all across Europe
European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities
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The European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) is the leading voice of disability services across Europe, representing over 20,000 services in 50 different countries.
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We promote human rights and equal opportunities for people with disabilities through effective and high-quality support.
Key areas of work
areas of work
Education
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Employment
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Inclusive Living
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Technology
areas of work
Early Childhood Intervention
areas of work
Arts and Culture
areas of work
Workforce Development
areas of work
Funding of Social Services
We must take concrete steps to transform services into person-centered models that empower individuals, while positioning service providers as key drivers of this shift toward a human rights-based approach.
Kirsi Konola, EASPD President
EASPD Knowledge Café: Assistive technology centres across Europe
Access to assistive technology is fundamental for independent living and full participation in society of people with disabilities. Both rights are enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the European Pillar of Social Rights. Yet access across Europe remains deeply unequal, shaped by inconsistent funding, fragmented service provision, and regional disparities.
Assistive Technology (AT) is a broad term covering products and services that enhance capacities such as communication, hearing, mobility, cognition and vision.
Ensuring equitable access to AT is not only about the tools themselves, but is also about supporting people to find, trial, learn and confidently use them. Across Europe, this support takes different forms, from independent, not-for-profit AT Centres that operate outside of commercial interests, to peer-led coaching approaches. Despite the importance of this support, it remains under-researched and lacks clear policy frameworks to ensure equitable access to assistive technology.
In this context, this webinar will:
- Present the key findings of EASPD's recent study on AT Centres across Europe.
- Showcase the diversity of AT Centre models and innovative practices across the EU.
- Highlight systemic barriers that prevent equal access to assistive technology.
- Facilitate exchange between AT practitioners, researchers and service providers.
Agenda
14:00 | Welcome Remarks by Moderator
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14:05 | Introduction
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14:15 | Understanding the ecosystem of Assistive Technology
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14:35 | DigiCoach - Embracing Technology Through Lived Experience
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14:55 | EASPD Study on Assistive Technology Centres across Europe
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15:10 | Q&A and Discussion |
15:25 | Concluding remarks
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Travel Grants available for EASPD’s 30th Anniversary Conference in Brussels
EASPD is offering financial support for organisations to attend its international conference on 5-7 October.
Stand for mental health care built on choice
EASPD urges Council of Europe to withdraw mental health proposal allowing forced treatment, protecting autonomy and human rights.
EASPD joins high-level procurement dialogue ahead of new EU Act
EASPD joined an EU procurement dialogue in Brussels, discussing the future public procurement rules and what it means for our sector.
INCLUSIVE-PATH opens doors after school
INCLUSIVE-PATH partners met in Cyprus to refine educational tools and plan next steps to ensure inclusive transitions into work.
Play your way to financial confidence
Beyond Digits developed a 3D game helping neurodivergent adults build money management skills through interactive learning.
The EU reaffirms its commitment to the enjoyment of cultural life for everyone
EU institutions adopted a joint declaration reaffirming inclusive cultural participation and artists’ rights for people with disabilities.
Committee of the Regions backs smarter, fairer public procurement
The Committee of the Regions backs public procurement prioritising quality and social value over lowest-cost approaches.
Council of Europe takes a positive step on autonomy in mental health care
A new Recommendation from the Council of Europe places individual choice and consent at the centre of mental healthcare.
Calendar
EASPD Knowledge Café: Assistive technology centres across Europe
Access to assistive technology is fundamental for independent living and full participation in society of people with disabilities. Both rights are enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the European Pillar of Social Rights. Yet access across Europe remains deeply unequal, shaped by inconsistent funding, fragmented service provision, and regional disparities.
Assistive Technology (AT) is a broad term covering products and services that enhance capacities such as communication, hearing, mobility, cognition and vision.
Ensuring equitable access to AT is not only about the tools themselves, but is also about supporting people to find, trial, learn and confidently use them. Across Europe, this support takes different forms, from independent, not-for-profit AT Centres that operate outside of commercial interests, to peer-led coaching approaches. Despite the importance of this support, it remains under-researched and lacks clear policy frameworks to ensure equitable access to assistive technology.
In this context, this webinar will:
- Present the key findings of EASPD's recent study on AT Centres across Europe.
- Showcase the diversity of AT Centre models and innovative practices across the EU.
- Highlight systemic barriers that prevent equal access to assistive technology.
- Facilitate exchange between AT practitioners, researchers and service providers.
Agenda
14:00 | Welcome Remarks by Moderator
|
14:05 | Introduction
|
14:15 | Understanding the ecosystem of Assistive Technology
|
14:35 | DigiCoach - Embracing Technology Through Lived Experience
|
14:55 | EASPD Study on Assistive Technology Centres across Europe
|
15:10 | Q&A and Discussion |
15:25 | Concluding remarks
|