ENIL warmly congratulates Nadia Hadad, ENIL Board Co-Chair, on her election as Vice President of the European Disability Forum.
EDF is one of the main voices of the European disability movement, representing more than 90 million disabled people across Europe. Having a strong Independent Living voice in its leadership matters. It means that independent living, choice, control, self-determination, and the rejection of segregating settings remain central to European disability politics.
For Nadia, the election is both a responsibility and a political commitment.
“Firstly, the trust of those who voted for me motivates me even more to continue being constructively critical in defending inclusion and the right to independent living for all persons with disabilities, regardless of their level of support needs or the type of disability they may have. This applies not only at European level but also at international level, because we all share the same human rights.”
Nadia stressed that ENIL’s presence in EDF’s leadership shows recognition of ENIL’s expertise and its role in defending independent living.
“For ENIL, this means that people recognise our expertise and want us to continue collaborating with EDF and all the other member organisations to make independent living a reality for all. At the same time, ENIL can be confident that it has someone within EDF who will keep a sharp eye on independent living, all its 18 pillars, and what needs to be respected in line with the CRPD.”
That sharp eye is needed. Independent living is still too often misunderstood, reduced to services, or used as a slogan while disabled people remain in systems that limit their choices.
Nadia underlined that independent living means self-representation, self-determination, choice and control, and a clear rejection of all segregating settings. It also depends on access to housing, inclusive education, decent income, personal assistance, accessible transport, supported decision-making, mainstream services, and lifelong support when needed.
Her election comes at an important moment. The EU is entering the next phase of the European Disability Rights Strategy, while discussions on the next Multiannual Financial Framework are approaching. Nadia stressed that EU funding must be fully CRPD-compliant and must never support discrimination or segregation.
“Public money should never be used in ways that discriminate against us.”
Looking ahead, Nadia believes EDF should be a space where member organisations can raise real barriers from their countries and regions, not only success stories. She also called for EDF to raise its voice more strongly, almost 20 years after the adoption of the CRPD.
Nadia’s election is important for ENIL and for the Independent Living movement. It brings independent living closer to the centre of European disability politics and strengthens the call for EU policies and funding that respect the CRPD.
ENIL congratulates Nadia Hadad on her election as Vice President of EDF and looks forward to continuing the work for independent living, together with EDF and its members.
