About us
EASPD, a non-profit NGO in the disability sector, promotes the views of over 20,000 social services and their umbrella associations. We promote equal opportunities for people with disabilities through effective and high-quality service systems.
Everything started in 1994 with a road trip. A 2,500 km, all day and all night drive from northern Europe to Portugal to attend a conference on the transition from education to employment for persons with disabilities. The support services sector was not as structured back then at a European level, and cooperation between service providers throughout Europe had not been developed to its full potential. Our sector’s needs and objectives were growing and it was based on this understanding that various delegations began to talk about creating a European platform, after having only just recovered from the 30 hour drive!
In 1995, following a rather difficult meeting with a top European Commission representative, our past Secretary General Luk Zelderloo asked the official why it was so difficult for them to understand what service providers wanted. They told him to “get organised and come back”!
After 10 years of hard work, EASPD opened up an office in the heart of Brussels in 2005 and became fully professionalised! We welcomed members from the 47 Council of Europe member countries and the European Union.
Our vision
We believe that support services play a key role in enabling people to enjoy their human rights on an equal basis, beyond disability or any other factor. It is precisely this belief that guides our work in Brussels, Strasbourg and throughout Europe.
Our objectives
- The full implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- The provision of high-quality, and user-centred services running in an accountable, efficient and effective way
- Fair working conditions and lifelong learning opportunities for staff employed in services.
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1. Impact
Over the years we have developed both long-lasting and constructive partnerships with organisations and institutions throughout Europe. Our relationships with the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Council of Europe, allow EASPD to have a say in European policy developments to ensure that social services can thrive and work to support disabled people in the best way possible. EASPD regularly organises seminars and policy events with experts from all over Europe, to network and exchange views on relevant policy areas.
2. Information
The exchange of information is another key factor in the work we do in Brussels and goes in both directions. We provide our members with up-to-date information regarding developments at European and international level, and our members provide us with key information on the issues they find most relevant to their everyday work. EASPD frequently releases publications including position papers and studies, check our publications page for our recent work.
3. Innovation
After developing and managing many successful projects, we have experience and expertise in this area. We use this know-how to support our members in accessing project opportunities and provide a space for them to exchange best practices.
Our annual provider forums in collaboration with local partner organisations, have significantly improved the structure of social services providers throughout Europe. We are also joint creators of the EURECO platform, a network of academic researchers and research aligned service providers specifically interested in developing inclusive communities.