ACE Project Conference – Tartu - EstoniaJune 2011

European Disability Policy : a right-based

approach "Nothing about us without us”

Autism-Europe – Presentation

Autism-Europe is also a founding member of wider European Networks

Supporting the “Social model of Disability”

Fighting for the rights of persons with ASD

• Right to diagnosis and access to adapted care• Right to life-long education• Right to training and to work • Implementation of the non-discrimination

principle– Right to inclusion (de-institutionalisation, etc)– Positive actions

Main European Instruments

United Nations Convention on the rights of people with disabilities

• The rights recognized by the UN Convention cover almost all policy fields (accessibility, employment, education, health, independent living, civil rights)

• The UN Convention do not add new rights

• Mixed competences between EU and Member States (all the MS have signed the UN Convention)

• Text of the UN Convention and updates: http://www.un.org/disabilities/

- 30 March 2007: the European Community signs theUN Convention on the rights of people with disabilities

- Council Resolution 2008/ C 75/01: invites the Commission to begin work on a new EU Disability strategy to fully implement the UN Convention

- November 2010: Adoption of the Disability Strategy 2010-2020

- 23rd December 2010 : conclusion of the UN Convention by the EU (has to implement it in all its policies).

EU disability Strategy 2010-2020Elimination of discrimination on the grounds of disability

Full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for persons with disabilities as well as their active inclusion.

The European Commission has identified eight main areas for action: Accessibility, Participation, Equality, Employment, Education and training, Social protection, Health, and External Action.

Education and lifelong-learning

UN Convention Article 24: right to education and lifelong learningEnsure that persons with disabilities are able to access general tertiary education, vocational training, adult education and lifelong learning without discrimination and on an equal basis with others.ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided (e.g.adapted infrastructures, equipment, transports, etc.)

EU disability Strategy 2010-2020“(....) The EU will increase knowledge on levels of education and

opportunities for people with disabilities, and increase their mobility by facilitating participation in the Lifelong Learning Programme.”

What is the role of civil society in the monitoring process?

• In relation to national monitoring, the Convention expressly stipulates that civil society, in particular persons with disabilities and their representative organizations, shall be involved and participate fully in the monitoring process (see Convention article 33.3).

• In relation to international monitoring, States parties are invited to give due consideration to consulting with and actively involving persons with disabilities and their representative organizations when nominating experts for the treaty body (see Convention article 34.3)

Participation of people with Autism

« Participation: making sure that persons with disabilities and their families exercise their EU citizenship rights on an equal footing” (EU disability Strategy - 2010-2020)

Need for empowerment – Nothing about us, without us

Need for life-long training and habilitation

ACE project

• Enhancing communication and social skills

• participation in online communities

• travelling to other countries (Slovenia, Italy, Great Britain and Estonia)

• Becoming active citizens through self-advocacy

Contact us for more information!