O que é EU para Trissomia 21?
A European initiative where organisations, citizens, and politicians work together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day. Together, we raise awareness about intellectual disabilities, especially Trisomy 21, also called Down Syndrome, the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability.
EU for Trisomy 21 (EUFT21) is a European collaborative network bringing together organisations, families, professionals, and self-advocates who are committed to improving the lives of people with Down Syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21.
Our network includes many grassroots initiatives and organisations working close to people with Trisomy 21 and their families in their own countries and communities. By sharing experience, building common projects, and learning from one another, we create stronger European cooperation and help bring the voices and needs of people with Trisomy 21 into wider public and policy discussions.
EUFT21 works to promote the freedom, visibility, health, inclusion, and equal treatment of people with Trisomy 21. The European Union can play an important role in areas such as healthcare, employment, education, accessibility, and human rights. However, support for people with intellectual disabilities is still often too limited, and stronger action is needed to ensure that their rights and dignity are fully respected.
To make a change, EUFT21 works to:
- Stop discrimination and make sure people with Down Syndrome are treated fairly, with respect for their dignity and human rights.
- Help people with disabilities learn new skills, build confidence, and become more independent in their daily lives and communities.
- Create chances for people with Down Syndrome to speak for themselves and talk directly to EU leaders, decision-makers, and the wider public.
- Push for better laws, policies, and funding to support people with disabilities and their families across Europe.
- Make sure the EU keeps its promises to protect disability rights and includes people with intellectual disabilities in its work.
Our activities include training workshops, skill-building programmes, awareness-raising events, and dialogue with leaders in the European Parliament and other European institutions. We also help people with disabilities learn about their rights, express their views, and take part in decisions that affect their lives.
Our work supports important European commitments, including the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021–2030. Through our projects and advocacy, we work for a Europe where everyone has a voice, equal opportunities, and the support they need to participate fully in society.
O que EU para Trissomia 21 quer ?
Queremos que as necessidades das pessoas com deficiência intelectual se tornem uma prioridade na agenda europeia, a fim de garantir uma verdadeira igualdade entre os cidadãos.
Visibilidade
A pessoa com deficiência não está presente no ambiente político, não está no mercado de trabalho nem na mídia. Se as pessoas com deficiência não são visíveis na sociedade, é impossível criar as mudanças necessárias.
Não discriminação
A legislação da UE contra a discriminação percorreu um longo caminho nos últimos anos para os vários grupos minoritários, exceto para as pessoas com deficiência. Pessoas com deficiência intelectual precisam de algumas acomodações especiais para garantir que essas leis e jurisprudência as protejam e não apenas na teoria.
Saúde
A União Europeia deve agir no interesse superior das pessoas com deficiência intelectual para garantir o seu direito a “um elevado nível de protecção da saúde humana”, conforme estabelecido na Carta dos Direitos Fundamentais da União Europeia.
Autonomia
Para garantir a independência e a liberdade de escolha das pessoas com deficiência intelectual, devemos promover a sua autonomia. Para tal, a UE deve encorajar programas de investigação médica com objetivos terapêuticos e projetos sociais inovadores inclusivos que integrem na sociedade as suas diversidades.