Event

Webinar ‘Behind the Screen: Understanding Online Risks for Persons with Disabilities’

*This webinar is open to the public.

Digital technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for participation, learning, communication and self-determination for persons with disabilities. However, the growing reliance on online environments has also increased exposure to a range of digital risks, including cyberbullying, online harassment, fraud, image-based abuse, exploitation, misinformation, and other forms of cyber-enabled victimisation. Evidence and practice, as illustrated in the OHCHR Report on Countering cyberbullying against persons with disabilities, increasingly show that persons with disabilities may face heightened vulnerability online due to a combination of accessibility barriers, limited availability of tailored prevention resources, insufficient support mechanisms, and a lack of awareness among professionals and service providers.

This webinar, co-organised by the European Platform for Rehabilitation (EPR) together with Theotokos Foundation and the Hellenic Cybercrime Unit brings together experts from law enforcement, the European Commission, disability organisations, victim support services and civil society to examine emerging online risks and present innovative responses. The webinar will put emphasis on the need to move from reactive protection to proactive empowerment. Whether through policy action, cross-sector collaboration, accessible educational resources, technological innovation, law enforcement practice or legal accountability, all speakers will explore how to strengthen the capacity of persons with disabilities to navigate digital spaces safely while ensuring that institutions and systems effectively prevent, address and respond to online harm.

This webinar aims to:

1. Increase awareness of online risks affecting persons with disabilities and explore emerging challenges such as cyberbullying, online victimisation, gender-based violence, and AI-enabled abuse.
2. Share effective European and international policies, practices and tools that promote prevention, protection and empowerment, including cross-sector collaboration, accessible educational resources, and victim support mechanisms.
3. Strengthen stakeholders’ capacity to create safer and more inclusive digital environments by fostering cooperation among disability organisations, policymakers, law enforcement authorities, educators, families and victim support services.

Practicalities

Programme: The webinar agenda will be available below shortly.
Registration: Please register using the online form below.