hotel, Malahide, Co. Dublin on Friday 20th September and Saturday 21st September 2019.
This year, the theme will be “Building Partnerships” – exploring the need for close collaboration between professionals supporting autistic people, the autism community, and the wider society. Every session will be co-presented by members of the autism community and relevant professionals, many of whom themselves are autistic.
AsIAm will post about this year’s Conference across all of our platforms using the hashtag #AsIAmConf19, and encourage you to do the same!
Friday 20th September is a professional development seminar targeting healthcare, education and social care in particular as well as policy. Saturday 21st September is our Autism Community Conference.
Please note that this agenda below is provisional and subject to change, and that keynote and workshop speakers will be confirmed in the time leading up to the conference.

Friday 20th September – Professional Development Seminar
First Keynote – Professionals as Respectful Facilitators – Professor Andy McDonnell and Joan McDonald
Morning Workshops –
1. “What I Wish My Teacher Knew”
2. Accessible Healthcare Services
3. Creating Supportive Environments
4. Effective Communication For All
Second Keynote – Building the Bridge into the World of Employment
Afternoon Workshops –
1. Autism-Friendly Toolkit for Schools
2. Supporting Positive Mental Health Throughout the Life Cycle
3. Fostering Independence and Self-Esteem in Adult Life
4. Autism-Friendly Hospital Experiences
Third Keynote – The Importance of “Autism-Proofing” Your Service – Sarah Hendrickx
Voices of Our Community – Adopting a Strengths-Based Approach

Saturday 21st September – Community Conference
First Keynote – Partnership Through Respect – Professor Andy McDonnell and Joan McDonald
Morning Workshops –
1. Schools as Supportive Partners for Learning
2. Inclusive Employment Partnerships
3. Working Together to Promote Independence
4. Managing Stress and Anxiety in Everyday Life
Second Keynote – The Environment as a Partner – Dr. Magda Mostafa
Afternoon Workshops –
1. Supportive Workplace Environments
2. Autism-Friendly School Experiences
3. The Journey to Building Self-Esteem and Confidence
4. Well-Being and Self-Care Survival Guide
Third Keynote – Georgia Harper and Sam Ahern – As seen on Channel 4’s ‘Are You Autistic?’
Voices of Our Community – Reaching Me Through My Interests

Building Social Europe: Flagship Conference.- Helsinki, Finland
2019-09-16 11:00 - 2019-09-18 13:30 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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
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.
