Leuven 2005

Annual Conference 2005

Leuven, Belgium

17- 20 May 2005

Equality in employment opportunities for people with a disability in Europe:

different approaches within a single network

Conference Report

1. Event summary

The Annual Conference of Workability Europe (WE) took place between 17- 20 May 2005 in the historical town of Leuven, Belgium. The event was hosted by Workability Europe’s Belgian member VLAB on the occasion of their 25th Anniversary. Under the banner “Equality in employment opportunities for disabled people in Europe: different approaches within a single network” over 60 delegates from 17 European countries met to explore ways of cooperation and exchange of experience, knowledge and best practice. The second aim of the Conference was to discuss matters regarding the present labour situation of the disabled people in Europe as well as the most important problems and challenges sheltered workshops are facing due to globalisation and increasingly competitive markets. Organised visits to neighboring sheltered workshops helped delegates to understand the Belgian context and to compare it with their national situation. Key Belgian ministers, EU officials, Parliamentarians and partner organisations also shared with delegates their policies and plans to support disabled people and welcomed Workability Europe’s members as partners and contributors to future development.

2. The theme

Equality in employment opportunities for disabled people is a socio-political goal to which many aspire but what makes Workability Europe special on the European scene? During three busy Conference days WE demonstrated that it strives to achieve this goal precisely by integrating the different approaches of the members within a single network. Avenues and policies aiming at achieving equality in employment opportunities for disabled people vary hugely across national contexts and there probably exists no “unique” or “right” way of doing things. And here is Workability Europe’s strength: bringing together the sum total of these efforts in a single organisation championing disabled people’s rights to work worldwide.

3. The programme

The rich and various programme of the three-day-Conference proved Workability Europe’s interest in providing its members opportunity to share their experiences, ideas and knowledge as well as inspiration. Activities started off with a WE Board of Directors Meeting in the afternoon on Tuesday, 17 May 2005 followed by reception in the evening. During the first official Conference day on Wednesday 18 May, VLAB presented its way of working in Flanders both on policy level and in the daily work in its sheltered workshops. VLAB described its approach and achievements also sharing some challenges for the sector and its plans to face them. The “VLAB Day” rounded off with a visit to several sheltered workshops which gave the delegates a more inside view of the Flemish sheltered workshop sector. Thursday, 19 May was the “Brussels Day”. It gave delegates the unique opportunity to visit the European Commission and Parliament, to learn more about EU’s social policies and priorities as well as to meet and exchange ideas with EU officials and MEPs. Back in Leuven, delegates enjoyed a spectacular Gala Dinner at the Salons Georges which also showcased an exhibition of VLAB’s history. On Friday, 20 May the WE members discussed and debated the key Conference topic and got updated on the work of the four strategic Pillars of WE. The AGM of WE took place in the afternoon after the official close of the Annual Conference. More social activities followed on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

4. Conclusion

The three Conference days spent in Leuven offered the traditional good mix of professional and social activities. The dynamic programme, the magnificence of Leuven, the top Conference venue and impeccable practical arrangements coupled with fine Belgian weather all contributed to the success of the event. Workability Europe already looks forward to welcoming its members to next year’s event!