Fostering autistic people’s inclusion and rights - 2026-2028

ongoing

Autism-Europe is a European organisation gathering together over 90 national and regional associations advocating for the rights of autistic people from more than 40 countries (including 26 Member States). For autistic people, their families, and their representative organisations across Europe, participating in a European network is highly beneficial, as they face similar challenges concerning access to education, employment, health, social inclusion, and independent living, among others, throughout the EU. Our priority is to promote a fair and social Europe, notably by supporting the full implementation UNCRPD, as well as the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR) and the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030 (ESRPD) at EU and national levels. By conducting data collection and analysis of key areas of concern for autistic people, AE aims to inform policy-makers about the diversity of disability and the specific issues faced by autistic people in various aspects of life, as well as to provide recommendations on how to address them across Europe. Capacity-building, mutual learning, and awareness raising are central to our activities. AE works with its members to: - Advance the rights of autistic people in cooperation with European institutions by monitoring and informing European legislation and policies to promote the full implementation of the UN CRPD at the European and national level. We share expertise, insights and data on behalf of the autistic community on a range of issues, including access to education, training, and employment, independent living, accessible health and social services, adequate social protection, legal capacity, and protection from discrimination; - Promote the exchange of information, good practices, and experience in the field of autism across Europe; - Cooperate with other non-governmental organisations sharing similar objectives; - Promote awareness and understanding of autism across Europe.