INCLUDE: Inclusive Leadership and Democratic Engagement for Persons with Disabilities

forthcoming

The project INCLUDE: Inclusive Leadership and Democratic Engagement for Persons with Disabilities is a transnational initiative aimed at strengthening democratic participation by empowering persons with disabilities to take leadership roles within their communities, institutions, and across Europe. Rooted in the principle “Nothing About Us Without Us”, INCLUDE tackles the persistent underrepresentation of persons with disabilities by providing practical tools, leadership training, and visibility to drive lasting change. The project brings together seven partners from six countries—Austria, Portugal, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, and North Macedonia—committed to building a more inclusive European Union: MOVEO (Austria), Proportional Message (Portugal), Municipality of Mesagne (Italy), Kunsill Lokali tal-Imġarr (Malta), Skills Zone Malta (Malta), Zavod ODTIZ (Slovenia), and Equality (North Macedonia). INCLUDE is structured into four Work Packages: WP1 focuses on management and coordination for efficient delivery. WP2, led by Zavod ODTIZ, Equality, and MOVEO, creates a participatory, accessible Toolkit on Inclusive Representation. WP3, coordinated by Skills Zone Malta and Proportional Message, delivers leadership training to persons with disabilities. WP4, led by Mesagne and Imġarr, drives public engagement, awareness-raising, and organizes two major and four local conferences to promote results and foster collaboration. The primary target group is persons with disabilities, with special focus on women, young people, and those facing multiple discrimination. Local authorities, decision-makers, and civil society actors are also engaged to strengthen institutional links with citizens. Through its activities, INCLUDE will dismantle structural barriers to civic participation, create leadership opportunities for persons with disabilities, and promote a democratic culture that reflects the full diversity of Europe.