20 March 2026
From 18 to 20 March 2026, Jurn Anthonis, Co-Chair of the IF Youth Group SBH, took part in a Youth Dialogue with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis, in Brussels.
The event brought together 20 young persons with disabilities from 13 European countries, each representing different disability communities, to engage in discussions on the theme of “the rights of persons with disabilities”.
Exploring accessibility and participation
The programme began with a visit to the Berlaymont building, headquarters of the European Commission. During the visit, participants had the opportunity to explore key areas of the building, including the press room. This experience highlighted ongoing challenges in accessibility, as some spaces – such as the press podium – were not fully accessible for wheelchair users.
In preparation for the dialogue, participants were divided into small groups to discuss key topics: employment, accessibility, political participation, and education.
Jurn contributed to the accessibility group, where discussions focused on identifying priority areas for action based on lived experience. The group agreed on three key proposals:
- Investing in wheelchair-accessible infrastructure
- Improving access to mental health support
- Strengthening support for informal caregivers
Engaging in dialogue with the European Commission
During the dialogue, Commissioner Lahbib met with participants in small groups to listen to their concerns and proposals.
The accessibility group presented its recommendations, emphasising the importance of inclusive infrastructure and accessible support systems. The Commissioner acknowledged the need to strengthen efforts, particularly in the area of mental health, and shared ongoing initiatives, including:
- An online resource on accessible infrastructure
- A forthcoming training programme to support those assisting persons with disabilities, particularly in public transport
A meaningful experience for youth representation
Reflecting on the experience, Jurn highlighted the importance of youth participation in policy discussions:
“Nothing about persons with disabilities without persons with disabilities.”
He emphasised that the dialogue provided a valuable opportunity for young people with disabilities to share their experiences and contribute to discussions at European level.
IF welcomes this continued engagement and remains committed to ensuring that young persons with spina bifida and hydrocephalus are actively involved in shaping policies that affect their lives.
All photos: © David Plas Photography
