In June EASPD organised a study visit for members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia’s (UN-ESCWA) “Arab-EU Research Network on Disability.”  

Funded by the UN-ESCWA, the visit took place as an initiative of EASPD’s Lighthouse Network  and aimed to increase collaboration and exchange between Arab and European support services for persons with disabilities. Three participants from Lebanon and Jordan visited EASPD members Tukena (Tampere, Finland) and Support Girona (Girona, Spain).  

The main focus of the programme was promoting the implementation of Article 19 of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) on independent living and inclusion within the community. Those taking part in the study visit had the opportunity to discover new approaches to supporting persons with disabilities and to learn about concrete models and practices that have been developed in Europe to enable people with disabilities live more independently.

For host organisations the study visit provided an opportunity to discuss the transferability and application of their practices in different contexts and building connections with other regions.

Fostering collaboration and exchange between those working in support services for persons with disabilities in different regions is crucial to the full implementation of the UN CRPD. From its inception, and particularly, through the Lighthouse Network, EASPD has been focused on providing a platform for members to meet their peers, learn from each other, and foster cooperation and contribute to a forward-looking development.

EASPD wishes to thank the participants from Jordan and Lebanon, UN-ESCWA, Tukena and Support Girona for their participation, support and active involvement during this study visit.