Sabrina Ferraina 27.11.2013

Bucarest, 27.11.2013Sabrina Ferraina

Policy OfficerEASPD (BE)

Outline

• Introduction• UN CRPD• European Disability Strategy• Role of service providers• Contact details

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Introduction: EASPD

• Based in Brussels, it represents over 10.000 social service provider organizations across Europe and across disability

• Voices the concerns of the disability sector at European level

• Facilitates info between the national and the international level

• Promotes equal opportunities for persons with disabilities through effective and high quality services

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International disability framework

• UN CRPD• European Disability Strategy 2010 - 2020• Council of Europe Disability Action Plan 2006 -

2015

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UN CRPD

• International human rights treaty adopted in 2006, entered into force in 2008

• 1st international treaty open to signature by regional integration organizations

• Set of rights for persons with disabilities and it poses obligations on its signatory parties

• It has a social development dimension

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UN CRPD - shift of attitude

Change in how to see persons with disabilities:

-From medical model to social rights approach-From passive recipients of care and « objects » of charity to subjects with rights-Active citizens capable of claiming their rights and able to make decisions on their own rights

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UN CRPD - shift of attitude

Definition of persons with disabilities (Article 1 - UNCRPD):

“Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.“

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UN CRPD - shift of attitude3 key concepts:

•Participation•Inclusion•Community living

The role of civil society, civil servants and State authorities is to promote the shift of paradigm urged by the Convention and support society in further developing the understanding and the correct implementation of the Convention

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UN CRPD - challenges

• Awareness raising is needed to understand the Convention and its changes

• Adequate support schemes need to be set up and old ones need to be adapted to comply with the Convention

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UN CRPD - challenges

Main problematic areas:

-Education-Living-employment

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Tools to implement the UN CRPD

European Disability Strategy

- Main tool to implement the Convention at European level -It complements national efforts with a European wide framework-Overarching framework focusing on 8 areas of action

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European Disability Strategy

• 8 areas of action (accessibility, participation, equality, employment, education, social protection, health, external action)

• Focus on (economic) participation of persons with disabilities

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Effects on european policies

• Highlight the need for the specificity of the needs of persons with disabilities within mainstream settings

• Mainstreaming disability issues throughout all EU policies

• Adapt and adopt legislation in line with the principles of the UN CRPD

• Promote cross sector cooperation

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Role of service providers

• Innovation by contributing our expertise on delivering individualised community-based services

• Research by proposing methodologies • by offering our know-how to enhance the

inclusiveness of the European bodies • External implementation of the EDS, by

helping to monitor how the EDS is being implemented throughout the EU

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Contact details

Thank you for your attention!

Email: [email protected]: www.easpd.eu

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