Holding their multiplier event, and preparing for their very last transnational project meeting, it's been a bittersweet - but exciting - few weeks for the SMARTS project.

In June, the SMARTS project partners organised a multiplier event in each of their own countries, with the aim of disseminating the outputs produced during the project. For EASPD, this event – ‘Towards the full realisation of the sexual rights of persons with intellectual disabilities and mental health conditions through Supported Decision Making’ – took place on 23^rd June. With 55 participants, it was an opportunity to discuss and raise awareness around the importance of implementing Supported Decision Making (SDM) when it comes to sex and sexuality. Here, the shift from substituted to supported decision-making is vital in ensuring that persons with disabilities can fully enjoy their sexual rights.

A key message of the project is that it is essential to ensure free access to clear and appropriate information on reproductive health and rights, contraceptive methods and sex education, access to safe abortion, sexual and reproductive care, and support in parenthood. Implementing SDM allows people with disabilities to have personalised support, with their specific needs and preferences at the heart of the decision-making process. With this, comprehensive training materials and resources to better equip all stakeholders in utilising and promoting this approach was provided under the SMARTS project. These outputs are available on the EASPD’s revitalised Knowledge Hub, as well as the SMARTS website.

As we approach the final stages of the project, with its concluding transnational project meeting on 3rd and 4th July, the SMARTS project will officially finish in August 2023.

Project website