21 Oct, 2024

Unapei leads the way in shaping inclusive EU policies for people with disabilities

On 13 September 2024, Unapei’s Europe Commission held a pivotal seminar in Paris, bringing together members of the Unapei network and their European partners, including COFACE Families Europe. Unapei’s Europe Commission is dedicated to addressing EU political developments related to the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities and their families, with a focus on positively influencing these issues. The event focused on discussing new strategic directions at the European level to enhance the inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities in society while strengthening support for their families.

Unapei , a member of COFACE Disability, is a long-established French network, led by parents, that has played a crucial role in advocating for the rights and support of persons with intellectual disabilities and their families for 70 years. The network consists of more than 300 associations across France, managing over 3,300 services that support 200,000 children and adults. These services aim to ensure access to essential resources such as education, employment, housing, and healthcare, with a focus on sustainable inclusion and independent living.

Who’s caring for the carers ? Call for greater recognition and support for family carers across EU policies and funding

In most European countries, there is a lack of adequate community-based services for persons with care needs. In many cases, this gap is filled by family members who frequently face the challenge of balancing their own needs with the demands of caregiving. However invaluable this role may be, non-professional care provided by family members should never replace the duty of national public authorities to provide high-quality, accessible and affordable support and care services to ensure people’s full participation in society.