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Introduction

EASPD promotes the affairs of social firms and their umbrella associations which provide services to approximately 35 million people with a disability throughout Europe.

The main objective of EASPD is to promote the equalisation of opportunities for people with disabilities through effective and high quality service systems. The objective is achieved through:

1. Development and Research as basis for innovation and improvement of service provision

2. Information provision and networking/ offer exchange possibilities to members at European, national and local level
3. Offering service providers a voice in the EU and accession countries

Structure of Organisation:

EASPD, a European NGO under Belgian law represents together with more than 5000 organisations in Europe 34 members. The membership covers 17 EU countries and a few outside the EU (Cyprus, Hungary, Macedonia, Moldova);

EASPD aims at playing a key role on a European level as a representative of disability NGOs and non-profit organisations in working for an inclusive Europe.

EASPD wants to significantly influence European disability & socio-economic policy by having a permanent presence in Brussels and by working with other European and international networks as:

• the Platform of European social NGOs

• IASSID (International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disability)

• ECAS (Euro Citizen Action Service)

• EDF (European Disability Forum)

• IE (Inclusion Europe)

EASPD aims to be recognised as a major partner in the disability field, having close contacts with DG Employment and Social Affairs, DG Education and Culture, DG Enterprise, DG Research, DG Enlargement and DG Justice and Home Affairs.

EASPD also wishes to be acknowledged as a major social partner in matters regarding the social economy by the Employment and Social Affairs Committee of the European Parliament and by the European Commission.

The website is updated every fortnight and a newsletter is sent to members twice a year, whilst a regular newsflash is distributed by email.
Every year, the EASPD also produces 1) an action &development plan and memorandum, 2)organises a workshop on project possibilities and management whils providing participants with practical tips on how to submit successful proposals to the European Commission and 3) organises a conference on a key topic in the disability field, related to the successful development by the EASPD of a European project and leading to further projects, 4) provides every fortnight updated information on EU policy, relevant programmes or budget lines.
The EASPD participates in the development of social policy, informs service providers of relevant topics on the European Union and supports the innovation and improvement of service systems.

Contact Details:

Luk Zelderloo, Secretary General

EASPD - European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities
Oudergemlaan/Avenue d'Auderghem 63
B-1040 Brussels, Belgium

T: (+32 2) 282.46.10
F: (+32 2) 230.72.33

E-mail: info@easpd.eu

http://www.easpd.eu