Click on a word which is in blue and bold to read what it means.
Soufiane El Amrani interviewed László Bercse about “What kind of Europe do we want and how can we achieve it?” The interview was during the Hear our Voices conference.
Self-advocates told us that they
need an inclusive labor market
and the same salary as others.
We want to work together
with others and have real connections.
This is the best way
for practicing inclusion.
We need to raise awareness to
decision-makers about
accessible information.
We need accessible information
to be able to make decisions
and to speak up.
We need events where people
with and without disabilities
can meet each other.
It is important to raise awareness
from the early childhood on.
We need more trainings and opportunities
to learn about our rights and to
learn to stand up for each other.
We do that in self-advocacy groups,
but not all of us have the chance to join groups.
Participation is important
Participation is important
not just in our lives
but also on a political level.
We want politicians to include
us in matters concerning us.
They must not make decision
without asking our opinion.
We need working groups
where people with intellectual disabilities
can work together with politicians.
For example,
in national parliaments.
We need cheap and
accessible technology.
For example smartphones,
tablets or laptops.
We want to take part in online
meetings and trainings
but many of us struggled
with online education.
People who live in poverty
do not access internet
and other tools.
And people with intellectual disabilities
and their families are at a
very high risk of poverty.
That is why inclusive jobs
are very important.
We need work and not pity!
Learning from the COVID situation
The pandemic did not
bring up new issues.
It has just made the
existing barriers more visible.
It was difficult to get accessible
information about the
dangers of the virus
and ways of protection.
We need accessible
and good quality healthcare
even after the pandemic.
Final message to the
European decision-makers
They need to take us into account
and include us in decision
regarding protection and recovery.
If there will be more lockdowns,
pay attention to our needs.
Persons with disabilities
must be a priority group
in vaccination plans.
Help us get our jobs back!
They must consider us as persons,
not just subjects of political decisions.
We are people,
we are European citizens too!
More information:
List of events: Hear our Voices! self-advocacy conference 2021 events – Inclusion Europe (inclusion-europe.eu)
Listen to the presentation: Inclusion Europe Radio • A podcast on Anchor
Watch the recording: Hear our Voices! 2021 – YouTube
