| Project Code | 2018-2-BE05-KA347-002469 |
| Type of Action | Youth Policy Dialogue |
| Countries Involved | BE,LV,PT,NL,EE,ES,EL |
| Duration | 2 months |
| Budget | 20.141,52 EUR |
| Objectives | –To enhance dialogue opportunities and contact between learners with disabilities and policy makers –To reduce the gap between policy-making processes and the needs/opinions of youth with disabilities –To promote participation in the democratic life of young people with disabilities -To co-produce recommendations on involving young people with disabilities in policy making; |
| Target Group | 30 young people aged between 18-29 with disabilities |
| Summary of the Project |
| People with disabilities, including young individuals, have historically faced social exclusion due to stigma and stereotypes, particularly in education and the labor market. The principle “Nothing about us, without us” emphasizes the need for people with disabilities to be actively involved in decisions that affect their lives, advocating for their inclusion in society. The project described aimed to enhance policies and programs that support the full inclusion of young people with disabilities, helping them to develop their capacities and participate meaningfully in society.The project, involving partners from several European countries, focused on promoting the participation of young people with disabilities in democratic life. Through a co-production approach, these young people worked alongside policymakers and experts to create recommendations on issues relevant to them. The project provided the young participants with the necessary support, helping them build valuable skills and knowledge for their future, while also highlighting their talents and interests.To ensure inclusivity, the project adopted a broad interpretation of disability, involving young people with various types of disabilities, including physical, intellectual, and mental health conditions. National partners organized preparatory meetings, where Ambassadors were chosen to represent the youth. These Ambassadors participated in international workshops, where they collaborated on creating a Manifesto of policy recommendations. They engaged in non-formal learning activities, refined their recommendations through dialogue with experts, and presented them at the EPR Annual Conference. The project had a significant impact on both the young participants and the broader disability community. It enhanced the self-confidence of the young people, improved their understanding of relevant policies, and fostered direct engagement with policymakers. The concept of co-production was reinforced, with policymakers and experts gaining greater trust in the abilities of young people with disabilities. The project’s outcomes, including the Manifesto, continue to be promoted through ongoing engagement with decision-makers and key stakeholders in the disability field. |
| Results of the Project |
| As a result of the project, a comprehensive manifesto was created, offering policy recommendations to enhance the inclusion of people with disabilities in social, political, economic, and cultural life. Additionally, the project developed a roadmap to guide organizations working with people with disabilities in implementing the manifesto, driving meaningful policy change in the field of disability inclusion. Report : https://bit.ly/4fKx0aE Manifesto : https://bit.ly/4fJ5uKH Road maps to manifesto : https://www.epr.eu/wp-content/uploads/Roadmaps-to-implement-the-Manifesto-and-its-recommendations.pdf These outputs provides road map and recommendations for the policy makers to develop and implement policies targeting the young people with disabilities. |
| Significance of the Project |
| The project actively fosters the inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities, enhancing their participation in everyday life and the labor market. By directly involving policymakers, the project amplified the voices of young people with disabilities, empowering them to address the challenges they face in their daily lives.The meaningful involvement of youth with disabilities in society is a key priority and it is often hindered with the obstacles of the social welfare system. Within this project, young people with disabilities not only contributed directly to the policymaking process but also developed essential skills and competencies to engage fully in society. Stakeholders from various backgrounds—including youth with disabilities, experts, service providers, and decision-makers from different countries—collaborated to co-produce policy recommendations. This collaborative approach was grounded in the belief that working together can lead to a more positive and lasting impact on the lives of young people with disabilities, helping to achieve the project’s goals. |
