EASPD Policy Seminar 2010
Poverty and Disability – How Can We Break the Link?
The European Union is one of the richest regions in the world. Yet, 17 % of the EU citizens live at risk of poverty, meaning that they cannot enjoy an acceptable standard of living and quality of life. People with disabilities face a particular risk of poverty. The guiding principle of the “2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion” is to give voice to the concerns of people experiencing poverty and social exclusion, as well as to inspire all citizens of Europe and stakeholders to engage with these important issues. It is within this context that EASPD organizes a seminar which focuses on the two way link between disability and poverty. Disability poverty is about more than unemployment and low incomes. It is about lack of opportunities and expectations that stem from something as broad as people’s attitudes, to something as specific as an individual person’s aspirations. Thus, a concerted effort from policy makers, service providers, people with disabilities and their representative organisations as well as civil society as a whole is needed in order to fully understand disability poverty, its implications and challenges.
Welcome and introduction:
- Franz Wolfmayr, EASPD President
Welcome and introduction speech
Personal experiences on living in poverty:
- Vasile Vlad, President, Inger NGO Moldova
"I know I am strong", a video presentation.
- If you are interested in this presentation, please send an e-mail to us and we will send it to you
- Danny Trimbos and Els Van den Bergh, Vwz De Link
"The Missing Link: increasing social inclusion by the engagement of experts by experience"
Evidence-based research: the links between disability and poverty
- Herman Janssen, Katholieke Vereniging Gehandicapten
"Persons with a Disability, Income and Access to Health Care"
The perspective of service providers
- James Crowe, Director, Learning Disabilty Wales
"Effective Responses to Poverty Offered by Service Providers"
The broad political context: poverty and inequality in society
- Prof. Richard Wilkinson, Professor Emeritus of Social Epidemiology, University of Nottingham Medical School
"The Spirit Level: Why Equality is Better for Everyone"
- This presentation was cancelled but click on the link and you may find prof. Wilkinson's presentation.
Answers from Europe: the EU's strategy to combat poverty and social exclusion
- Antonia Carparelli, Head of Unit, Inclusion, Social Policy Aspects of Migration, Streamlining of Social Policies, European Commission
"The social inclusion goals of the EU 2020 Strategy - challenges and perspectives"
Panel debate and discussion with the audience, formulation of recommendations
Chair: Miriana Giraldi, Policy Officer EASPD
Conclusions: Luk Zelderloo, Secretary General EASPD