Self-advocacy meetings took place in Greece during September to improve political participation of people with intellectual disabilities.

The aim of the meetings was to improve the political participation of people with intellectual disabilities, by bringing together a diverse group participants. People with disabilities, their families, local authorities, and support staff came together to learn about self-advocacy and political participation.

4 events took place:

• 2 in Athens;
• 2 in Thessaloniki.

There were 65 participants:

• 19 persons with disabilities;
• 11 family members;
• 10 representatives from local authorities;
• 25 staff of support services.

“We here are open to suggestions, we would like to facilitate self-advocacy but we don’t have the resources to do so” – Local government representative

The meetings were in collaboration with Posgamea, as part of a project where Inclusion Europe is a partner. The project is called Unity, and aims to improve political participation of people with intellectual disabilities. The project is funded by the European Union.

Supporting self-advocacy

The meetings represent a first step in our work to support self-advocacy in Greece, working together with our member Posgamea:

1. Raising awareness about the importance of political participation for people with intellectual disabilities
2. Creating opportunities for people with disabilities to express their views directly to local authorities
3. Collaborating with different people and organisation for better political participation.

The good

Participants talked about some things they find to be a good development:

• The action of social enterprises and labour integration programmes where in recent years a significant number of adults with disabilities have been integrated into the labour market.
• Law on personal assistance.
• Supported decision making programmes implemented by service providers.
• Online tour of the European Parliament conducted by To Petagma Association last year for users of its services.

And the bad

“Sometimes I feel that I am treated as ‘almost human'” – Self-advocate

The discussion turned also to the shortcomings at local and national level:

• Problems connecting with political parties and in being able to express needs effectively.
• Absence of easy to read material explaining the rights of people with disabilities and the process of elections and the political programmes of political parties.
• Absence of active self-advocacy groups with an institutional role at local or national level.
• Lack of support for self-advocacy.

The participants discussed a number of ideas and proposals how to improve the situation.

“Professionals need to be motivated and trained to support the empowerment and self-advocacy of the people they work with. We did not learn anything about it during studies.” – Support service worker

The Unity project

These meetings were conducted as part of the Unity project, an initiative that focuses on promoting the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities across Europe. By organizing such events, the project aims to create a more inclusive society where every individual can participate fully in political and social life.

“As families, we need a lot of education. It’s hard to step back if you don’t feel safe.” – Father of an adult with intellectual disabilities

Inclusion Europe will organise events and meetings not only in Greece, but in other countries in the EU too. Our project partners carry out similar work in Austria and Slovenia.

• See also: Inclusion indicators for Greece

Source:  https://www.inclusion.eu/self-advocacy-meetings-in-greece-to-improve-political-participation 

Originally published by Inclusion Europe on 10 July 2024. Republished with permission as part of the UNITY project.