On 6 of May, the EU published four key initiatives with transformative potential for people with disabilities and their support networks:

• The Communication “Enhancing the Strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities up to 2030”. Halfway through the Strategy, covering 2021 until 2030, this communication proposes new actions to ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities and uphold their rights. Among the many fields covered by the strategy are employment, independent living, accessible community-based support, affordable and accessible housing, inclusive education, access to healthcare, but also the right to enjoy arts, culture and sports.
• The Anti-Poverty Strategy. Taking a life-cycle approach, it aims to break the integrational cycle of poverty. From early childhood to adulthood and ageing, it put forwards goals and initiatives that have the potential to support people with disabilities to access education and employment opportunities, but also quality care, among others, and thus contributing to drive this group out of poverty.
• A Strengthened European Child Guarantee. Published in 2021, the Child Guarantee is the main EU tool to combat child poverty and social exclusion. It aims to ensure access to essential services to children in need, including children with disabilities and living in alternative care. This new communication put forward new initiatives that have the potential to further increase the wellbeing and inclusion of children with disabilities and their families.
• A Proposal for a Council Recommendation on fighting Housing Exclusion. This initiative is one of the key actions under theEuropean Affordable Housing Plan and includes recommendations for Member States around identifying people experiencing or at higher risk of housing exclusion, prevention, support for people experiencing homelessness and access to adequate and secure housing solutions.

All these initiatives are part of a comprehensive approach to fighting poverty, and EASPD was at the forefront of shaping each one of them. We have developed Position Papers and contributions that we submitted to public consultations of the European Commission on each one of these topics.

We support a life-cycle approach with support for people with disabilities that goes from early childhood, youth, adulthood, and into older age and ageing. We believe that the role of disability support services is essential to increase the life quality of people with disabilities, their inclusion in the community and society, and the fulfilment of their fundamental rights.

We call for increased support in the daily life of people with disabilities to access key services: child services, housing and independent living, employment, and care support. Our advocacy ensures that the needs of people with disabilities and their families are not just recognised but centrally embedded in these policies, ensuring no one if left behind.

You can find our full contributions here:

• Contribution to the Second phase of the strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021 – 2030.
• Contribution to the strengthening of the European Child Guarantee. 
• Contribution on tackling social housing exclusion.
• Contribution to the Anti-Poverty Strategy.

EASPD will analyse and share more information about these key initiatives and will make sure that their implementation upholds the rights of people with disabilities.