The European Disability Forum, the representative organisation of 50 million disabled people in Europe, held its Annual General Assembly in Barcelona on 28-29 May 2005. More than 150 leaders of the European disability movement from 29 countries (including ELSA) participated in this key meeting.

ELSA's Youth Official Gina Waggott addressed the high-profile assembly, along with the First Vice-President of the Spanish Government, María Teresa Fernández de la Vega, Iratxe García, Member of the European Parliament, Joan Clos, Mayor of Barcelona and other guests.

EDF President Yannis Vardakastanis with Gina Waggott of ELSA

Gina was there to represent both ELSA and the European Youth Committee, where she also serves as an executive board member. Gina launched the new publication written by the Committee, titled "Young and Disabled - Daily Challenges for Equality" (you can download it in word format by clicking here). The document has now been distributed to hundreds of National and International Disability Associations worldwide.

During the two days, leaders of the disability movement elected new governing bodies and determined the future priorities and work of the European Disability Forum. The discussions also focused on key issues for the European disability movement, such as: the Structural Funds, the European Action Plan on Equal Opportunities for Disabled People; the United Nations Convention on the rights of disabled people and the European policies in the field of transport and accessibility. Visit our links section on where to find more information on the EDF and other associations.