EU Member States Issue Landmark Declaration on Disability Awareness
A Step Forward for the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Community
Warsaw, 30 June 2025 – In a strong show of solidarity and commitment to the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, a Declaration supported by 25 EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain) was prepared during the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Declaration focuses on raising awareness and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, aligning with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021–2030.
This Declaration carries significant relevance for our global Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (SBH) community.
As the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, we welcome this commitment with deep appreciation. The Declaration outlines six priority actions by Member States to enhance disability awareness and inclusion. Among these, several directly resonate with the needs and aspirations of people living with SBH:
- Media Representation: The Declaration calls on national media to portray persons with disabilities as full and equal members of society, challenging the stereotypical narratives that often frame them solely through a medical or charitable lens. This is crucial for the SBH community, whose diverse stories of resilience, leadership, and contribution deserve greater visibility.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Member States pledge to conduct regular campaigns to promote the rights, social and professional potential of persons with disabilities. These campaigns offer an opportunity to spotlight SBH and related conditions, informing the public, reducing stigma, and fostering respect and inclusion.
- Employment and Independent Living: The Declaration endorses tools like the Disability Employment Package and guidance on independent living, aiming to support people with disabilities from education to employment, and from care to full participation in community life. These measures align with our advocacy for inclusive education systems, accessible healthcare, and equal employment opportunities for persons with SBH.
- Accessibility in Media and Digital Services: With the enforcement of the European Accessibility Act, the Declaration highlights the need for inclusive digital and media services. This is a vital step toward ensuring that persons with SBH have equal access to information and communication technologies.
This Declaration is not only a reaffirmation of Europe’s dedication to disability rights, it is a call to action. As members of the European Commission Disability Platform, we furthermore believe that inclusive policies start with inclusive voices. We will continue to work with EU institutions, governments, and our member organizations to ensure that the specific needs and perspectives of the SBH community are represented and addressed within these important frameworks.
We encourage our members and partners across Europe and globally to engage with this Declaration, amplify its message, and use it as a lever to drive national and local policy improvements for the SBH community.
Together, let’s ensure that every person with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus is seen, heard, and valued, on equal terms with others.
