People with intellectual disabilities from across Europe sharing and learning about advocacy for their rights.

People with intellectual disabilities from nine countries participated in a training about advocating for disability rights at European level.

The self-advocates and their colleagues came from Austria, Belgium, France, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Altogether, 22 participants took part in the training on 14-15 April 2026 in Brussels.

In support of participation

The training, organised by Inclusion Europe and co-funded by the European Union,
brought together people with intellectual disabilities and their supporters for two days of learning, sharing, and planning.

Sharing and learning about how to make your voice heard

One of the first things participants worked on was communication — specifically, how to explain disability rights to people who have never thought about them.

The participants explored what makes a message stick. A strong message, they concluded, uses plain words, shows real emotions, and tells the story of a real person.

They practised in small groups, created messages, and gave each other honest feedback. There was energy in the room, and plenty of laughter too.

“Is my voice really heard?”

The program continued with a strong discussion which started with this question: “I want to be seen and heard. But is my voice really heard?”

From there, the conversation opened up. Participants talked about inaccessible information, being left out of decisions, and barriers in jobs, housing, and education — experiences familiar to many people with intellectual disabilities across Europe.

But alongside the frustration, something else emerged: a sense of strength that came from being in the room together. Stronger to speak. Stronger to ask for change. Stronger to believe change is possible.

What independent living means

Another session focused on independent living — what it means in practice, and why it still feels out of reach for so many.

“It’s not having our hands tied.” “It’s not having others decide for us.”

Participants shared experiences of being refused support, lacking access to personal assistance, and living in systems that limit their choices.

There was real anger in the room. But the conversation didn’t stop there. Participants moved toward solutions: pushing for personal assistance, sharing good examples between countries, and making sure people with intellectual disabilities have a seat at the table in EU decisions.

Understanding the EU — and how to influence it

Participants also spent time learning how decisions get made at European level.

They met with Members of the European Parliament.

They also met with the European Disability Forum and with ENIL.

Making plans — and making noise

Participants learned practical skills during the training: how to speak in meetings, how to use media and social media, and how to talk to politicians.

The training ended with participants building their own advocacy plans, working on issues that matter to each of them: independent living, personal assistance, accessible transport, employment, and legal capacity.

They planned specific actions they’ll do in their country — collecting signatures, meeting politicians, contributing to laws, using media.

Their message to decision-makers is direct: listen to us. Involve us. Respect our lives and our choices.