22.01.2016

Participate in a consultation on the review of the European Disability Strategy

In occasion of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, the European Commission and the European Disability Forum (EDF) organised a conference in Brussels which addressed the current situation of children and young people with disabilities in Europe.

The event gathered not only European policy-makers, the EDF and the Fundamental Rights Agency, academics and civil society representatives, but also children and youngsters with disabilities and their parents. They were invited to discuss the social, educational and vocational inclusion of people with disabilities into society.

Equal access to education is vital

Yet, nowadays people with disabilities have significantly less success in attending schools and completing education and vocational training than persons without disabilities. Therefore, they risk having worse chances to obtain employment and to be integrated in society.

To achieve inclusion into society, Chief Executive Officer Pat Clarke from Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) stressed that:
“People with disabilities need more opportunities in the areas of education, health, culture, social activities etc. Equal access to schools, universities, internships etc. as well as recognizing and valuing lifelong learning and non-formal education is important to be integrated in society and conduct an employment”.

European cooperation to achieve inclusion

All over Europe, efforts must be strengthened to allow a successful and harmonious inclusion, especially in terms of investments and political will. The EU, as party to the UN convention of rights of persons with disabilities, has developed the European Disability Strategy 2010–2020 to implement the rights of people with disabilities.

The strategy has identified eight main areas of action: accessibility, participation, equality, employment, education and training, social protection, health and external action.

Participate in the public consultation!

Since integration and inclusion can only be achieved by allowing people with disabilities to be part of decisions concerning their lives, Commissioner Marianne Thyssen launched a public consultation in order to investigates citizens’ opinions on the challenges and achievements on the Disability Strategy’s different areas.

EAEA, in cooperation with the Adult Education made Accessible network (AEMA), will both take part in the consultation and promote the survey widely in its membership in order to make the voice of adult learners with disabilities heard.

The consultation is open until the 18 of March 2016 and can be accessed through the Commission website.

Text: Ricarda CramerPhotos: DG EMPL, European Commission

22.03.2023 Education in emergencies

EAEA calls for international solidarity to support the people affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria

EAEA stands in solidarity with all the people affected by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, calling on the international community to deliver consistent relief and recovery aid for these communities. Adult education is a fundamental brick of our society and will give an invaluable contribution to rebuild the affected communities.

16.03.2023 Bildung

Broader purposed, holistic learning is needed now more than ever

The ongoing European Year of Skills has put skills and the surrounding discussion into the spotlight. The new paper “Basic skills and Bildung” proposes that we should adopt a more holistic understanding of basic skills and rethink the teaching and learning approaches.

14.03.2023 inclusion

Taking steps towards safe spaces for adult learning: co-creating the SAFE Board Game

In February we had a workshop with members of the European civil society in Brussels in order to start with the co-creation stage of the SAFE Board Game. The participants agreed that a safe learning space is not just a place but is essentially how we create relationships that are self-reflective and inclusive.