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Press Releases

EC must safeguard adequate investment in community-based services in Country Specific Recommendations

The European Commission (EC) recently published its 2016 country-specific recommendations (CSRs) to Member States. Following positive statements on the way social care and support should be provided in the last few years by the European Commission, the European Expert Group on the Transition from Institutional to Community-Based Care (EEG) welcomes several recommendations promoting quality care and support and access to employment and inclusive education for disadvantaged groups. Nonetheless, the overall focus on austerity will be detrimental to the transition to community-based services in Europe, if no safeguards are made available for public investment in this area.

EASPD launches the animation video “Reaching Out: building an inclusive society”

During its last general assembly held in Chisinau on the 23rd April 2016, the European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities officially launched its video presentation “Reaching Out: building an inclusive society”. The animation video is part of the EASPD’s activities to celebrate its 20th anniversary and explains in easy to read what EASPD does. “Together we will improve services to improve lives! Join us!”

Early childhood intervention should become a tool for inclusion

From 21st to 22nd April, the European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities organised in Chisinau, Moldova, its annual cross-sectorial conference “Growing Together: from grassroots initiatives to national strategies in early childhood intervention”. Over 200 delegates shared their views on the situation of Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services in Europe. In addition, the Zero Project Analysis research was officially launched presenting 8 innovative practices on ECI services.

Salzburg Education Declaration: 7 priority lines of action

The European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) officially launches its Salzburg Education Declaration “Towards more inclusive learning environments in Europe”. The text acknowledges the necessity to strengthen efforts in order to make real the principle of inclusive education, which is highlighted in several International and European legal and policy frameworks.

New Study: Unlocking the Juncker Package for Social Services

EASPD announces its study on unlocking the Juncker Package (European Fund for Strategic Investment -EFSI) for the Social Services sector. The study provides practical steps and recommendations on how to ensure that EFSI supports the financing of projects in this sector, as well as an overall analysis of the barriers currently hindering this process; both from the perspective of social service providers and financial intermediaries.

Mixed messages from the European Commission on how the European Semester can implement the CRPD

EASPD organised a Seminar on how the European Semester (ES) can help to implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), following up on Marianne Thyssen’s positive statements in this regard. Representatives from the European Commission (EC) expressed mixed messages as to if the ES should be seen as a tool to implement the CRPD. The EC’s unclear stance represents a missed opportunity to fulfil the EU’s human rights obligations.

Annual Growth Survey 2016: time to turn it into action!

The European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD) welcomes the Annual Growth Survey 2016 launched today by the European Commission as a step in the right direction. Although not perfect, the AGS 2016 is much closer to the reality on the ground than its predecessor. EASPD now calls on the European Commission to turn this stronger focus on social fairness into action through the 2016 CSRs.

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