This was the title of the 2023 EBU annual conference, held in Madrid. It was a significant exploration of strategies to enhance the inclusivity of educational and professional experiences abroad for individuals with visual disabilities. Hosted by ONCE, the conference, held at Madrid Atrium Ilunion Hotel from November 6th to 8th, gathered 35 young participants from EBU national organisations, experts, and advocates to discuss and share insights.
The opening round table featured Alberto DURÁN, Vice-president of ONCE Social Group, Ángel LOSSADA, Ambassador of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Barbara MARTÍN MUÑOZ, EBU Vice-President. The speakers highlighted the importance of mobility in Europe and the role of the CRPD in addressing global disability issues.
The following session, focused on available mobility programs. Rosa ASENJO from SEPIE presented the Erasmus+ program in Spain, emphasizing key actions supporting mobility. María CAMPO PERFECTO introduced the European Solidarity Corps, highlighting its priorities and opportunities for young people.
The subsequent session shared personal testimonies from individuals with visual disabilities who studied, worked, or learned abroad. Marina ROJAS (went to ITALY with her Guide dog), Carmen SEQUERA (went to GERMANY), Maciej KAPCZYNSKI Former Erasmus student in Spain (from Poland) Javier GARCÍA (a Spanish deafblind young professional who went to the UK during his studies). These narratives underscored the transformative impact of such experiences on personal growth, independence, and skill development.
The second day, held at Ilunion Tower, addressed the role of mainstream organizations in supporting inclusive mobility. A panel discussion featured speakers like Silvia L. DUARTE AMADO from Fundación ONCE, Marta EZPELETA from the European Social Network and Vanessa MORENO SIERRA from EUROPA AQUI.
The conference also facilitated brainstorming sessions where participants discussed challenges and proposed solutions. Recommendations included creating accessible information, giving visibility to role models, and enhancing coordination among countries.
The event concluded with the adoption of a conference declaration, followed by the attendance of policymakers Teresa COUTINHO (from the Office of the European Parliament in Madrid, Consolación RODRÍGUEZ ALBA (General Secretary European year of the skills, Ministry of Social Economy) and David LAFUENTE DURÁN, Deputy Director General of Internal and Foreign Cooperation at INJUVE (National Youth Institute), who shared their reactions to the conference's outcomes.
Overall, the conference successfully emphasized the need for collaboration, accessible information, and the role of mainstream organisations in fostering truly inclusive mobility experiences for individuals with visual disabilities.
Read the Madrid Declaration, and feel free to circulate it within your own network. Thanks to all participants for their rich and insightful inputs.
Thanks to Cristina BARRETO, Javier GÜEMES PEDRAZA and Natasha TRUJILLO (European and International Relations departments of ONCE), Francesca SBIANCHI and Manuela ESPOSITO (International Relations Office UICI) for the coordination, moderation and smooth running of the event.
Lars BOSSELMANN, EBU Executive Director
and
Valérie BERTRAND-VIVANCOS, EBU Membership Officer