EPR Annual Conference 2022 – Services Implementing the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Dublin, Ireland & online 22nd - 23rd September (one full then one half day)

EPR and Rehab Group met in Dublin, Ireland and online, for a day and half of interaction and inspiration. The framework of the conference was the EU Strategy for the Rights of People with a Disability adopted in 2021. 

Aims of the conference

  • Support the implementation of the strategy and the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities that frames it
  • Raise awareness of the strategy and implications for service providers, develop recommendations for its implementation
  • Hear from experts and practitioners about trends, innovations and good practices related to the themes of the strategy
  • Re-connect after time apart; promote networking among members and guests; both in-person and online

Programme

The event had plenary sessions, workshops, networking sessions and for those joining in-person,g a dinner and welcome drinks reception on the 21st with music – see below.
The event brought in external and EPR members’ expertise to promote good practice, mutual learning & understanding of trends in the areas of inclusive employment, independent living, equal opportunities and the rights-based approach to service provision to people with disabilities. Decision makers and other stakeholders brought insights to policy debates.

The sessions were interactive for those joining online as well as in Dublin.

Real time live captioning was provided via zoom for all plenary sessions, the workshop on quality and rights and on outcome measurement.

You can find the programme overview here and the workshop and speaker overview here.
The times listed are Dublin time, one hour behind Brussels time/CEST.

EPR meetings for members only (study visit, Coordinators, General Assembly) took place on the 21st only in-person – for more information see here. The registration for these activities was also via the Annual Conference registration form found below.

Event Moderator

Karen Coleman is an award-winning Irish journalist and highly sought-after conference moderator who regularly moderates high-level events. Her experience as a BBC correspondent along with her background presenting live international radio shows and making television documentaries, have given her the skills to handle all sorts of conference moderating requirements. Find more information about Karen Coleman here.

Practical Information

VENUE: The Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan, Dublin 18

Talbot Hotel – Floor Plan

Presentations

The EU Strategy for the Rights of persons with Disabilities 2021 – 2030What is the EU Strategy? by Alicia Gómez Campos, EPR

Quality of services and rights by Donal McAnaney Ph.D.; and Laura Jones, EPR

Work Integration Social Enterprises and transitions to the mainstream labour market by Philipp Wegner, Shekulo Tov; and Michael Longhino, Chance B

Supporting older people with a disability by Roberto Zanon, EPR; and Roser Fernández, AURA Foundation

Outcome measurement – good practice & working with funders by Donal McAnaney Ph.D.; and Aleksandra Tabaj, URI

Pathways to employment – discussing good practices and recommendations from the EPR task force by Mario Verzele and Patrick Ruppol, GTB

Assistive technology for independent living by Joan O’Donnell, FreedomTech

Showcases – Resources and initiatives from EPR’s working groups

Highlights from Rehab Group – Assisted Decision Making and Behavioural Therapy by Nicola Hardy, Rehab Group

Mentimeter Results